Firms To Watch: Tax

PETERKA & PARTNERS provides a broad array of day to day tax advice for its clients, with Rostislav Frelich offering expertise in corporate and personal tax with an emphasis on indirect and international taxation.

Tax in Czech Republic

Allen & Overy

Allen & Overy‘s team is ‘exceptionally qualified in advising clients in tax matters, especially transaction taxation and VAT matters.’ It is notably active in corporate taxation matters, particularly those involving the financial sector, where it provides innovative solutions to its global client base. In addition to acting for financial institutions, the team’s client roster also includes multinationals, leading Czech corporates and private equity funds. The practice is jointly led by Michal Dušek and Radek Novotný, who have expertise in indirect taxation and corporate tax advisory work. Prokop Verner is another key individual, known for his work on the tax aspects of insolvency.

Practice head(s):

Michal Dušek; Radek Novotný

Other key lawyers:

Prokop Verner

Testimonials

‘The tax department of Allen & Overy in Prague is exceptionally qualified in advising clients in tax matters, especially transaction taxation and VAT matters. The tax knowledge of Michal Dusek is one of the best on the market and has great added value to any case he works on.’

‘Michal Dusek is one of the smartest and most hard-working tax advisers in the Czech market. He can advise clients on the most sophisticated tax matters with ease and wit. He has exceptional knowledge of VAT legislation at both Czech and European level. In addition to his excellent knowledge of the legislation, he has also broad knowledge of case law of the CJEU and national courts which is very rare for tax advisors in the Czech Republic. Last but not least, he is co-author of the most renowned commentary on the Czech VAT Act.  Radek Novotný is also a very renowned specialist in the field of tax law.’

‘Great and incredible in-depth knowledge of tax matters, both local and international.’

‘Great analytical skills.’

Key clients

ING Bank N.V.

Komerční banka, a.s.

J&T IB and Capital Markets, a.s.

Memsource

Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych PZU Spółka Akcyjna

 

Work highlights

  • Advised Komerční banka on the tax aspects of the establishment of its first €5bn international mortgage covered bond programme.
  • Advised Fortuna Entertainment Group N.V. and its subsidiaries on the tax aspects of the Group’s comprehensive refinancing.
  • Advised Memsource on the tax aspects of disposal of its majority stake to global investment firm Carlyle Group.

Baker & McKenzie s.r.o., advokátní kancelář

Baker & McKenzie s.r.o., advokátní kancelář has a broad tax practice, which encompasses advice on tax planning, indirect taxation and customs duties, as well as transactions. It also handles contentious tax matters for clients, including audits and litigation. Clients include companies from the technology, professional services, pharmaceuticals, media and energy sectors. The practice is led by Eliška Komínková, who is knowledgeable about Czech and European tax regulations.

Practice head(s):

Eliška Komínková

Testimonials

‘Working with Baker & McKenzie gives you the assurance that you can reach the right professional for the particular legal or tax issue. We co-operated with Baker & McKenzie for a long time and we were satisfied with their work all the time.’

‘Our primary contact within Baker & McKenzie is Eliska Kominkova, who is an expert in the tax area. She utilises her expertise in delivering practical solutions for tax issues.’

‘We cooperate with this prestigious law office for a long time. We appreciate the willingness to cooperate and propose solutions to various clients cases. We are very satisfied with the client’s approach and practical solutions to the involvement in an international network and the possibility of cross-border cooperation regardless matter of nationality.’

‘We are very satisfied with the technical knowledge of all cooperating experts.’

Key clients

Astute, Inc. / Audax Private Equity

Baxter Group

Energetický a Průmyslový Holding / EP Infrastructure

General Dynamics

Illinois Tool Works

KSM Investment / Kofola

Laird Technologies Inc.

Mastercard

Moulins de Kleinbettingen

Sony Europe

Tesla International B.V.

VF Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised Astute, Inc. on the tax aspects of the acquisition of Socialbakers a.s.
  • Advising Apollo Global Management on its €500m investment into Sazka Entertainment.
  • Advising Colt Holding Co LLC in relation to the Czech law aspects of the acquisition of Colt by Česká zbrojovka Group SE.

Kocián Šolc Balaštík

Kocián Šolc Balaštík is known for its advice to corporate clients on the cross-border tax aspects of multijurisdictional holding structures, as well as business restructurings, M&A and private equity investments, among other matters. It also handles personal tax structuring for high-net-worth individuals. Also notable is that contentious tax work is another mainstay of the practice. Helena Navrátilová and Jan Černohouz co-head the team. Associate Simona Hornochova advises on customs matters.

Practice head(s):

Helena Navrátilová; Jan Černohouz

Other key lawyers:

Simona Hornochova

Testimonials

‘Approach to clients – they answer the questions and do not give 100 disclaimers.’

