UK’s CMA Director Returns to Cleary Gottlieb as Antitrust Partner

Ricardo Zimbrón, a former director at the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has rejoined Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP as a partner in its antitrust practice. Cleary Gottlieb announced Zimbrón’s return to their London office on Wednesday, 3 July.

Zimbrón will focus on UK and EU competition law, addressing anticompetitive agreements, merger control, digital regulation, and abuse of dominance. He initially joined Cleary Gottlieb in 2011, where he represented clients before the CMA and the European Commission, handling antitrust issues across international jurisdictions. His litigation experience includes cases before the High Court and Court of Appeal of England and Wales, and the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Zimbrón began his legal career as a barrister at New Square Chambers in 2010 before moving to Cleary Gottlieb.

Cleary Gottlieb’s managing partner, Michael Gerstenzang, praised Zimbrón’s return, stating, “Ricardo’s experience at the CMA is superb and will further enhance our London competition team and the breadth and depth of our UK and EU merger control and antitrust practice.”

Zimbrón’s return comes amidst significant activity in Cleary Gottlieb’s antitrust practice, including high-profile mergers such as the Microsoft-Activision deal, Sony Music’s purchase of AWAL, and Hitachi Rail’s acquisition of Thales.

Source: CDR