BRG Expands Competition Practice in London with Senior Hire

BRG today announces the arrival of Martin Duckworth as a managing director in its Antitrust & Competition practice in London, the latest addition to the firm’s established competition offering in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

A highly experienced economist, Duckworth brings deep knowledge of regulation and competition policy with an emphasis on telecommunications. Over three decades in the industry, he has advised operators, regulators and governments across jurisdictions on economic regulation, merger control, disputes and abuse of dominance. He has acted as a testifying expert for appeals of regulatory decisions and in disputes cases, including the landmark Justin Le Patourel v BT Group PLC case, the first ‘opt-out’ trial of its kind in the UK, alongside BRG’s Competition lead in London, managing director David Parker.

Duckworth’s career spans EMEA. He spent a significant period of his career in Brussels and across Europe advising leading market participants in Phase 2 merger proceedings and specialised in efficiency arguments.

Duckworth’s arrival follows the recent launch of a BRG-led report advocating a modernised approach to assessing European Union horizontal mergers in dynamic markets, with a focus on the European telecommunications industry.

“I’m excited to join BRG’s growing Antitrust & Competition business in Europe,” said Duckworth, “The firm’s dynamic culture, coupled with its multidisciplinary approach, made it the obvious platform for the next stage of my career. I look forward to working with the team on some of the most significant matters across jurisdictions in telecoms, media, technology and related sectors”.

Parker added, “I am delighted to work with Martin once again. We have collaborated closely on some of the most high-profile and complex competition matters in the UK, and his depth of experience in M&A, economic regulation, litigation and telecommunications will be an outstanding addition to our growing London team. Martin’s approach, intellectual rigour and collaborative style make him a natural fit for BRG’s culture and for the way we work with clients on their most demanding competition issues”.

BRG Vice Chairman David Sunding said, “Martin’s arrival is a strong strategic addition to our Antitrust & Competition practice in EMEA. His specialist insight directly enhances our proposition for clients in dynamic and highly regulated sectors as they navigate evolving regulatory and commercial pressures across EMEA and beyond. Martin’s deep market understanding will be instrumental in ensuring we provide the support clients require as their needs continue to evolve”.