Sizeable and well-versed Asters’ antitrust and competition team is recognized for its extensive experience on the market, leading role in complex merger cases, and involvement in high-profile antitrust investigations, often representing multiple parties with ethical safeguards. The firm is known for obtaining a significant portion of referrals from international law firms, handling merger control work across major multijurisdictional assignments. During the period under research the firm supported obtaining merger clearance for the acquisition of sole control by Stephan Crétier in Garda World Security Corporation; for the establishment of a JV by The Walt Disney Company and Reliance Industries Limited; acquisition by Boeing of Spirit AeroSystems. Asters is traditionally hired for representation in antitrust investigations across all tackled industries. Ongoing representations include advising MHP, one of Europe’s largest poultry producers, in an abuse of dominance investigation, as well as representing the State Savings Bank and PrivatBank in an AMCU probe into interchange fees, tackling complex legal and economic issues in Ukraine’s cashless payment market. The firm also expanded its competition practice across the energy, transportation, pharmaceuticals, steel, and automotive sectors, handled public procurement and bid-rigging cases, advised on pricing and distribution, and actively contributed to competition law reforms. The practice is led by two dedicated partners who have a longstanding commitment to Ukraine’s antitrust landscape — Igor Svechkar and Oleksandr Voznyuk. Practice counsel Pavlo Verbolyuk and Sergiy Glushchenko are well-recognized and highly visible on the market. Anastasia Panchak (previously – Arzinger) joined the antitrust practice team.
Sayenko Kharenko boasts the largest antitrust team in Ukraine, handling global merger clearances, acting on some of the most complex transactions at phases I and II, and a strong track record in complex investigations. The firm maintains close ties with international law firms and is retained as Ukrainian competition law counsel across significant international projects. Among the merger control highlights were acting as a competition law counsel in the acquisition of a stake in Vitamin Well Group in a deal valuing a Swedish healthy beverage maker by Cinven; acquisition of FOSROC, a global player in construction chemicals, by Saint-Gobain; acquisition of a majority stake in a private equity business within Goldman Sachs Alternatives by Adler & Allan; acquisition of 49% of shares in COSCO SHIPPING Ports (Spain) Holding S.L. by CMA CGM. During the research period the firm supported companies in the AMCU’s investigation of industry markets, including the pharmaceutical and cement markets, acted for a number of foreign businesses on competition compliance matters, conducted trainings and prepared management and employees for inspections by the AMCU. The sizeable practice has three versatile partners on board — Volodymyr Sayenko, Valentyna Hvozd, and Maksym Nazarenko. Oleksandr Nagorny, recognized for his deep expertise in competition economics, plays a key role in handling investigations. Promoted to counsel, Igor Pomaz was praised by peers for handling merger control work, while Julia Kuyda is another important team member.[1]
A preferred legal counsel for multinational companies, Baker McKenzie handles merger control proceedings in Ukraine, collaborating with its global offices on major cross-border transactions. International businesses instruct the office to handle issues which may arise when dealing with distributors in Ukraine, and competition compliance applicable to their business operations. Other areas of expertise include antitrust violations like abuse of dominance and anticompetitive concerted actions, violations related to failure to clear notifiable transactions with the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine, etc. In 2024, the practice highlights include advising DS Smith, an international packaging company, in connection with merger control filing relating to disposal of shares in Rubizhne Cardboard and Paper Mill to its Ukrainian partner; advised Rheinmetall AG, a leading German multinational automotive and arms manufacturer, in connection with several merger control filings related to the acquisition of Loc Performance, a US-based diversified full-service provider for both military and civilian customers; assisted MHP, the largest Ukrainian poultry producer, in connection with the merger control filing related to the establishment of a joint venture in Saudi Arabia with Desert Hills Veterinary Services Company Limited, a subsidiary of Tanmiah Food Company, a leading supplier of poultry and other meat product, as well as in connection with two merger control filings related to the contemplated leasing of assets in Dnipro. The practice is led by partner Oksana Simonova. Counsel Olga Mikheieva is a key member of the firm’s antitrust team.
