Astrid Waser

Lenz & Staehelin

Zurich www.lenzstaehelin.com

astrid.waser@lenzstaehelin.com Tel: +41 58 450 80 00

Biography

Dr Astrid Waser is a partner in the competition, regulated market and investigation group of Lenz & Staehelin and a leading expert in the field of competition law. She specialises in all areas of competition law, merger control and compliance matters. Astrid Waser also advises on regulatory, administrative and internal investigations. She advises in non-contentious matters and represents clients in many high-profile merger cases and investigations. Astrid Waser is a regular speaker at conferences and seminars. She is a member of the committee of experts of the Swiss bar association, a board member of woman@competition Switzerland and a board member of ASCOLA Switzerland.

Having enjoyed the opportunity of studying in Lausanne, Dublin and at the College of Europe in Bruges and completing a PhD in competition law in Zurich, I started my career as an attorney in Switzerland. I also spent time working in Brussels at DG Competition and in a law firm. Just over 10 years ago, I became a partner at Lenz & Staehelin, Zurich.

What do you enjoy most about working in competition?

Competition law is not only about understanding the law, but also the world of business, clients and their related markets. This has fascinated me since my very first competition law cases.

What in your opinion, have been the most significant changes to competition law in the past five years?

In Switzerland, competition authorities have started to add a "Swiss Finish" to certain cases thereby significantly deviating from long-established practice and basic EU regulations. This has been a major change in competition law in Switzerland.

To what extent can competition regimes be improved in Switzerland?

Competition regimes should focus on remaining in line with competition regulations in order to give companies as much legal certainty as possible.

How can competition enforcement become more efficient?

Competition enforcers should focus on enforcement where competition law infringements or distortions are taking place. If competition law distortions can be excluded at the outset (for instance, in mergers with no horizontal or vertical overlaps), the authorities should take a more pragmatic approach and not insist on burdensome data collection.

How does Lenz & Staehelin set itself apart from its competitors in the Swiss legal market?

We have a large dedicated team of competition lawyers with a wealth of experience in competition law and in competition law investigations of the Swiss competition authority. In addition, we have offices in Zurich and Geneva and our presence in these two internationally active locations. All this gives us the ability to offer clients Swiss wide and internationally tailored and practical advice.

How would you like to develop your practice over the next few years?

We want to continue to provide our clients with cutting-edge advice and unparalleled service while remaining at the forefront of developments in Swiss competition law.

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

My greatest achievement – and pleasure – has been to be partner in a law firm, and in a field of law that has fascinated me since my very first lesson at the College of Europe in Bruges.

WWL says: Astrid Waser possesses “an impressive track record” in complex competition issues, including “an excellent background in large-scale merger filings”.