Competition Law
Protecting Your Business Through Compliance and Fair Competition
Cox Yeats advises local and international businesses on all aspects of competition law in South Africa, helping clients navigate the requirements of the Competition Act (No. 89 of 1998) and manage competition law risks across a range of industries. Our Competition Law team provides strategic legal advice on merger control, merger approvals, prohibited practices, cartel investigations, abuse of dominance, restrictive vertical agreements, market inquiries, exemptions and competition law compliance.
Our competition lawyers regularly represent and advise clients in matters before the Competition Commission of South Africa, the Competition Tribunal and the Competition Appeal Court. Whether a business is pursuing a merger or acquisition, responding to a competition law investigation, implementing a compliance programme or seeking advice on regulatory obligations, Cox Yeats delivers practical, commercially focused legal solutions that protect business interests and support long-term growth.
Understanding the Purpose of Competition Law
The Competition Act is built around the principle of maintaining a fair and efficient economy. It aims to:
It aims to:
- Promote economic efficiency, adaptability, and growth
- Protect consumers through competitive pricing and product choice
- Advance employment and social welfare
- Expand local participation in global markets
- Support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Increase economic ownership for historically disadvantaged individuals
Compliance is therefore not only a legal obligation but a business imperative, especially for companies involved in mergers, joint ventures, or dominant market positions.
Our Core Services in Competition Law
1. Compliance Advisory
We provide expert advice to assess whether your business practices align with the Competition Act. Our services include:
- Competition audits and policy reviews
- Drafting internal compliance guidelines
- Risk assessment for pricing strategies, distribution models, and exclusivity agreements
2. Regulatory Strategy & Investigations
We help you engage confidently with regulatory bodies, ensuring you’re fully prepared for investigations or information requests by the Competition Commission.
Our services include:
- Responding to dawn raids or Commission inquiries
- Legal guidance during investigations and interviews
- Assisting with settlement negotiations or leniency applications
3. Tribunal Representation & Litigation
Should your company face formal complaints or be drawn into a market inquiry, we provide full representation before the Competition Tribunal and appeal courts.
We represent clients in:
- Abuse of dominance cases
- Collusion or cartel-related claims
- Merger control issues and conditions
- Market allocation and price-fixing allegations
Sector-Wide Expertise
Our lawyers have advised clients across a range of sectors, including retail, construction, logistics, technology, healthcare, and financial services, where competition law intersects with day-to-day commercial operations. Whether you’re an SME or a multinational, our advice is tailored to your commercial realities and risk profile.