Benoît Merkt

Managing Partner, Head of Competition
Dr. iur., Attorney at Law, LL.M.
Expertise

Dr. Benoît Merkt is a leading expert in competition law and is renowned for his first-rate practice. He specializes in all areas of Swiss and European merger control work and competition law, notably in the banking and finance, energy, high-tech, infrastructures (electricity), consumer goods, chemical, luxury goods, motor-car distribution, public broadcasting and retail sectors. He has been responsible for a large number of merger notifications to the Swiss Competition Commission and co-ordinated multi-jurisdictional merger filings. Benoît Merkt advises in contentious and non-contentious matters and has acted in high profile cases on alleged abuses of dominant positions, vertical restraints, cartels and public procurement.

Benoît Merkt is also head of the firm's Foundations and Philanthropy practice group. A renowned expert in the legal structuring of charitable foundations in Switzerland, he has been one of the country's leading advisors in this area for the last 20 years. Benoît Merkt has incorporated some of the most significant foundations for global philanthropists.

He serves on the Board and acts as Chairman of several major Swiss charitable foundations. Benoît Merkt is the author of a recent reference book on Swiss foundation law (published by Stämpfli, 2021).

Practice Area
Competition, Tax-Exempt/Non-Profit Organizations, Regulated Markets, Public Procurement and Administrative Law, Internal Investigations, Litigation
Languages
French, English, German
Publications
See publications of Benoît Merkt
More Information
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Mr Merkt has impressive technical expertise combined with practical application and understanding of the commercial context
Who's Who Legal, 2022
He consistently delivers clear and practical advice
Who's Who Legal, 2022
He is friendly, efficient and hugely reliable in very complex matters
Chambers, 2022
He is fully responsive, meets deadlines, is diplomatic and has a practical approach
Chambers, 2021
Benoît Merkt has a big network and takes a global approach to issues, not only legal.
Legal 500, 2021
The “well-respected” Benoît Merkt is considered “the most famous competition lawyer in Geneva.
Who’s Who Legal, 2021
One of the big names and leading figures in the French-speaking market.
Who's Who Legal, 2021
Very well connected, knowledgeable and dedicated
Chambers, 2020
Top-notch! Excellent combination of thoughtful analysis and practical approach
IFLR1000, 2020
A highly recognized professional, very well known for cartels, abuses of dominant position and complex merger cases
Legal 500, 2020
An accomplished name whose practice encompasses all areas of competition law.
Who's Who Legal, 2020