Ilyashev & Partners commands expertise in merger and concerted clearances, abuse of dominance cases, and competition investigations, with notable strength in antitrust litigation, competition issues in commercial agreements, and public procurement. The firm is defending Golden Tile Ceramic Group’s mining subsidiaries in AMCU proceedings and court appeals against bid collusion allegations in state clay deposit auctions; represented PJSC PlasmaTec in filing a complaint with the AMCU against JSC Vinnytsiaoblenergo for alleged abuse of its monopoly position as an electricity supplier. The practice team assisted Eurotrubplast Trade House, a leading Ukrainian polymer pipe manufacturer, in responding to an AMCU information request related to a concentration compliance study and defended the company in an “information breach” case to mitigate potential high penalties. The firm is traditionally well-represented in the pharmaceutical market, and represents Proxima Research LLC in AMCU proceedings concerning alleged abuse of dominance by major pharmaceutical distributors BaDM LLC and Optima-Pharm LLC, a case that could reshape competition practices in Ukraine’s pharmaceutical market. On the public procurement front, the firm represented Ligna Ukraine LLC in an investigation and court proceedings over alleged bid-rigging in a UAH 34.5 million public procurement. The practice is headed by market long-timer and partner Oleksandr Fefelov. Valeriia Gudiy leads cases on unfair competition and appealing against anti-competitive decisions, including cases heard in the Supreme Court of Ukraine.
INTEGRITES’ antitrust and competition team advises on merger clearances, supports sector inquiries and investigations by the competition regulator, handling unfair competition cases, ensuring compliance and challenging public procurement outcomes. Among the recent landmark mandates is acting for Max Energy Resource LLC, a Ukrainian importer of fuel from European countries, in obtaining merger control clearances for the acquisition of 245 petrol stations across multiple regions of Ukraine, involving the preparation and submission of an unprecedented number of 490 merger control filings. Moreover, the firm successfully secured merger control approvals for MHP, a London Stock Exchange-listed poultry giant, for two strategic acquisitions, and obtained seven merger clearances for its subsidiary in connection with a joint venture and multiple asset and company acquisitions in Albania and Kosovo. The team is trusted for its competition compliance expertise and advised Ferrero Ukraine, the local subsidiary of the global confectionery giant Ferrero Group, on ensuring its marketing policy is aligned with Ukrainian competition law. This past year the antitrust and competition practice was strengthened with two senior hires — Nataliya Kovalova (praised within peers’ review) joined as counsel from Redcliffe Partners. Vyacheslav Korchev acts as lead partner, and is noted for his strategic client relationship role.
Kinstellar provides strategic counsel on competition matters, handling high-value national and multijurisdictional mergers, joint ventures, investigations, and competition compliance. The firm is mostly known for its merger control work, most recently having advised Orbico d.o.o. on competition matters in a multi-stage acquisition of a controlling stake in SAV 92, including obtaining Ukrainian competition authority permits for merger control and concerted practices; advised NJJ Capital in relation to the contemplated acquisitions of Datagroup as well as Lifecell. The firm is particularly active in such sectors as aerospace and defense, IT and technologies, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Other workload of the practice includes unfair competition, state aid rules, distribution arrangements, as well as in a broad range of competition compliance issues. Recently promoted to counsel, Yulia Eismont co-heads the local competition and state aid service line and was endorsed for her strong market presence. Respected expert Olexander Martinenko, head of the firm-wide dispute resolution and competition and state aid services in Ukraine, leads high-profile projects.
Ukrainian law firm NOBLES advises clients on compliance, abuse of dominance, cartels, merger clearance, state aid, and unfair competition, while also addressing complex cases at the intersection of competition and intellectual property. In 2024, the team handled AMCU permits for concentrations and concerted actions, assisted clients with market inquiries, and provided counsel on unfair competition and potential challenges to AMCU decisions. For example, the firm advised Continental Farmers Group on competition compliance matters and merger clearance for acquisition of agricultural infrastructure in Western Ukraine, and continued advising on challenging the fine through administrative and court proceedings; represented AGRO LV, an agricultural company with international investments operating in Western Ukraine, on obtaining the AMCU approval for purchase of one of the biggest elevator complexes in Lviv Region. Competition compliance is another preferred service, as the team consistently advises its established client, MHP, on unfair competition compliance, ensuring its marketing, labeling, and packaging align with regulations amid ongoing competition investigations (abuse of dominance etc.). The client portfolio spans agriculture, food and beverages, infrastructure, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and retail. Among other notable clients are Ecosoft, EVER Neuro Pharma, Matrize Handels, Carlsberg Ukraine. Lead partner Oleksandr Aleksyeyenko boosted his public profile on the market, visible for state aid related work, private antitrust litigation, including double damages claims.
