MiguelMendes_Pereira_web_large

Miguel Mendes Pereira

He/himPartner
Vision and ability to anticipate events far beyond matters within the exclusive scope of competition law.
Chambers
Lisbon
About

Miguel Mendes Pereia is a Litigation and Regulatory Partner and Head of the EU & Competition practice in Portugal.
He has been practising competition law for 30 years, with a particular focus on defence in cartel matters, merger control and State aid matters, and implementation of antitrust compliance programmes.

His practice covers a wide range of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, air transport, energy, financial services and media. He has a stellar track record before the EU's top courts, and possesses longstanding experience in state aid matters and merger control.

He previously worked at the European Commission, the General Court of the EU and the Portuguese Competition Authority. Miguel was also a lecturer at the Law Faculty of the Lisbon University between 1992 and 2012.

Areas of FocusConsumer Goods, Food and RetailInfrastructure, Construction and TransportMedia, Sport and EntertainmentLitigation, Arbitration and Investigations
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONSAdvogado admitted with the Ordem dos Advogados (Portuguese Bar Association)

EXPERIENCE

  • Represented a Member State and a Central Bank before the EU Court of Justice in a number of cases dealing with the Banking Recovery and Resolution Directive.
  • Represented a Member State before the EU Court of Justice in a case dealing with the freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services in connection with the privatization of a flag carrier airline company.
  • Advising a world leader in transport solutions in the private enforcement proceedings lodged by transport service providers asking for compensation for damages arising from the restrictive competition practices of a group of manufacturers ( truck cartel ) following an enforceable decision by the European Commission.
  • Advising a Japanese motorcycle manufacturer in a full-scale compliance review in relation to its Portuguese operation.
  • Advises for a number of years, on an ongoing basis, a leading international beverages producer in matters related to retail sales, distribution and pricing.
  • Advises on a regular basis major international retail food chain in matters related to pricing, promotions, and franchising.
  • Currently represents the Portuguese Association of Advertisers in antitrust proceedings initiated by the Portuguese Competition Authority (decision by an association of undertakings).
  • Represented major German bank in antitrust proceedings initiated by the Portuguese Competition Authority (exchange of sensitive information).
  • Currently represents major Portuguese beer producer in antitrust proceedings initiated by the Portuguese Competition Authority (hub & spoke).
Languages
  • Portuguese
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish

Awards

  • Legal 500 – Leading Individual in EU and Competition
  • Top 10 Most Influential Competition Law Lawyers in Portugal, Lawyer Awards 2023
  • Chambers Europe - Band 2 in Competition/European Law
Education
  • University of Lisbon, Faculty of Law, Master of Laws in European Law
  • College of Europe (Bruges), LL.M, Master of Laws in European Legal Studies
  • University of Lisbon, Faculty of Law LL.B, Bachelor of Laws

Publications

  • "Review of the Portuguese Competition Act", Kluwer Competition Law Blog, 21 Sep 2022
  • "Review of the Portuguese Competition Act", Newsletter, 16 Sep 2022
  • "Competition law class actions in Portugal: first court-approved settlement", Kluwer Competition Law Blog, 16 Nov 2021
    • “Lei da Concorrência Anotada”, (Commentary to the Portuguese Competition Act), Almedina, 2009.

    Prior Experience

    • 2020 - present, Partner at AKD Partners.
    • 2011-2020, Partner, major Portuguese law firm.
    • 2008-2011, Partner, major Portuguese law firm.
    • 2006-2008, Lead Legal Adviser at the Portuguese Competition Authority.
    • 2004-2006, Legal Secretary (r f rendaire) in the Chambers of Judge Martins Ribeiro, Court of First Instance of the European Communities, Luxembourg.
    • 2000-2004, Administrator at the Media Unit of DG Competition of the European Commission, Brussels.
    • 1997-2000, Head of Legal Affairs, Lusomundo and Warner Lusomundo Group, Lisbon.
    • 1992-1997, Associate Lawyer and Trainee Lawyer, Portuguese law firm.

    Additional Qualifications:

    • Assistant Professor at the University of Lisbon Faculty of Law, 1992-2012
    • Lecturer of EU Law and Competition Law at European Institute at the University of Lisbon Faculty of Law

    Memberships And Affiliations

    • Founding Member of Portuguese Circle of Competition Lawyers, CAPDC
    • Member of IBA, International Bar Association

    My latest insights

    Past event
    European_Parliament_Building_S_0558

    Race Around European Class Actions - Part 2: Update on Recent Developments

    18 September 2023 .7 minute read

    Publication
    Abstract view of building

    Antitrust Matters April 2022

    26 April 2022 .28 minute read

    Publication
    Abstract building

    Main Developments in Competition Law and Policy 2020: Portugal

    22 January 2021 .15 minute read

    View All

    Connect

    Phone

    +351 213 583 620
    (Work, Lisbon)