‘They have really good knowledge and know what is going in the business.’

Key clients

Rockaway Group of companies

Avast Software s.r.o.

Ronaldsay BV

Česká televize

IHI Towers s.r.o.

YIT Stavo s.r.o.

Mattoni 1873, a.s.

Infinite Computer Solutions Inc.

Zynter Inc

BonelliErede Milano

Trentop Investments BV

LABORATOIRES URGO HEALTHCARE S.A.S.

Somecs Institute a.s.

REMA Systém a.s.

Logpay Trasport Services GmbH

Dalacy B.V.

O2 Czech Republic a.s.

Krofian CZ spol. s r.o.

Bríza & Trubac

Bríza & Trubac is known for its strengths in tax litigation, and it has a strong track record acting for clients in front of the administrative courts. The team also advises clients on tax investigations, as well as acriminal law matters, offering both advocacy and liability mitigation services. Ondřej Trubač, Tomáš Hokr and Patrik Koželuha co-head the practice. Trubač is described by one client as ‘the best tax lawyer in the Czech Republic’.

Practice head(s):

Ondřej Trubač; Tomáš Hokr; Patrik Koželuha

Testimonials

‘Not just legal approach but also understanding the business. Simple and practical advice, very fast, 100% reliable.’

‘Ondrej Trubac – for me the best tax lawyer in the Czech Republic.’

‘Tax law or tax litigation (i.e. the client vs. financial authorities) is still a relatively rare field of practice in the Czech Republic, since most attorneys with economic background focus on mergers/acquisitions or insolvency, and many entrepreneurs think twice before starting litigation against financial authorities. In this regard, BT offers very professional approach and know-how, and are often able to deliver good results.’

‘Informal and open-minded approach combined with very professional know-how.’

‘The practice has a unique approach to clients and they provide legal services with a great understanding of the practical side of our activities. They are not just problem solvers, they help us to move our projects forward.’

‘Ondrej Trubac has unrivaled knowledge of tax law and great understanding of the world of business. Patrik Koželuha is extremely bright and kind, and he is able to give simple and effective advice on complex issues.’

‘The team of Briza & Trubac excels over other law firms in many ways. We may always rely on their expertise. The founding partners of the company are experienced lawyers with many years of practice, and, at the same time, they have good theoretical knowledge. The other members of the team also demonstrate the same qualities. The law firm has a very good client approach, as well as corporate identity.’ 

‘We cooperated with many members of their team. Every time, we have been very content with the quality of their services. The founding partners  are very experienced, have exceptional strategic thinking and outstanding communication skills. Senior advisers – we have cooperated with partners Mr. Tomas Hokr, and Mr. Patrik Kozeluha proved us their great knowledge of the law and enthusiasm for work.’

Key clients

Coca-Cola HBC Česko a Slovensko, s.r.o.

APOGEO, s.r.o.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance‘s ‘key strength is the unique combination of international tax and legal knowledge’, with the firm able to advise large corporates on a myriad of taxation concerns. Restructurings are a key area of strength for the firm, alongside its overall transactional and tax planning practice. The team is also able to advise clients on the tax aspects of debt and equity financing, with Petr Šebesta particularly regarded for this work. The practice is led by David Koláček, who has almost 30 years of experience in the Czech legal market.

Practice head(s):

David Koláček

Other key lawyers:

Petr Šebesta

Testimonials

‘The key strength is the unique combination of international tax and legal knowledge.’

‘Petr Šebesta- senior counsel, experienced in M&A and energy sector.’

Key clients

Sev.en Energy Goup

Volkswagen AG

LG International

TCCM

CPI Property Group

J & T Banka

KPMG Česká republika

Heimstaden Bostad AB

Pfizer

CBRE Global Investors

AXA

Work highlights

  • Advising on tax structuring of Sev.en Energy group’s cross-border expansion.
  • Advising Heimstaden Bostad AB on tax structuring of acquisition of the RESIDOMO.
  • Advising the AXA Group on tax aspects in the signing of the €1bn agreement with the UNIQA Insurance Group.

Deloitte Legal s.r.o., advokátní kancelář

Deloitte Legal s.r.o., advokátní kancelář demonstrates particularly strong capabilities in tax litigation and tax administration. Its team recently successfully represented clients in a number of cases heard at the highest court in the Czech Republic. It is also able to provide transactional and compliance support. Jan Spáčil and Jiřina Procházková co-head the team, focusing on commercial matters and disputes respectively. Also recommended is associate Tomáš Klabouch, who focuses on VAT fraud matters.

Practice head(s):

Jan Spáčil; Jiřina Procházková

Other key lawyers:

Tomáš Klabouch

Testimonials

‘Wide professional scope, deep knowledge of practice, pro-client approach (both Jirina Procházková and Tomáš Klabouch).’