Given its “best friends” agreement with Clifford Chance, Redcliffe Partners regularly works with their offices worldwide with regard to Ukrainian competition law matters, being retained as Ukrainian counsel for competition law matters in multijurisdictional M&A transactions, joint ventures, respectively maintaining a strong portfolio of merger control cases. For example, the team advised Cinven on obtainin AMCU merger clearance for the indirect acquisition of sole control over Barentz Holding B.V.; advised Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation on obtaining the AMCU merger clearance for the establishment of a JV in Japan; advised OCP Green Energy S.A. and Fortescue Future Industries United Kingdom Holdings Limited, on obtaining AMCU merger and concerted practices clearances for creation of a JV (renewables energy project) in Morocco. Other recent assignments encompassed antitrust compliance, unfair competition, advertising, etc. The firm’s antitrust practice is co-managed by two recognized partners, namely involved in client development, Yuriy Terentyev (Chairman of the AMCU in 2025 – 2020), and Anastasia Usova, who is focused on complex antitrust matters. Since January 2025, Denys Medvediev has operated as partner, earning market recognition for his expertise in merger control and hands-on involvement in projects work during the research period.
Ukrainian law firm ADER HABER is rapidly expanding its antitrust and competition practice, being present across merger control, antitrust investigations, competition compliance, appealing against decisions of the antimonopoly authority in commercial courts, public procurement appeal, etc. The firm represented Dragon Capital in terms of obtaining a merger clearance in connection with the alienation of a logistics center in Kyiv Region in favor of TERWIN (Varus retail chain, EVA chain of cosmetics shops). MHP Group enlisted the firm for its representation in the process of consideration by the AMCU of a case on abuse of monopoly position in the market of primary sales of chicken meat in 2017-2018. The firm also assisted Ukrnafta in challenging a UAH 2 billion fine imposed by the AMCU over alleged anti-competitive pricing coordination in the retail fuel market, and provided litigation support in contesting the decision before the commercial court. Among other publishable clients of the firm are USA DENIMEX Inc., Carpathian Mineral Waters, Rengy Development Limited. The practice lead partner is Denys Dutchak. Iaroslava Lahan, senior associate, represents clients’ interests in course of interaction with the AMCU. Viktor Zalizniuk, counsel, advises on interaction with government agencies.
Ukrainian law firm ADVANQ provided legal support on antitrust and competition projects, including cases, where clients were found in violation of concentration regulations due to missing permits. The firm represented a client in challenging the AMCU’s refusal to review a merger notification due to sanctions imposed on a former beneficiary, arguing in court that sanctions cannot retroactively affect a lawfully completed transaction; secured preliminary confirmation from the AMCU that a merger clearance was not required for the privatization of a unified asset (single property complex). The firm also provides support for procurement processes conducted by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, and recently defended a major supplier of defense-related products in a case where the regulator was investigating alleged anti-competitive collusion during the client’s participation in a public procurement procedure. Olga Gonchar and Daria Kotova are responsible for government defense contracts practice. Oleh Tarasiuk heads the antitrust practice, while Serhii Vasylyshyn — dispute resolution.
Ante Law Firm is the go-to advisor for aviation and pharmaceutical industry players, renowned for its expertise in sector-specific competition matters, including investigations, advertising, compliance, procurement, and regulatory appeals. The firm is recognized for its expertise in aviation antitrust matters. In a recent highlight Ante represented Bees Airline in challenging the State Aviation Service of Ukraine’s unfair reallocation of unused air routes, with the AMCU ruling that the agency’s actions violated fair competition — an important precedent for the future reopening of Ukrainian airspace. Among the team’s recent cases in the pharmaceutical sector were representing Sanofi in an unfair competition case against a Ukrainian company using the “Sanofi” brand in its name, leading to an AMCU-imposed fine and a court ruling mandating a name change; advising Harwind in the World Bank’s procurement of medical devices including possible antimonopoly claims evaluation; acting for Aristo and its subsidiary esparma on the matters of competition laws with regard to possible violations of competitors and checked advertising materials compliance. Managing partner Andriy Guck is distinguished for his specialist expertise in aviation and pharmaceuticals.
ANTIKA Law Firm offers expertise in merger control, antitrust compliance, unfair competition matters, representation in AMCU decision appeals and provides counsel on various public procurement issues. The firm recently represented Henkel Bautechnik in court, securing a favorable appellate ruling that upheld the AMCU’s decision on unfair competition; represented The Utility Enterprise of Thermal Networks Cherkasiteplokomunenergo and Sumska Nasosna Technika LLC in appeals against AMCU decisions, challenging alleged competition law violations and imposed fines. The senior team includes Oleksander Tretiakov and Mykhailo Voitsekhovskyi. Dr. Oleksiy Kot, senior partner, is the unchanged practice head.
