Christian Riis-Madsen is co-chair of the firm's Antitrust & Competition Practice Group and partner in charge of the Brussels office. Christian typically represents large multinationals with complex antitrust issues before the European Commission.
Christian’s practice focuses on a broad spectrum of EU competition and regulatory law, including merger control and antitrust investigations (abuse of dominance and cartels). He has significant experience in the tech sector where he is representing some of the largest companies in the world on high profile European Commission and cross-border investigations. Christian also advises on the DMA, DSA and P2b Regulations. He often acts as a strategic team-leader, coordinating several counsel in order to adopt an eagle-eye, comprehensive approach to his clients’ most sophisticated issues.
Christian has had significant success in defending behavioral and cartel cases having achieved the rare feat of convincing the Commission to drop its case in an Article 101/102 case and the acquittal in a cartel case – in both cases following the adoption of a Statement of Objections. In relating to merger control, he has both achieved unconditional clearance in a number of high profile cases and represented interested third parties in several mergers that were prohibited including ThyssenKrupp/Tata Steel JV and Deutsche Boerse/NYSE Euronext.
Over the years, Chambers Global and Chambers Europe have consistently distinguished Christian in its Competition: EU – Belgium category with clients praising that he “is an extremely capable, responsive and practical adviser” ; “practical and extremely knowledgeable. He knows our business and is always available to provide to-the-point advice. He is a true and trusted business partner.“ Previous editions reported clients highlight his willingness to give clear, actionable guidance, noting: "He asks the right questions, challenges us to check we have the facts right and then gives us ad hoc advice on the phone." Previous editions also highlighted that he is “smart, robust and clear in his thinking” and that he “has a good understanding of commercial issues and provides companies with pragmatic advice that is well-connected with the business realities”. The publication also described him as a “well connected, thoughtful and quick,” lawyer who impresses “clients with his pragmatic, client-focused attitude and strong attention to detail.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2023 and 2024 recommends Christian as a Leading Individual in its Belgium: Competition - EU and Global category, where clients praise him as ‘”the best in the field. Always top notch advice, provided on short notice and taking into consideration the practical needs of the client.’“ Previous editions already highlighted “a practical and incredibly knowledgeable business partner [who] provides accurate, quick and relevant advice each time. Highly recommended for complex industries and transactions.” Previous editions also singled out Christian for his “keen understanding of competition law and its application to a commercial situation,” as well as his “problem-solving orientation”, and “awareness of particular hi-tech business sectors.”
Who’s Who Legal calls Christian “a smart lawyer”, as he is recognized by sources as “fantastic” when it comes to competition matters relating to the tech space. Christian has previously been ranked among the “Top Young Antitrust Lawyers in the World” by Global Competition Review in its 2016 “40 Under 40” awards.
He is also consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in Belgium for European Union Law.
Admitted to practice in Denmark and Belgium, Christian earned his Master of Laws (LL.M.) in 2000, and his Bachelor of Laws in 1998 both from the University of Copenhagen.
He speaks fluent Danish, English, French, German, Norwegian and Swedish.
Capabilities
Credentials
Education:
- University of Copenhagen - 2000 Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- University of Copenhagen - 1998 Bachelor of Arts
Admissions:
- Belgium - Barreau de Bruxelles - Registered European Lawyer
- Denmark - Danish Bar & Law Society