Hans W. Friederiszick and Matt Raiff talk about the ESMT / Bates White cooperation
Berlin, May 3, 2007
1. Why did you decide to develop this partnership?
Friederiszick: The main reason for joining forces with Bates White was our common interest in research-based consulting, i.e., consulting which differentiates by the level of analytical rigour and high-skilled knowledge of empirical methods. How does this translate into convincing results in competition cases? Focusing on robust empirical analysis, delivered by a team aware of potential pitfalls, is the approach ESMT President Lars-Hendrik Röller took while Chief Economist at DG Competition at the European Commission. We follow this approach. The partnership with Bates White definitely increases our capabilities to meet these standards.
Raiff: For several years, Bates White has been considering options for providing transatlantic services to our clients. We actively explored various strategies, including several alternative European affiliations. When the opportunity surfaced to develop the relationship with Lars-Hendrik Röller and Hans Friederiszick, our dialogue quickly moved toward establishing a partnership. The synergies between ESMT Competition Analysis and Bates White are many; in particular, our firms’ core strengths in theoretical rigor, empirical analysis, and enforcement experience. In addition, our Berlin colleagues possess the same qualities that we deeply value — including collaboration, unwavering commitment to quality, and trust. We feel this partnership offers our firm and our clients the perfect solution.
 Dr. Hans W. Friederiszick |
2. What do you think the alliance will add to the firm?
Friederiszick: Isn't the question more what additional services it offers to our clients? Gaining access to a truly integrated team of highly skilled consultants and top academics on both sides of the Atlantic is the answer to that. 'Truly integrated' doesn't mean legal integration - both firms remain completely independent and are free to act independently on their respective jurisdictions. 'Truly integrated' means that we have established a team with a maximum level of trust and cooperation, and which therefore guarantees an optimal benefit for the client on transatlantic matters.
Let me also add that ESMT Competition Analysis is part of ESMT European School of Management and Technology. Adding a transatlantic dimension to our consulting activities also sharpens the profile of the business school. In this respect, the partnership will deliver much more than simply doing consulting together. It will contribute, among other things, an active exchange of researchers and the possibility for joint conference and teaching activities on both sides of the Atlantic. This all belongs to the partnership's vision. If we succeed along these lines, the partnership will define a new level of economic consulting on antitrust matters in Europe and the US.
Raiff: We make business decisions with our clients in mind, and this partnership offers an opportunity to enhance and better serve our clients’ needs. Bates White and ESMT Competition Analysis’ complementary skill sets and combined expertise bring tailored solutions to clients dealing with antitrust matters in the United States and Europe. Additionally, our partnering with ESMT reinforces the collegial and entrepreneurial culture that has driven our success from day one.
 Matt Raiff |
3. How is your own consulting going to change with this partnership?
Raiff: This partnership will alter the services we offer our clients by extending our antitrust capabilities, however, how we deliver our services will not change. Working with ESMT Competition Analysis has opened new doors for Bates White by broadening our experience set, but we will continue to provide thoughtful and high-quality work. Our clients will benefit from analysis tailored to the institutional requirements in both the United States and Europe, and further, through access to economists with senior-level agency experience in complex multi-jurisdictional cases as well as internationally recognized economic thought leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.
Friederiszick: There will be an exchange of professionals across the Atlantic on a regular basis, the team structure will become even more international and the dimension of case work will be extended. As a consequence, the partnership will become a melting pot for new ideas by bringing together professionals and researchers from various areas and with different focuses.
4. You aim to bring top academic research together with consultancy. What are the challenges in this?
Raiff: Bates White has a history of success identifying and developing talent both inside our firm and in the academic research relationships we establish. We have thought deeply about how to nurture and grow what is now a very distinguished network of top-notch academic talent. Moreover, we are dedicated to striking the balance necessary to combine research with consulting—allowing our affiliates to further their careers, while also carefully harnessing their thought leadership to ensure our clients receive high quality, real-world insights and solutions.
Friederiszick: Transforming creativity into robust solutions; leveraging real world experience into new ideas. Only if the intellectual flow goes in both directions - from research to consulting and vice versa - can this business model succeed. ESMT provides a unique platform for such an exchange of ideas.
Press contact
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