Competition, European Regulation and FDI

Competition law has been deeply reconfigured. Mergers, foreign subsidies, digital platform regulation, investment screening: authorities are multiplying checkpoints and timelines are tightening. Every growth transaction, every investment flow can trigger a procedure whose outcome determines the success of an entire project. August Debouzy operates at the intersection of law, economics and transactional timing. We anticipate procedural combinations, build robust files and negotiate clearance paths compatible with our clients' imperatives.

EU and French competition

We manage notifications before the Autorité de la concurrence and the European Commission, prepare market definitions, market shares and effects analysis. We handle information requests, model remedy scenarios and orchestrate useful referrals or re-notifications. Where significant non-EU public funding is involved, we integrate the FSR and its standstill obligation to prevent closing being blocked. For platforms designated as gatekeepers under the DMA, we anticipate the articulation between merger control and interoperability obligations. The goal: a clear clearance path compatible with the transactional timeline. Consistency between merger control, FDI, FSR and DMA determines execution speed.

Foreign investment screening (FDI)

Foreign investments are subject to enhanced scrutiny in France and the European Union. We assist non-European investors and target companies in preparing notification files, analysing triggering thresholds and defining commitments. At every stage, we coordinate exchanges with the Ministry of Economy and the Commission, anticipate blocking risks and negotiate tailored remedies.

Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR)

In force since 2023, the Foreign Subsidies Regulation introduces new notification obligations for transactions involving recipients of significant non-EU public funding. We determine whether your transaction crosses the relevant thresholds, prepare notifications and manage exchanges with the Commission. In the event of an in-depth investigation, we defend your interests, model available remedies and coordinate the interaction with merger control and FDI screening.

State aid

We advise companies and public entities on the qualification of measures likely to constitute aid, the preparation of prior notifications and defence in formal investigation proceedings. We file complaints on behalf of harmed competitors and represent our clients in litigation relating to the recovery of unlawful aid, before national courts as well as European jurisdictions.

Competition compliance

We deploy prevention programmes tailored to your sector-specific risks and organisation. Each programme includes mapping of sensitive situations, drafting of operational codes of conduct, targeted training for exposed teams and implementation of internal alerts. We conduct regular audits to verify the effectiveness of procedures and identify areas of vulnerability. For players subject to the DMA, we integrate transparency, data separation and non-discrimination obligations into your processes. These programmes significantly reduce the risk of sanctions, constitute mitigating factors recognised by authorities and embed a lasting culture of competition law compliance.

Régulation européenne numérique (DMA, DSA)

Nous déterminons selon les seuils et secteurs, les autorités à saisir et les combinaisons utiles entre contrôle des concentrations, FDI, FSR, DMA et régulations sectorielles. Dossiers complets, données vérifiées, échanges avec services d'instruction, renvois de compétence à Bruxelles lorsque pertinent. Pour les plateformes numériques, nous articulons les obligations de notification merger avec les déclarations DMA et les éventuelles restrictions d'acquisitions imposées aux gatekeepers. Nous intégrons les délais procéduraux dans la planification transactionnelle. Cette préparation évite défauts de notification et nullités.

European digital regulation (DMA, DSA)

We determine, based on thresholds and sectors, which authorities to approach and the relevant combinations between merger control, FDI, FSR, DMA and sector-specific regulations. Complete files, verified data, exchanges with case teams, referrals to Brussels where appropriate. For digital platforms, we coordinate merger notification obligations with DMA declarations and any acquisition restrictions imposed on gatekeepers. We integrate procedural timelines into transactional planning. This preparation prevents notification failures and voidness.

EU litigation

We represent our clients before the Court of Justice of the European Union and the General Court in actions for annulment of Commission decisions, preliminary rulings and liability claims. In competition matters, we coordinate European litigation with national proceedings to build a consistent defence. For companies seeking to challenge a decision or defend their market position, we design the litigation strategy suited to their objectives.