European competition veteran James Venit is to leave Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom to join Dentons in Brussels after 16 years at the US firm.
Venit (pictured) joins as Dentons’ European competition and antitrust practice as a partner following his retirement from Skadden, where he was co-head of antitrust and competition in Europe. He joined Skadden in 2000, moving from legacy WilmerHale. Prior to this he was a lawyer with French firm SG Archibald.
Venit has a history of advising on major M&A deals, including the €27bn merger of Arcelor and Mittal in 2006 and the $164bn acquisition of Time Warner by AOL in 2000. He also advised on the failed mergers of Volvo and Scania and GE and Honeywell.
Dentons European head of competition Jörg Karenfort said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have a lawyer of Jim’s stature joining our team. Our clients will benefit from his extensive experience in international antitrust and European competition law.’
The global law firm made moves to expand its practice across Europe in 2016. Dentons added an office in Italy, launching in Rome in July with antitrust partner Michele Carpagnano and corporate partner Luca Pocobelli.
The firm also opened in Munich with the hire of top Norton Rose Fulbright corporate partner Alexander von Bergelt as well as partners Michael Malterer and Igsaan Varachia.
Dentons Belgium managing partner Edward Borovikov said: ‘We are very excited to welcome Jim onboard. His experience in high profile competition and antitrust matters, and in particular in competition-related litigation, will further strengthen our reputable EU Competition practice here in Brussels.’
matthew.field@legalease.co.uk