Defending your business, reputation and future
We help business owners and senior executives navigate CMA investigations and competition enforcement by providing immediate expert legal representation, ensuring your rights are protected and your business continuity preserved, and helping you avoid criminal penalties, disqualification, and reputational damage.
Defence
Competition and Market Authority Investigation Defence Specialists
Being targeted by the Competition and Market Authority (CMA) can be deeply unsettling. You may face dawn raids, interviews under caution, and the risk of severe financial or criminal penalties. The process is complex, and the implications for your business and career are immense.
We provide strategic representation, ensuring every procedural step is handled correctly, and that you remain informed and protected throughout. We understand that you are:
- Worried about the legal and reputational consequences.
- Unsure how to handle a CMA request or interview.
- Looking for expert guidance from specialist legal advice for competition law breaches
At Ashmans Solicitors, our CMA investigation solicitors understand the pressure, uncertainty and disruption such investigations cause and you’ll never face these challenges alone.
Competition and Market Authority Investigations and the Law
Under the Competition Act 1998 and the Enterprise Act 2002, the CMA has broad powers to investigate anti-competitive conduct such as cartel arrangements, price-fixing, market sharing, and abuse of dominant position.
- Entering into agreements that distort or restrict competition.
- Sharing commercially sensitive information with competitors.
- Abuse of market dominance through unfair pricing or exclusionary conduct
- Knowingly participated in an anti-competitive agreement.
- Acted dishonestly or with intent to restrict fair competition.
- Benefited or sought to benefit commercially from the conduct.
Agencies involved can include the CMA, Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), National Crime Agency (NCA) and HMRC. They may gather evidence from digital communications, contracts, financial data, or whistleblower reports.
Our business crime solicitors provide meticulous defence, challenging procedural irregularities, disclosure issues, and the legality of search warrants protecting both individuals and corporate entities from overreach.
Essential actions against allegations
From the moment you become aware of a Competition and Markets Authority investigation, or receive notice of suspected anti-competitive conduct, your actions can significantly influence the outcome. Take our advice and follow these steps:
Act swiftly, instruct Ashmans, protect your business and reputation.
Do NOT contact competitors, complainants, customers or the CMA directly and do not discuss the matter internally beyond what is strictly necessary. Anything said or written can be used as evidence.
Whether it’s a voluntary interview, a compelled interview under statutory powers, or a request for information, do NOT respond without specialist legal representation present.
With 24/7 availability, Ashmans is ready to provide urgent legal protection, advise on dawn raids, compulsory information notices and director liability risks.
Do not delete emails, messages or business records. Secure and preserve all relevant material, as destruction of evidence may constitute a separate criminal offence.
Follow all lawful requirements while allowing your legal team to manage communications, strategy and engagement with the CMA.
Three simple steps
to your Defence
Getting the right legal defence is straightforward. Follow these three simple steps to protect your business, reputation and future.
Step 1:
Initial Consultation
One of our Competition and Markets Authority investigation specialists will speak with you to assess your situation, review the allegations or regulatory concerns, and outline your legal options.
Step 2:
Strategic Defence Planning
Through detailed analysis of commercial arrangements, communications and regulatory obligations, we’ll build a robust and tailored defence strategy to protect your business interests and mitigate risk.
Step 3:
Expert Legal Representation
We’ll represent you throughout the investigation process during interviews, responses to statutory notices, dawn raids and, where necessary, court proceedings – challenging weak evidence and pursuing the best possible outcome.
Our Testimonials
Real stories. Real results.
See how Ashmans has successfully supported previous clients and hear what they have to say about our Competition and Markets Authority investigation defence services.
