Ian Small

"Ian provides first-class economic analysis. He is creative and co-operative." (2024)

Dr. Ian Small is a Senior Vice President at Compass Lexecon, based in London.

He has worked as a professional competition economist for over 20 years, and has a broad experience advising clients on mergers, abuse of dominance, competition litigation and damages assessment in the UK and EU, and market inquires in the UK. He specialises in applying econometric and quantitative empirical techniques in these cases.

Ian has experience across a wide range of sectors, including digital platforms, chemicals, manufacturing, FMCG, airlines, retailing, finance and distribution.

Anticompetitive conduct cases that he has advised on include the European Commission’s and ACM’s investigations into Apple’s App Store practices, and the European Commission’s investigation into the Amazon Marketplace and Merchant Interchange Fees.

Competition litigation cases that Ian has been involved include the follow-on Power Cable, Sugar, Merchant Interchange Fee and Air Cargo damages cases.

His merger experience includes numerous cases before the European Commission, such as Andromeda/Nireus/Selonda, Rexam/Ball and INEOS/Solvay, and at the UK CMA including Sainsbury’s/Asda, Celesio/Sainsbury’s and OUP/Nelson.

Prior to joining Compass Lexecon in 2019, Ian worked for another leading economic consultancy. He has a Ph.D. in Economics from Queen Mary College, University of London, an M.Sc. in Economics from Queen Mary College, University of London, and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Manchester.

"He is very knowledgeable and able to explain complex econometric theories in simple terms." (2024)

"Creative, to the point, and great responsiveness." (2024)

"Excellent analytical skills and experience in survey design." (2024)

"He is able to quickly assess complex questions of econometric theories in relation to merger control cases." (2024)

"He had a reputation as one of the best in London, and I have found this to be true." (2023)

"Absolutely market leading, he knows the digital sector like the back of his hand." (2023)

"He provides timely advice, deep knowledge, thorough understanding of the market and customer centric approach." (2023)

"Very good to have onside, easy to deal with." (2023)