Covington & Burling LLP operates as a limited liability partnership worldwide, with the practice in England and Wales conducted by an affiliated
limited liability multinational partnership, Covington & Burling LLP, which is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware in the United States
and authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registration number 77071..
Peter D. Camesasca is a partner in Covington’s Brussels and London offices, with 25 years of experience in all major aspects of EU competition law. Peter also co-chairs the firm’s Foreign Direct Investment Regulation initiative, and, has a particular focus on in- and outbound aspects of the Asia/Europe interface.
Peter’s experience includes cases under Articles 101, 102 and 106 TFEU, national and multijurisdictional merger and joint venture notifications (including FDI and Foreign Subsidies Regulation / FSR assessments), investigations by multiple enforcement authorities and global antitrust litigation and monopolization issues (including Digital Markets Act / DMA and IP cross-over issues). In addition, he advises and litigates on horizontal and vertical cooperation issues, prepares and executes various compliance and dawn raid programs and participates in the installation of in-house training programs, and heads a vibrant private enforcement practice.
Peter has acted before the European Commission, the European courts, the German Bundeskartellamt, the UK Office of Fair Trading and the Competition and Markets Authority, the Belgian Competition Council, and various national courts.
In Chambers, Peter is noted for his "keen attention to detail and effective representation of clients' interests,” as being “very hands-on, fast and responsive” and "very forthright in stating his opinion and he is well connected in DG Comp.” Chambers further notes his experience in Korea, with sources stating that he is one of the “first-choice competition lawyers to clients in Korea.” GCR records that Peter is “the top choice for all technology-related competition law issues,” that he receives praise as “a very approachable practitioner with great communication skills,” and is particularly “experienced handling merger control and cartel cases.” A Legal 500 source highlights that “Peter Camesasca is one of the leading lights in Brussels. Brilliant strategist and has the Midas touch with clients.”
Peter advises international clients across a diverse range of sectors, including aviation, maritime transport, harbors and shipyards, oil and gas, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, electronics and semiconductor industries, as well as telecommunications industries, internet services, and big data.
Having spent most of his time in private practice, during a two-year stint with Samsung, Peter was materially responsible for coordinating the EU efforts for Samsung Electronics during the Standard Essential Patents (SEP) related investigations in 2012-2014.
Peter speaks and publishes widely on all aspects of competition law, and is the co-author of “Comparative Competition Law and Economics,” a standard textbook for Law and Economic scholars, meanwhile in its third edition. He is also a regular speaker on cross-practice topics that cover both in- and outbound aspects of the Asia/Europe interface.
Represented Aptiv regarding its USD 3.5 billion acquisition of Wind River.
Representing a globally leading telecoms MNO in antitrust proceedings before the English courts, at a reported claim value of well over U.S. $1.25 billion.
Representing a globally leading manufacturer of consumer electronics and semiconductors in various antitrust proceedings before the English courts, at a combined claim value of a high three-digit million figure.
Representing a maker of pharmaceutical ingredients as global coordinating counsel in pending cartel investigations by over half a dozen authorities worldwide.
Counseling a fully integrated oil and gas company in the complete overhaul of its global compliance set-up.
Representing Samsung Electronics as lead counsel in the EU settlement relating to the enforcement by Samsung of standard essential patents (“SEPs”) in connection with the 3G standard used in smartphones and tablets. The EU decision closed the investigation against Samsung without a finding of infringement or fine levied against Samsung. The precedent-setting value of the matter was recognized by the GCR Award/Behavioral Matter of the Year 2015.
Representing a half dozen liner shipping carriers and maritime trade associations regarding various aspects of EU competition law (covering alliances and cooperation type agreements).
Older precedent-setting representations include the GE/Honeywell merger, where Dr. Camesasca represented Rockwell Collins, a major avionics manufacturer, concerning its successful interventions in the landmark appeals before the European General Court in support of the Commission’s prohibition decision; the 2-to-1 Dutch directories merger, achieving clearance without remedies on behalf of Truvo (formerly known as World Directories); and the EU review of the Liner Conference Block Exemption and Consortia Block Exemption on behalf of the industry, achieving a replacement regime in the form of the EC Maritime Guidelines, which formed the basis for the information exchange aspects subsequently covered in the EC Horizontal Guidelines.