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“Sarah Ward is a delight to work with. She is a strong lawyer with years of experience who has fantastic working knowledge of merger control and FDI. She is our go-to for advice in these areas.”

Client quote

Sarah is a Partner in our Competition and Foreign Investment team. With over two decades of experience, she advises clients on all aspects of UK and EU competition law, merger control, foreign direct investment (FDI), and subsidy control. Sarah’s practice spans domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters, with particular strength in the food & drink, retail and defence sectors. She is known for translating complex legal and economic concepts into practical, commercial advice that aligns with her clients’ strategic goals.

Sarah works closely with household names, large corporates and private equity firms, as well as leading law firms in London and internationally. She frequently receives instructions from foreign law firms and helps develop and maintain relationships with such firms as a member of Walker Morris’ International Committee.

Memberships/professional associations:

  • International Bar Association (IBA)

Awards:

  • Ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers UK
  • The only UK lawyer recommended outside London for Competition Law in Chambers & Partners Global Guide 2025
Sarah specialises in:
Competition, International, Food & Drink, Manufacturing, Private Equity
Cases

Extensive in-house experience through secondments at De Beers, Unilever, Tesco and Royal Mail.

Representing a Manchester-based property developer in one of the first subsidy control challenges brought before the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

Advised Trina Solar on the NSIA review of its acquisition of a 50% stake in the Bicker Fen energy project, which resulted in a call-in by the Secretary of State and a Final Order - one of only ten imposed in 2024.

Advising Hovis on the CMA's Phase 2 investigation into its proposed acquisition by Associated British Foods plc, which produces bakery products under the Kingsmill, Sunblest and Allinson's brands.

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