Ciara Barbu-O’Connor is a Senior Associate in the Antitrust and Competition practice of Baker Botts' Brussels office.
She advises clients on all aspects of European, Belgian, and English competition law, including mergers, cartels, abuse of dominance, State aid, and competition law compliance. Ciara has experience working across a wide range of sectors and industries, helping clients navigate complex regulatory challenges and strategic competition matters.
Ciara has extensive experience advising clients on complex, multi-jurisdictional merger control and foreign direct investment filings, as well as foreign subsidy filings before the European Commission. She has worked across a range of sectors, including private equity, sports, real estate, pharmaceuticals, and beverages.
In addition to her merger control work, Ciara advises clients on antitrust matters and investigations across industries such as construction, broadcasting, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
She also has deep experience in State aid matters, particularly in the areas of aviation, energy, and the environment, as well as rescue and restructuring. Ciara frequently advises on the intersection of State aid and arbitration, helping clients navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges.
*Prior to joining Baker Botts
