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Tax work is often handled by the major accountancy practices, but Johannesburg’s leading corporate firms also offer notable expertise.
Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs Inc has the largest tax team in South Africa including some of the most eminent names, Beric Croome and Peter Dachs. Its status as a leading corporate player contributes much to the firm’s tax capability, but it is still the go-to department for standalone revenue advice. On the contentious side, its role advising BP Southern Africa on two tax disputes with the South African Revenue Services indicate its prime status in the market.
Wally Horak leads Bowman Gilfillan’s tax team, which has also recently recruited Barry Garven from Deloitte. The team covers tax structuring, negotiating with the revenue and tax disputes to the level clients can expect from one of the country’s premier corporate firms. In 2008, the team advised on the tax implications of M&A, such as Standard Bank’s acquisition of 20% interest in Industrial and Commercial Bank of China; and also the tax implications of BEE deals for Cisco Services, and for Pretoria Portland Cement.
DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, recruited the eminent Emil Brincker from Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs Inc in 2008.
‘We have found the service to be extremely high quality and are very pleased to use them’ remarked one impressed corporate client.
In 2008, Ernie Lai King of Deneys Reitz Inc has been advising on the tax implications of the BEE restructuring of Holcim/Aveng, the tax aspects of a R1bn leasing agreement for South African Airways, as well as a tax dispute for Anglovaal in the Supreme Court of Appeal. The team has also been busy advising Eksom on various tax disputes, and also for Omnia Group; Sasol and Apple Computers. One client commented that ‘their service has always been excellent’.
Glyn Marais Inc’s name partner Richard Glyn is considered one of the country’s top tax experts, especially in relation to structured finance. A quality finance and transactional practice throws up complex tax issues for the likes of Absa Bank, NedBank, Investec and Growthpoint.
Webber Wentzel’s 13-strong team tax team is headed by Ian MacKenzie, formerly of Ernst & Young. 2008 highlights include advising Anglo American South Africa Limited on the tax aspects of the restructuring and introduction of BEE shareholders into Anglo Coal, and advising Naspers on its acquisition of shares in MNet and Supersport from Johnnic Communications Limited.
Ernest Mazansky heads Werksmans Attorneys’ tax practice. Mazansky is the former chair of the tax committee of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, and is particularly well thought of. Clients admire his ‘independent advice without trying to second guess the client’. In 2008, his work has included the tax implications of M&A and black economic empowerment deals, as well as international tax structuring.