Brussels (March 1, 2011) - Morrison & Foerster LLP, a leading international law firm, announced today that Tom McQuail has joined the firm's Brussels office as a partner in the Antitrust & Competition Law Practice. Tom is an experienced merger control counselor, who also has extensive experience in distribution issues and cartel matters. He has substantial expertise and is a thought-leader in European antitrust litigation. Tom's experience covers a range of industries, including chemicals, consumer electronics and other goods, energy, food and drink, forest products, insurance, oilfield services, packaging, pharmaceuticals, software, steel, and telecommunications.

According to Stephen Smith, co-chair of Morrison & Foerster's global Antitrust & Competition Law Practice, the addition of an experienced competition partner in Europe comes at a perfect time. "The level of antitrust enforcement in Europe is at a historic high. Cartel enforcement continues at a very fast pace, M&A- related antitrust work has increased, and private antitrust litigation is taking off in Europe," said Smith. "The addition of Tom adds depth to our practice in Brussels, complements our existing cartel expertise, and will strengthen our merger control practice, an important area of growth for the firm."

Rony Gerrits, managing partner of Morrison & Foerster's Brussels office, said, "Tom is a well-recognized and highly respected lawyer in antitrust circles in the European Union and the United Kingdom and has handled a number of high profile cases. His skill set and experience will be a tremendous value-add to our clients throughout the EU, UK, the United States and Asia."

Tom added, "This is an exciting time to be an antitrust lawyer, especially in Europe. Morrison & Foerster has a stellar reputation and a robust international platform. I look forward to joining my new colleagues, helping to expand the practice, and working closely with the firm's corporate and litigation practices."

Mr. McQuail joins from Howrey LLP. He graduated from Pembroke College, Oxford in 1988 (Bachelor of Jurisprudence) and qualified as an English solicitor in 1992.