Qualcomm/NXP wins Merger Control Matter of the Year - Europe at GCR Awards 2018

Qualcomm/NXP scooped the award for merger control matter of the year - Europe at the GCR Awards 2018, beating five other nominees. 

Tesco/Booker, Qualcomm/NXP, Central Manchester University Hospitals/University Hospital of South Manchester, Mastercard/Vocalink, Just East/Hungryhouse and Abbott/Alere were all shortlisted for the award. 

The European Commission raised complex conglomerate theories of harm as it reviewed Qualcomm’s acquisition of Dutch semiconductor manufacturer NXP. The deal bisected competition and intellectual property law, with the commission closely examining the relationship between Qualcomm's patent portfolio and NXP’s standard essential patents to rule whether the takeover would hinder competition. The companies assuaged the Commission's concerns through a novel set of remedies that will likely form a template for cases in the future.

Counsel to Qualcomm

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan

Partners Miguel Rato and Stephen Mavroghenis, and associates Mark English, Pedro Fajardo, Zena Prodromou, Maria Belen Gravano and Marixenia Davilla in Brussels, and associate Laura Abram in London

Counsel to NXP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

Partner Ingrid Vandenborre in Brussels

Economists

RBB Economics

Partners Daniel Gore and Ethel Fonseca in London, partner Andrea Lofaro in Brussels, and senior associates Paul Hutchinson and Jacques Laurent in London