François-Xavier Awatar, Economic Law

François-Xavier Awatar is a Partner in Osborne Clarke’s Economic Law team. He advises French and international corporations, distribution networks, investors and private equity funds on the full spectrum of economic law matters, both in advisory work and complex litigation. His practice focuses primarily on competition law, distribution law, franchise law, commercial contracts and high-stakes commercial disputes.

Recognised as one of France’s leading franchise lawyers, François-Xavier also has extensive experience in strategic competition law matters, including anticompetitive practices, vertical restraints, abuse of dominance, economic dependency, merger control (including in the context of distressed acquisitions), as well as public and private enforcement litigation and follow-on damages actions.

He advises clients throughout every stage of their development, from the structuring and expansion of distribution and franchise networks to international expansion strategies, commercial contract negotiations and economic law due diligence in domestic and cross-border M&A and private equity transactions. He also represents clients in complex disputes before commercial and civil courts, arbitral tribunals and competition authorities.

His clients include major French and international corporations, franchise and distribution networks, manufacturers, service companies, investors and private equity funds, particularly in the retail, consumer goods, hospitality, sport, healthcare, real estate and services sectors.

Deeply involved in the development of economic law, François-Xavier is a regular speaker at national and international conferences and frequently publishes on developments in competition, distribution and franchise law. He is a member of the Scientific Committee of Concurrences and serves as an expert for the French Franchise Federation (Fédération Française de la Franchise). In 2025, he was named International Economic Law Lawyer of the Year.

Clients value François-Xavier for his pragmatic approach, responsiveness and ability to combine technical legal expertise with strategic commercial insight. Convinced that legal advice should be a driver of business value, he works closely with clients to anticipate risks, identify opportunities and deliver practical, commercially focused solutions.

François-Xavier is probably the most responsive lawyer I have ever worked with. No matter the time zone or the complexity of the issue, I know I will receive clear, practical advice when I need it most.

US General Counsel – International Consumer & Retail Group
 

 

Helping you succeed in tomorrow's world 

What I enjoy most about my work is helping business leaders navigate their most strategic decisions. Beyond providing legal expertise, I believe it is essential to understand my clients’ businesses, their markets and their ambitions in order to deliver practical, commercially focused advice that creates real value. I am convinced that trust, close relationships and genuine collaboration are the foundations of the strongest and most enduring professional partnerships.