Porter has successfully represented clients in numerous complex cases before the European Commission, as well as national competition authorities in Europe and elsewhere. He also regularly counsels clients on matters involving dominant market positions and the analysis of agreements under the EU competition rules.
During his career, Porter has been involved in some of the most notable deals in the market. His extensive experience in EU merger control includes assisting the Japanese steel industry in its successful opposition to the joint venture between BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto. He also assisted Skype in obtaining the unconditional EU approval of its acquisition by Microsoft. Both cases won GCR Matter of the Year awards.
He also acted as co-counsel for Halliburton in the EU merger control filing and review of its proposed $34.6 billion acquisition of Baker Hughes, one of the largest and most complex transactions ever to be subject to an EU merger control proceeding. Recently, he has been involved in Boeing/Embraer, Fincantieri/Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Take-Two/Codemasters.
Porter has been recognised as a leading competition law expert by all major legal directories for several years, on the back of praise from both clients and peers.
Clients praise his hard-working, results-oriented approach and describe him as ‘super-responsive, organised and thoughtful’ (Chambers & Partners). He is also highlighted for delivering results and explaining ‘complex nuances of EU competition law in a manner that clients can easily comprehend and use to effectively manage their business’ (Legal 500).
He has received particular praise for his “excellent communication skills, presence and […] willing[ness] to make the points strongly and in a very crisp manner in front of high-stakes audiences.” Further, he has been named a “Thought Leader” by Who’s Who Legal, where peers describe him as “an outstandingly good merger specialist, who knows the Commission well”.
Porter frequently conducts merger control training sessions for clients and national competition authorities in Asia, Europe, North America and South America.
His practice covers a wide range of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, consumer goods, digital, forestry products, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, steel and video games.
Client, Chambers Europe 2025, Competition: EU“Porter Elliott is an outstanding lawyer, who is meticulous and organised. It is a pleasure to work with him.
Representative matters
- Advised Nippon Steel on the EU merger control approval of its $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel, one of the 10 largest transactions of 2024.
- Acted as lead counsel on two GCR Matters of the Year: Microsoft’s $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype and the successful opposition of the Japanese steel industry to the proposed $147 billion merger between mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.
- Represented Boeing in numerous complex merger control cases before the European Commission, including Boeing’s satellite launch joint venture with Lockheed Martin and its $3.7 billion acquisition of Hughes’ satellite business, as well as Boeing’s $1.5 billion acquisition of Jeppesen, which was approved by the French competition authority despite fierce opposition by Airbus.
- Advised oil field services provider Halliburton on its proposed $34,6 billion acquisition of Baker Hughes, one of the largest ever EU merger control filings.
- Represented paper and board manufacturer Enso before the European Commission in the context of its merger of equals with rival Stora, and subsequently advised Stora Enso on numerous other transactions.
- Advised leading industrial chemicals company Quaker on its successful acquisition of rival Houghton, and subsequently advised Quaker Houghton on various other transactions.
- Advised sustainable water solutions specialist Pentair on the EU merger control approval of its $1.6 billion acquisition of Manitowoc Ice.
Professional
- Admitted to Brussels Bar, 1997
- Admitted to Bar of Georgia (USA), 1996
Academic
- University of Brussels (VUB), LL.M., 1997, summa cum laude
- University of Georgia School of Law, USA, J.D., 1996 (served as Editor-in-Chief of Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law)
- University of Maryland, B.S., 1992, magna cum laude
- American Bar Association (Antitrust Law Section and International Law Section)
- International Bar Association
Chambers Global for Competition Law (‘Recommended’)
Chambers Europe for Competition/European Law (‘Leaders In Their Field’)
Legal 500 for Competition Law (‘Leading Partner’)
Who’s Who Legal for Competition Law (‘Thought Leader’, ‘Global Leader’)
Expert Guides – Competition/Antitrust Law (‘Leading Expert’)
Best Lawyers – Competition/Antitrust Law (‘Recommended’)
Leaders League for Competition Law (‘Leading Expert’)
PLC for EU Competition Law (‘Recommended’)
IFLR1000 for Competition Law (‘Highly Regarded’)
- Chambers and Partners Legal Practice Guide on Merger Control, 2014-2025: Global editor and regular co-author
- The European Lawyers’ Reference Guide on Merger Control, 3rd edition: Co-editor
- Van Bael & Bellis, Competition Law of the European Union, 6th edition (2020): contributing author
- Van Bael & Bellis on Competition Law newsletter: contributing author
Speaking engagements
- The future of EU merger control under Commissioner Ribera, GCR Live Law Leaders Europe, Brussels, 10 July 2025 (panellist)
- EU merger control, Foreign Subsidies Regulation and foreign direct investment, Tokyo, 7 May 2025 (speaker)
- 8th International Competition Law and Policy Conference, Athens, 17-18 October 2024 (speaker)
- In addition to speaking at major conferences, Porter Elliott lectures annually at the University of Brussels’ Programme on International Legal Cooperation. He has also provided merger control training to competition authorities.
News & insights
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