De Brauw has represented beer brewer Grolsch in its successful appeal against the EUR 31.66 million fine which was imposed by the European Commission because of Grolsch's alleged participation in a cartel between Dutch brewers.

On 15 September 2011, the General Court annulled the imposed fine, ruling that the evidence available to the Commission was not sufficient to establish the direct participation of Grolsch in the alleged cartel. As the European Commission had also failed to explain its reasons for attributing to Grolsch the alleged conduct of its subsidiary, the Court annulled the Commission's decision where it concerned Grolsch.

Team: Mark Biesheuvel, Jolling de Pree