GE Hires Prime Minister’s Wife

General Electric Co. lost the first battle when the European Union blocked its bid for Honeywell International. But the company is still pulling out the big guns.

Among the international cast of lawyers listed on the appeal filed by GE last month is Cherie Booth, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, according to people who have seen it but spoke on condition of anonymity.

Booth, although highly respected, is not known as an antitrust lawyer. She made her reputation in employment law and even took her husband’s government to court over the issue of parental leave. Last year, she joined a new firm, Matrix, which specializes in human rights.

Her secretary said Booth could not comment because of client confidentiality. A GE spokeswoman did not immediately return a request for comment.