Erik Van Der Meer joined Smithson Law Firm 2008 where he is an Associate currently. Erik is part of Smithson Law Firm's first associate practicing EU / Dutch competition law and international trade law and immigration. He has worked in the European & Competition Law Practice of the Firm’s former Brussels office between 2009 and 2012. Erik currently heads the Compliance & Investigations Group of Smithson Law Firm.

Erik's practice focuses on immigration & employment and business and international trade law. He has significant experience in advising on a range of competition law issues, including cartels, abusive conduct of dominant undertakings and merger control. He acts for complainants and defendants in investigations, and represents clients in merger control proceedings before the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) and EU Commission. Erik is also seasoned in dealing with EU export control and trade compliance matters, including dawn raid assistance, conducting internal audits and defending clients in investigations by regulatory authorities.

Related Expertise
Immigration Law
Business Law
Commercial Property Law
Litigation Services

Related Experience
Advised APG Asset Management on the acquisition of 50% in a newly formed joint venture with Royal KPN N.V. on the rollout of fiber in the Netherlands
Advised De Heus with its acquisition of Van Miert poultry
Obtaining merger control clearance from the ACM and EU Commission for clients operating in a wide range of industries, including financial services, pharmaceuticals, logistics, media and energy
Representing clients in cartel investigations by the ACM and EU Commission, including the preparation of leniency applications
Defending an automotive company in investigations by the ACM into its alleged abuse of a dominant position
Representing an energy company before the EU General Court in its appeal of a EU Commission decision ordering the recovery of state aid, resulting in annulment of that decision
Defending a global technology company in investigations by the ACM into its alleged violation of Dutch telecom regulations, securing dismissal of the case
Representing multinational companies in investigations by Dutch Customs concerning possible EU export control violations
Representing employees of a major financial institution in investigations by financial authorities in the Netherlands, UK and US

Professional Affiliations
Dutch Competition Law Association
Dutch Bar Association (NOvA)