“Sanna Orkan is unparalleled in her knowledge of competition law. She is extremely knowledgeable as well as business-oriented in her advice, and it is always a pleasure to work with her”
Biography
Sanna Orkan is Counsel in the Antitrust and Competition practice in the Madrid office at White & Case.
Sanna began her career in 2000 by serving at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Following an assignment at the Swedish Consulate in San Diego, USA, in 2001 she was appointed Desk Officer at the Foreign Ministry's Americas Department, handling Sweden's bilateral relations with several Latin American countries. During this period, Sanna also acted as one of Sweden's delegates at the Committee of Permanent Representatives in the EU.
Sanna has been extensively involved in some of the most high-profile Spanish antitrust legal cases in recent years. Noteworthy achievements include her participation in the successful representation of Fintonic, a prominent Spanish fintech/technology firm, in an appeal against the CNMC's decision to close an unfair competition/antitrust complaint, marking the first antitrust court appeal of this kind against a financial institution in Spain. Sanna was also part of the team handling a groundbreaking unfair competition lawsuit and two unfair competition/antitrust complaints against a leading international apparel and footwear corporation, also a first of its kind in Spain. Additionally, she was part of the team that defended Snap-on Incorporated's Spanish subsidiary in one of Spain's first follow-on antitrust collective actions, resulting in the client's dismissal from the lawsuit without any damages paid. Sanna is also involved in successfully assisting Snap-on Business Solutions in follow-on claims related to a cartel fined by the CNMC, with no damages granted by any court to date.
Described as a 'highly experienced in the area of antitrust and cartel investigations', Sanna wins praise for her 'total commitment to her clients and great reactivity' (Global Competition Review/Who's Who Legal). Her expertise and dedication to her field have earned her recognition as one of the leading antitrust/competition partners of her generation. Sanna is the first foreign female ever recommended by The Legal 500 for EU and competition law in Spain and has also been recognized by Global Competition Review (GCR) and Who's Who Legal.
Experience
Some representative examples of Sanna's M&A experience subject to merger control include advising:
Masdar, one of the world’s fastest growing renewable energy companies, before the Spanish Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) in the merger-control clearance process following its acquisition of the leading renewable energy firm Saeta Yield (Grupo Terp).
Avatel, a key player in the Spanish telecommunications sector, to conduct a comprehensive competition law analysis in the context of its acquisition by Inveready and Vaiia Kapital, codenamed "Project Pangea." This complex operation involved a thorough evaluation of the Spanish fixed broadband, telephony and pay-TV markets to assess potential merger control implications before the CNMC.
Corporación Acciona Energías Renovables, S.A., a leading Spanish renewable energy company, in the Spanish merger control filing for the sale of approximately 626 MW of 34 hydroelectric assets to Endesa Generación, S.A., a prominent Spanish energy company, for €1 billion.
Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) before the Spanish competition authority in the merger-control investigation following its acquisition of BASF’s Food and Health Performance Ingredients business.
Investindustrial before the Spanish competition authority in the merger-control clearance following its acquisition of a majority stake in Grupo Alacant, a leading Spanish ice cream manufacturer.
Waterland Private Equity (through CompanionCo) and Auren Partners in the notification of their strategic partnership to the CNMC.
Some representative examples of Sanna's experience in Cartel investigations and Court litigation include advising:
Snap-on Incorporated's wholly owned Spanish subsidiary SBS before the Spanish competition authority in Case No. S/0482/13, Car Manufacturers, and thereafter challenged the validity of the antitrust fine before the National Appeal Court and eventually, the Spanish Supreme Court*.
The leading winery González Byass before the Spanish competition authority in Case No. S/0091/08, Sherry Wines, and thereafter challenged the validity of the antitrust fine before the National High Court and eventually, the Spanish Supreme Court*.
Munters group before the Spanish competition authority in Case No. S/0423/12, Munters, and thereafter challenged the validity of the antitrust fine before the National High Court and eventually, the Spanish Supreme Court*.
Solidal and Quintas and Quintas before the Spanish competition authority in Case No. S/DC/0562/15, Low and Medium Voltage Cables, and thereafter challenged the validity of the antitrust fine before the National High Court*.
Some representative examples of Sanna's experience in other Antitrust assignments include advising:
Electrolux, a leading global home appliances company headquartered in Sweden, on all aspects of antitrust and competition law.
Snap-on in Spain, providing invaluable guidance on all aspects of antitrust and competition law. As the Spanish subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated — the renowned U.S. automotive components company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin — Snap-on Business Solutions plays a pivotal role in the Spanish automotive market.
The Spanish Cars and Trucks Manufacturers Association (ANFAC) on all aspects of antitrust and competition law. With a nuanced understanding of the complex regulatory frameworks governing the automotive sector, our team works closely with ANFAC to navigate legal challenges and foster a competitive environment that drives innovation and growth.
*Experience prior to joining White & Case
