The Legal 500

White & Case’s ‘dedicated tax team’ advises its domestic and international corporate and banking clients on various tax optimisation issues and structures. Aleš Zídek is advising AVAST Software on tax structuring in respect of its international expansion and Tomáš Hlavácek is providing tax advisory services to KBC Bank on a proposed share offering by Ceskoslovenská obchodní banka and its listing on the Prague Stock Exchange.

Allen & Overy advises foreign and domestic clients on tax aspects of M&A, financings, and real estate deals. It is advising Glencore Grain on tax structuring, transfer pricing, and VAT as part of a proposed asset purchase. It is also advising BNP Paribas Lease Group on tax aspects of a pre-sale restructuring of Fortis Lease Czech’s leasing portfolio and on related tax risk analysis. Associate Michal Dušek heads the team.

‘Second to none’, Baker & McKenzie, v.o.s., advokátní kancelár has in-depth knowledge of complex tax issues and has been busy advising clients in the telecoms and life sciences sectors. Associate Pavel Fekar heads the team, and is perceived to be ‘the “go-to” person for international tax issues in the Czech Republic’. He advised Abbott Laboratories on tax issues relating to the consolidation of Solvay Pharma s.r.o. with Abbott’s local subsidiary.

Konecná & Safár advises companies and individuals on direct and indirect taxation with a focus on tax optimisation of M&A and real estate projects. It also represents clients in tax disputes. David Stanek is recommended.

Noerr advised Papyrus Bohemia on cross-border issues relating to the withholding tax exemption under the EU Interest and Royalties Directive and successfully represented Fresenius Hemocare in an investment incentives tax relief audit. It also advised Saint Gobain Weber on tax aspects of the restructuring of its Czech business. It continues to advise Hannover Leasing. Dita Šulcová heads the Prague team.

Weinhold Legal, v.o.s.’s tax litigation practice represented a major financial institution in successful income tax litigation relating to creation of reserves in case of bankrupt debtors. Practice head Daniel Weinhold is regularly involved in significant matters before the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Administrative Court. Ondřej Havránek was promoted to partner.

BBH, advokatni kancelar, v.o.s. advises on tax matters through its affiliation with Fucík a Partneri and is well regarded for tax-efficient fund structuring.

bnt – pravda & partner, s.r.o. provides auditing, VAT and payroll services advice, and advised Kromberg & Schubert on double taxation issues. Markéta Pravdová is recommended.

bpv Braun Partners s.r.o. is advising S.A.G. Solarstrom on the tax structuring of inbound investment for photovoltaic power projects. It is also advising Vaillant Group on group restructuring, and acts for Deutscher Ring. Senior counsel Ian Rowbotham heads the group.

Clifford Chance advises on tax aspects of debt and equity financing, and M&A and real estate transactions, supporting the firm’s considerable banking and corporate practices. Petr Šebesta advised Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund on tax aspects of the CZK6.5bn acquisition of Ceské Radiokomunikace. David Kolácek heads the department.

Havel, Holásek & Partners s.r.o. provides ‘excellent legal and tax advice’, and finds ‘sophisticated and often innovative solutions to complicated matters’ concerning M&A or restructurings of subsidiaries. It advised Medicon on global tax restructuring, including advice on de-merger into two separate companies. David Neveselý, Marek Lošan, and senior associate Jan Krejsa have ‘excellent knowledge of Czech and international tax structuring’.

KempHoogstad, s.r.o. gives its clients ‘full attention and practical, no-nonsense advice’. It advises on tax structuring in real estate, capital markets, and M&A transactions as well as employment tax issues and compliance. It acted for Tri-Investment before the Czech financial authorities in the re-interpretation of the real estate transfer tax. It extensively advises Kinstellar s.r.o advokátní kancelár and its clients. Bohdana Pražská is recommended.

Kocián Solc Balastík advises on a wide range of tax issues, including international tax planning and litigation. It advised Michel Thierry Group companies on the tax treatment of shared costs of intra-group services. Helena Navrátilová shows ‘deep understanding of tax issues and good customer orientation’.

Peterka & Partners’ Magdaléna Vyškovská continues to provide tax and social security consulting services to Veolia Voda Group; and represented a Czech subsidiary in tax review and appellate proceedings. Associate Hana Skalická advised a Czech importer of gasoline on EU consumption tax.

Salans Europe LLP advises foreign corporations and individuals on tax optimisation and excise duties, including pre-acquisition restructuring or establishment in the jurisdiction. Petr Kotáb leads the team.

WTS Alfery s.r.o.’s clients are predominantly companies with foreign capital. The team provides consultancy and auditing services and tax compliance and litigation advice. Jana Alfery is recommended.