The Legal 500

Andrékó Kinstellar advises large international and local domestic corporates on transactional tax matters, with a particular focus on capital markets and M&A. The team advised Eaton Corporation on the domestic tax issues pertaining to its $11.8bn acquisition of Cooper Industries, and also OTP Bank on the tax implications of its Eurobonds programme. Other clients include MOL, HSBC and Aviva. Team head Gábor Antal provides ‘detailed analysis’ of complex cases, and is ‘very professional’.

CMS’ sizeable group ‘quickly grasps the essence of the case’, and is increasingly busy with cross-border restructurings. The firm has expertise in VAT and transfer pricing, and recently advised an airline on excise tax. Gabriella Ormai heads the team, which includes the ‘proactive’ and ‘creative’ Tamás Fehér, who ‘really seems to thrive in tax disputes’.

Tax boutique Jalsovszky Law Firm has a ‘well-organised’ and ‘efficient’ team that has experienced an increase in tax litigation instructions from US clients, often concerning transfer pricing. It acted for Syngenta on a contentious transfer pricing matter, and advised Nanoform and Contraste on their respective restructurings. Team head Pál Jalsovszky has ‘an independent drive to find solutions with input from clients’. Mihály Harcos has ‘deep knowledge’ and the ability to ‘work comfortably on international tax matters’.

Gergely Riszter is ‘a good adviser’ who leads Kajtár Takács Hegymegi-Barakonyi Baker & McKenzie’s two-lawyer tax practice, which advises on tax structuring and disputes before the Hungarian Tax Authority. Riszter recently represented a European property investor in a corporate income tax dispute, and advised Givaudan International on VAT issues relating to the implementation of a global supply chain structure.

Highly recommended tax adviser István Keményfy is the key contact at Lakatos, Köves and Partners. He provides transactional support on cross-border investments, M&A and the disposal of interests in Hungarian property and businesses. The team assisted Avestus Capital with dividing up its real property portfolio, and advised a US commodity sector client on VAT relating to its operations in southeastern Europe.

Réczicza White & Case LLP’s ‘masterful’ practice focuses on transactional tax structuring and strategy. It recently advised Louis Delhaize Group on the tax aspects of the sale of seven hypermarkets to Groupe Auchan. ‘Experienced’ practice head Orsolya Bárdosi is appreciated for her ‘knowledge and flexibility’.

Faludi Wolf Theiss’ tax group operates in conjunction with its corporate offering, and specialises in international tax planning and structuring. Balázs Békés is ‘very experienced’, and has a background at a ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm. The team recently advised the Hungarian arm of a healthcare company on the transfer pricing implications of a proposed merger of its local operations.

Newly promoted local partner Eszter Kamocsay-Berta oversees the tax practice at Gide Loyrette Nouel, which regularly handles large audits for banks as well as advising on cross-border transactions. It recently represented a leading European vehicle manufacturer in tax litigation with the Hungarian Tax Authority at the Metropolitan Court. Lego is another key client.

Horváth & Partners DLA Piper continues to advise clients on general tax compliance, the VAT aspects of M&A, and transfer pricing. Counsel Ákos Becher represented Vienna Capital Partners in a withholding tax recovery dispute at the Supreme Court. Levente Torma heads the team.

Nagy és Trócsányi Ügyvédi Iroda ’s tax practice leverages the firm’s strengths in litigation, and focuses on representing clients in disputes with the Hungarian Tax Authority. Orsolya Kovács advised KPMG on tax litigation, and the team represented Euronics in an investigation into VAT and chain sales.