The competition law boutique-firm CLACIS has well-rounded expertise in subsequent advisory, acting on merger control, regulatory and compliance, competition investigations, market entries and distribution structure. The team was recently enlisted to handle merger control approvals for global mergers, competition law advisory on AMCU investigations into distribution issues, obtaining regulatory approvals and ongoing competition law advisory. Among disclosable clients are Maersk Corporation, Mastercard, HHLA Group (Municipal Hamburg Port, Germany). Managing partner Antonina Yaholnyk is endorsed for her exceptional knowledge of European competition practice and long-term commitment to competition practice.
Leveraging the global reach of an international law firm, Dentons’ Ukraine team is a trusted advisor on merger control filings for M&A transactions, joint ventures, and corporate combinations, while also specializing in complex compliance programs, competition audits, advertising regulations, and distribution arrangements. In 2024, the practice handled a series of merger control matters and approvals for a number of landmark deals in the Ukrainian telecommunications, Internet services, and investment sectors. During the period under research the firm advised one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers on competition law matters, securing merger clearance in Ukraine, reviewing a distribution contract for compliance, and conducting a market risk assessment to ensure alignment with updated competition regulations; provided ongoing competition and antitrust law counsel to a French multinational pharmaceutical company, covering recent legislative reforms aligning Ukrainian regulations with EU standards, brand and advertising issues, and compliance challenges arising from regulatory changes and martial law conditions; advised a UK-based technology company specializing in mental health assessment and care on localizing its services for the Ukrainian market, providing guidance in relation to its promotional initiatives and campaigns. The practice is led by Kyiv-based partner Volodymyr Monastyrskyy, with significant input from Evgenia Prudko, senior associate.
EVERLEGAL ensures receipt of antitrust clearance for mergers and acquisitions within its dynamic transactional pipeline and recently strengthened its involvement in multijurisdictional projects in collaboration with international law firms. The team advised BASF on obtaining merger control clearance from the AMCU for the acquisition of shares in Harbour Energy Plc, a London-listed independent oil and gas company with a primary focus on the UK. In addition to addressing requests on compliance with relevant competition law regulations, the team is active in handling regulatory appeals. In particular, the firm recently defended a European chemical manufacturer in a precedent-setting case against the AMCU, to annul a UAH 20 million fine, reinforcing limits on the AMCU’s authority to demand information from Ukrainian companies about foreign affiliates. The team was strengthened with the arrival of a new counsel, namely Yaroslav Medvediev. The antitrust and competition practice is co-led by partners Yevheniy Deyneko, who focuses on real estate and pharmaceutical clients, and Andriy Olenyuk, who advises clients in conventional power and renewable energy sectors.
LA Law Firm (formerly Legal Alliance Company) is a Ukrainian law firm specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm handles a wide range of sector specific assignments, particularly approval of vertical agreements on the supply of pharmaceutical products with the regulator and representation of pharmaceutical companies within investigations carried out by the AMCU. The team is hired for providing advice on anti-competitive practices, unfair competition, marketing strategies, incentive systems, advertising and promotional materials, and distribution. In 2024, the dedicated team actively advised on the AMCU’s heightened scrutiny of the parapharmaceutical market, particularly food supplements and cosmetics. Clients include leading global and national companies, among others: Abbott, Dr. Reddys, GlaxoSmithKline. The antitrust and competition practice is led by Andrii Gorbatenko, partner. Oleksandr Voznyuk, senior associate, is another key team member.
LCF Law Group provides legal counsel on merger and concerted clearances, abuse of dominance, competition compliance, while also representing clients in regulatory disputes and AMCU decision challenges. For example, the firm represented DTEK Zakhidenergo in challenging a EUR 3 million fine imposed by the AMCU for alleged market dominance abuse, securing a Supreme Court ruling in the client’s favor. The dedicated team also advised on alleged violation related to public procurement. Nina Sydorenko, of counsel, is engaged in practice workload. The antitrust practice is headed by the firm’s partner Sergiy Benedysiuk.
Gramatskiy & Partners handles merger control filings in the course of M&A transactions, advises on compliance and competition aspects of agency and distribution, and handles regulatory disputes, as well as out-of-court settlements. During the research period the firm guided EcoEnergy Group to an out-of-court settlement in an AMCU investigation into alleged abuse of dominance in the renewable energy market; developed and implemented a tailored antitrust compliance program for AgroTrade Corporation; advised FoodMaster LLC on the legality of vertical agreements in the FMCG sector, focusing on pricing policies and distribution exclusivity arrangements. On the litigation front, the firm represented Tekhkomplekt LLC in a complex antitrust dispute, challenging an AMCU decision on alleged anti-competitive practices. Yehor Ihnatychev is focused on multijurisdictional antitrust matters and merger clearances, while Vitalii Tymchuk handles antitrust investigations. Ernest Gramatskiy handles strategic leadership.
