Cormac is a Partner and head of William Fry’s Competition & Regulation Department, specialising in EU and Irish competition, merger control and public procurement rules. He advises on the compatibility of business arrangements with EU and Irish competition laws and has represented clients in antitrust investigations by both the European Commission and the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission or CCPC (formerly the Competition Authority) and in proceedings before the European and Irish courts. Cormac has also secured EU and/or Irish regulatory approval regarding many high-profile corporate transactions. He also advises both public bodies and disappointed bidders regarding challenges to contract decisions under EU/Irish public procurement rules. Cormac also has a broader regulatory focus. He advises clients on complying with anti-money laundering rules and on 'white-collar' crime issues. Cormac is listed in Band 1 in Chambers Europe 2017 and is listed as a Leading Individual by the Legal 500 EMEA 2017.
Recent significant work include advising:
- DCC plc on the sale of Fannin Compounding to Baxter Healthcare. This transaction was cleared by the CCPC using the 'failing firm' defence.
- Uniphar, a major Irish pharmaceutical wholesaler, on the acquisition of its rival, Cahill May Roberts. This '3 to 2' merger was unconditionally cleared by the CCPC following a Phase II investigation
- Aughinish Alumina in its ongoing challenge to a European Commission State and decision. Cormac pleaded Aughinish's case before the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the EU
Cormac was awarded 'Irish Competition & Antitrust Lawyer of the Year' by the Client Choice Awards 2016.
According to Chambers Europe 2017, respected practitioner Cormac Little offers a "good balance of experience and practical advice" on a variety of EU and competition matters, including merger control and public procurement. Clients describe him as "a very likeable and calm-inducing lawyer." In Legal 500 EMEA 2017 under EU Competition, Cormac is described as ‘very knowledgeable and has a good relationship with the regulatory authorities’ and as ‘ultra-reliable’ in the Telecoms sector.
Cormac is listed in Best Lawyers 2018 under 'The Best Lawyers in Ireland' for work in Competition Law.
In Chambers Europe 2016 it's stated that Cormac "really engages with clients". Interviewees describe him as "lightning quick, and able to comprehend complex issues right away, showing that he is committed to our situation."
Cormac is ‘a recognised expert in the field’ according to Legal 500 EMEA, 2015 while Chambers Europe, 2015 describe him as "very knowledgeable, experienced and well respected" in Irish competition law.
According to Chambers & Partners 2014, Department head Cormac Little has recently been representing ASICS in the defence of an abuse of dominance allegation brought by Heatons. "In merger cases, you feel sure he will handle the case very well," say clients.
Cormac Little is 'great at dealing with clients and other firms – it is a real pleasure to work with him,' says a source of Chambers Europe, 2013.
According to Legal 500 EMEA, 2013, Cormac ‘consistently gives precise and business-savvy advice’.
Cormac is listed in Global Competition Review's 'International Who's Who of Competition Lawyers and Economists 2014'.