Remarkable Support During a Devastating Ordeal
Reliable and Professional Legal Support
Outstanding Support and Professional Representation
Expert Legal Defence That Turned My Case Around
Relentless Defence Leading to Justice
Outstanding Legal Support in Serious Drug Case
Exceptional Expertise in Complex Criminal Fraud Cases
Relentless Commitment and Professionalism in Complex Cases
Clear and Honest Legal Guidance
Brilliant Representation Leading to Not Guilty Verdict
Above and Beyond Legal Support and Service
Exceptional Legal Support and Top-Tier Service
Top Notch Legal Support and Guidance
Brilliant Legal Assistance Throughout My Legal Battle
Outstanding Legal Assistance in Complex Case
Professional Excellence in Legal Battle
Consistent Excellence in Legal Support
Remarkable Legal Guidance and Genuine Care
Extraordinary Support and Kindness Throughout My Case
Swift and Reliable Support in False Complaint Case
Move Quickly,
Choose Wisely
When facing a Competition and Markets Authority investigation, delay in securing specialist legal advice can expose you to serious consequences:
- Substantial financial penalties of up to 10% of global turnover for competition law breaches.
- Director disqualification for up to 15 years in serious cases.
- Criminal liability for cartel offences, including potential custodial sentences.
- Business disruption caused by dawn raids, document seizures and compulsory information requests.
- Long-term reputational damage affecting contracts, investor confidence and future opportunities.
You’re not alone Ashmans acts immediately to stabilise, protect, and defend.
CMA Allegations
The Ashmans Approach
Every stage demands precision. Our trusted CMA investigation defence team UK integrates commercial understanding with criminal law expertise ensuring a defence that is both tactical and humane. Our regulatory defence team applies a rigorous, methodical strategy:
- Attend and advise before, during and after every interview.
- Ensure your right to silence and representation.
- Challenge improper questioning or procedural breaches.
- Secure fair terms enabling normal business activity.
- Apply for variations or removals where disproportionate.
- Keep you compliant while protecting commercial interests.
- Present proactive written representations to investigators.
- Introduce exculpatory evidence before any decision to charge.
- Seek early closure of investigations wherever possible.
- Advise on Director Disqualification Orders, Competition Disqualification Orders, and penalty appeals.
- Challenge seizure, freezing or disclosure notices.
- Manage parallel regulatory or civil claims.
- Prepare robustly, using expert witnesses and forensic analysis.
- Cross-examine key witnesses and dismantle prosecution evidence.
- Deliver clear, persuasive advocacy in court.
- Argue mitigation, cooperation, and compliance reforms.
- Emphasise lack of intent or limited personal gain.
- Protect your liberty, business operations, and reputation.
Why Choose Ashmans?
Proven Record
Decades of results in high-profile CMA and regulatory cases.
Experts in Business & Regulatory Crime
We combine commercial insight with elite defence strategy.
24/7 Support
Immediate response anytime, anywhere in England and Wales.
Our Notable Cases
Serious investigations, strategic outcomes
Our business crime solicitors have represented directors, senior executives and companies facing complex Competition and Markets Authority investigations explore examples of our work and successful results.
Sentence Reduced in Historic Sexual Offences
Historic Sexual Abuse Allegations – Justice Secured
Unanimous Acquittal in Festival Consent Allegation
Credibility Challenged, Charges Reduced in Complex Domestic Case
Strategic Defence Secures Justice for Wrongly Accused Businessman
Revenge Attack Charge Reduced: Successful Defence
Conspiracy to Murder: A Complex Acquittal
Acquittal in High-Stakes Conspiracy to Murder Case
Acquittal in High-Profile Leeds Murder Investigation
Charges Reduced Through Strategic Defence
Wrongly Accused: Armed Robbery Charges Dismissed
Strategic Defence Secures Discontinuation in Fatal Collision Case
Exoneration in High-Stakes Armed Robbery Allegation
Dangerous Driving Allegation Involving Police Officer Successfully Reduced
Exceptional Hardship Defence Saves Doctor’s Driving Licence
Forged Titles and Negotiated Justice
Logistics Fraud Defence: Suspended Sentence Secured
Fraud by False Representation – Local Councillor Case
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Involving Forged Cheques
Acquittal Secured in £40 Million Mortgage Fraud Case
Urgent Legal Assistance
Seek Immediate
Legal Support Today
Facing a CMA dawn raid or investigation? Contact Ashmans now. Our CMA defence lawyers respond instantly, safeguarding your rights and guiding every decision. With Ashmans by your side, you regain confidence and control.
- Expert defence in CMA investigations and competition law matters.
- Responsive 24/7 legal support during dawn raids and urgent regulatory action.
- Strategic, commercially focused solutions tailored to your business.
Our trusted accreditations
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