21 November 2008

The senior director of mergers at the Office of Fair Trading has left the body to join a private practice, it has emerged.

Simon Pritchard is to become a partner in Allen & Overy's antitrust practice when he takes up his new role early next year.

Head of the firm's London antitrust group Mark Friend said he was "convinced" that Mr Pritchard will "make a great contribution" to the practice.

"He has seen the merger control process from both sides of the table and brings a unique insight into how competition authorities think about their cases," Mr Friend explained.

Mr Pritchard noted than he wanted to work for a firm "that stands for excellence, integrity and collegiality" on his return to private practice.

The firm recently launched a new challenge for those looking for graduate law jobs, offering a £1,500 prize in its A&O Game On competition, which consists of five modules.