Bernadette van der Blij

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Bernadette specialises in competition law and EU law.

Bernadette has broad experience in advising clients on the competition aspects of complex multi-jurisdictional mergers, including second phase merger control investigations both before the European Commission and the Dutch Competition Authority. Her merger control experience includes multiple cases in which commitments were offered and she has also represented clients in legal proceedings following merger control decisions. Bernadette moreover advises on behavioral competition law matters and has assisted global companies in various cartel and abuse of dominance investigations. Her experience further includes advising on free movement rules.

Bernadette works with major international clients in multiple sectors including financial services (banks, insurers, asset managers, etc.), fast moving consumer goods, digital markets, and many more. Bernadette joined the firm in January 2019 after obtaining a cum laude LL.M. degree in European law and international law at the University of Amsterdam.

Expertise

Corporate and M&A Antitrust Antitrust and intellectual property

Experience

Representative matters

A major Dutch client in a second phase merger control investigation before the Dutch competition authority. This was the first time that a fix-it-first commitment was accepted in the Netherlands.

A major international client in a second phase merger control investigation before the European Commission. This resulted in the first clearance in the relevant industry after several acquisitions had been abandoned due to regulatory opposition.

A major Dutch client before the Dutch court where a third party sought to have a merger control clearance decision aned. The court decided in favour of the client.

Various major international clients during dawn-raids by both the Dutch competition authority and European Commission, as well as assisting with the subsequent investigations.

A major Dutch client in an abuse of dominance investigation by the Dutch competition authority. The authority decided to drop the case after a lengthy investigation.

Pro bono

Advising and representing individuals before the Dutch Institute for Human Rights in cases of (alleged) pregnancy discrimination.

Published Work

Van der Blij, J.B. and Van der Vijver, T.D.O, (2019), “Terug van weggeweest: een verkenning van verticale prijsbinding in het Europese en Nederlandse mededingingsrecht” in the Dutch journal for European law (Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Europees recht)

Speaking Engagements

Moderator, Competition Compliance, W@CompetitionNL, November 2022

Qualifications

Admissions

Listed in the register of legal practice areas of the Dutch Bar Association for Mededingingsrecht.

Academic

LLM, International and European Law: European Competition Law and Regulation, 2018

Disclaimer

A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.