Founded in November 2024 by former Asters competition and international trade experts Dr. Olesia Kryvetska, Tetiana Bebik, and Oleksii Pustovit, Inly is a newly-established Ukrainian law firm specializing in antitrust and competition law. The team’s latest mandates span the automotive, infrastructure and logistics, chemicals, finance, and agriculture industries. Among representative highlights are assisting Wilmar with advice on competition law and assistance with the Ukrainian merger clearance in connection with the buyout of a stake in a JV with Adani Group; advising Stellantis on the remedies imposed by the AMCU and assistance with a report to the competition authority.
Being historically hired by industrial corporations for handling corporate and M&A matters, Lexwell & Partners advises clients on subsequent competition aspects, including merger control and abuse of dominance. The team advised an established client, CRH, a leading provider of building solutions, in the course of merger filing and clearance obtaining of the acquisition of cement, ready-mix concrete and logistic businesses of Buzzi (Dyckerhoff Group) in Ukraine; advised Cemark, a leading Ukrainian cement brand, in the course of cement market research/analysis conducted by the AMCU caused by anti-dumping measures and marker participants’ concerns. Among recent projects is advising one of the leading Ukrainian agricultural groups on various competition law aspects, including the merger clearance processes. Andriy Kolupaev, Igor Nagai, and Zhanna Goriacha play key roles in the team.
MK Legal Service possesses a distinct focus on full legal support for participation in public procurement procedures. In 2024, the firm continued to support a longstanding client, the telecom market player GigaGroup, during its participation in the public procurement procedures conducted by various state enterprises. For example, Ukraeroruh, Military Unit 2428, State Enterprise Diia, Ukrgazvydobuvannya, Infotech State Enterprise, the State Center for Cyber Protection of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, etc. In addition, the firm represented GigaGroup and successfully contested the results of a UAH 6.3 million public procurement tender conducted by a customer, SE Diia, at the AMCU. Maksym Kurochko and Artem Ostapenko are the main contacts.
With its international network of offices, Wolf Theiss is entrusted to handle antitrust matters in terms of multijurisdictional projects. In 2024, the Kyiv office was involved in conducting merger control assessments and assisting clients in preparation of merger filings in Ukraine. For example, the team advised Standard Motor Products, a U.S. automotive industry leader, on various aspects related to merger filing in Ukraine due to its acquisition of Nissens Automotive. The practice is led by Olga Ivlyeva.
Our market research highlights law firms and professionals who, despite not submitting information for the current study, remain vivid market players and active in antitrust and competition practice in Ukraine. These highlights, sourced from public records, emphasize the firm’s market presence — a fact repeatedly validated through our in-depth interviews.[2]
AEQUO’s* antitrust and competition practice excels in merger control, investigations, regulatory guidance, compliance, and unfair competition matters. Both partners of antitrust and competition practice maintain a strong market reputation. Sergiy Denisenko is known for his expertise in merger control.[3] Mariya Nizhnik focuses on representing clients in competition investigations.
Arzinger* has a well-established reputation in antitrust and competition law, advising clients on merger control, unfair competition, antitrust litigation, and compliance, with historically strong presence in the life sciences sector. The firm’s counsel, Oleksander Dyakulych, was mentioned during the poll.[4]
AVELLUM* is a preferred choice for merger clearance mandates. The firm secured unconditional merger clearances for Ukrnafta’s strategic transactions, namely for taking under management of Ukrnaftoburinnya, one of the largest Ukrainian gas producers, and Glusco, an extensive Ukrainian chain of 128 petrol stations, as well as handled merger clearance for the Ukrnafta-Shell transaction. Another notable presence of the team was representing NJJ on obtaining merger control clearance from the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine to acquire Datagroup-Volia and Lifecell. Partner Mykyta Nota heads the practice.
Galyna Zagorodniuk, partner at established in 2024 Imagine Lawyers, enjoys market praise for both her expertise and exceptional professional reputation.
[1] Mykhailo Sus joined CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang.
[2] The firms marked with asterisk (*) have not submitted information for the current research.
[3] In April 2025, Sergiy Denisenko left the firm and became a co-founder of BONO Legal law firm.
[4] Oleksander Dyakulych joined AEQUO as a counsel of antitrust practice.