Overview
(March 27, 2026, Washington, DC) — Steptoe has been recognized by Global Competition Review’s (GCR) 2026 GCR Awards with two honors, "Merger Control Matter of the Year – Europe" and "Litigation of the Year – Cartel Defence." The GCR Awards recognize the world's leading lawyers, economists, and enforcers and the most significant cases from 2025.
Merger Control Matter of the Year – Europe
- Steptoe's antitrust team was recognized for representing American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) in the international antitrust review of its acquisition of CWT (Carlson Wagonlit Travel). This acquisition is the largest in the business travel services market's history. The Steptoe team representing Amex GBT was led by Michael Weiner, and included partners Lee Berger and Ronan Scanlan, and associates Weisiyu Jiang, Travis West, Rachel Carlo [former], Andrew Magloughlin, Madi Carr [former], and Peyton Thomas.
Litigation of the Year – Cartel Defence
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Steptoe was honored with the Litigation of the Year – Cartel Defence award, shared with several other firms, for its role in defending four major railways in the long‑running In re: Rail Freight Fuel Surcharge Antitrust Litigation. Steptoe represented BNSF in the matter, which was recognized by GCR for its sophisticated defense strategy and effective handling of complex cartel allegations in one of the most consequential antitrust cases in the transportation sector. The team was led by Linda Stein, and included partner Molly Bruder Fox, and associates Tara Woods and Lauren Goldschmidt.
Read more at Global Competition Review (subscription required).
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