Key clients

Showmax s.r.o.

Mavel, a.s.

Bammer Trade a.s.

CASPER UNION s.r.o.

Fosfa a.s.

Podravka – Lagris a.s.

ROBEX DK, s.r.o.

Allianz pojišťovna, a.s.

SATPO Project I, s.r.o.

Grundfos Sales Czechia and Slovakia s.r.o.

CarTec Ostrava s.r.o.

Work highlights

  • Represented Bammer Trade a.s. in tax and subsequent judicial proceedings concerning a very specialized area of transportation tax law.
  • Represented CarTec Ostrava in a tax litigation dispute regarding the VAT deduction in front of the Supreme Administrative Court.
  • Represented CASPER UNION in proceedings before the Supreme Administrative Court regarding the tax-deductibility of receivables.

KempHoogstad

Boutique tax firm KempHoogstad advises on transactional and compliance matters for clients such as high-net-worth individuals, domestic corporates and investment funds. The team is also known for working with other law firms, giving tax advice on pan-European matters. Bohdana Pražská and Filip Dostál co-head the practice. According to a client, Pražská’s advice is ‘always first-class'. Associate Veronika Reková is also highly regarded.

Practice head(s):

Bohdana Pražská; Filip Dostál

Other key lawyers:

Veronika Reková

Testimonials

‘Great services for a reasonable price. Small firm but capable of advising on complicated matters.’

‘Bohdana Pražská and Filip Dostál are top-quality tax advisers. They are capable of providing you with quick answers and they have a practical approach all the time.’

‘This practice is diligent and proactive. Gives a personal service and offers sound advice.’

‘We have already been cooperating with KempHoogstad for some time. They are very industrious, with a strong hands-on mentality. The team is professional and a pleasure to work with. They are always keen on implementing pragmatic solutions where necessary. They know their business and current trends and they provide the highest quality client service.’

‘We should mention our collaboration with Bohdana Pražská. Her quality of tax advice is always first-class.’

‘KempHoogstad has excellent and longlasting experience stemming from its many years of working with a number of tier 1 and tier 2 law firms based in Prague (both international and local/regional) and their clients. They are very flexible (unlike the Big4), available and business-oriented while the core team stays very stable over the years. We (and our clients) appreciate their structured approach, clear guidance and professional judgement. The firm is managed by one of its founders, Ms Bohdana Prazska and she offers very flexible working arrangements to her team which allows for the involvement of many “working mothers”.’

‘Filip Dostál, Bohdana Pražská and Veronika Reková have been trained in magic circle law firms. They all are professionals, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them to any of my clients. They do a great job (just as any big tax firm), and what is more important, they are very fee flexible about what my clients value. Although smaller in number, you may rely on them 100%.’

Key clients

Kinstellar Prague and Bratislava

Linklaters in Europe

Squire Patton Boggs

SAS Autosystemtechnik, s.r.o.

Time Air, s.r.o.

Air Hadida, s.r.o.

Air JFA, s.r.o.

HSTN Holding s.r.o.

LOGEX Solution Center s.r.o.

ITR Service Ltd

JŠK Law firm

Y & T Luxury Property Prague

UNIC DSI executive s.r.o.

Davcor Group

European Musical Imports

ZSE Energia a.s.

Wealthy individuals

Taylor Wessing

FM Logistic

Work highlights

  • Providing continuous tax advice on HSTN Holding’s real estate portfolio
  • Advised Kinstellar’s clients on various acquisitions and projects.
  • Advised Index Ventures in relation to acquisition of participation in a Czech retail company.

PRK Partners

PRK Partners' ‘highly experienced and professional’ team provides tailor-made tax advice to clients in a number of sectors. Its transactional tax offering is notably well regarded, with a particular emphasis on handling multijurisdictional matters and acting on behalf of privately held corporations. Associates Jan Bürger and Martin Švalbach jointly lead the team. Švalbach advises on acquisitions and corporate reorganisations. Bürger has ‘deep knowledge of tax law and of the business environment.’ Miriam Galandová in Bratislava is a key name for advice on Slovak matters.

Practice head(s):

Jan Bürger; Martin Švalbach

Other key lawyers:

Miriam Galandová

Testimonials

‘I see the tax advisory team as highly experienced and professional. I appreciate the practical approach and its application to real business situations. I have not come across any situation in which I would believe there are any weak points in the team or their advice. I believe PRK Partners are one of the top firms on the market. Even though PRK Partners is a large law firm, they have a personal relationship with their clients and care about the success of our projects.’

‘On tax matters, we work mostly with Mr Jan Burger, a tax adviser. I appreciate his deep knowledge of tax law and of the business environment. He always provides us with a viable practical solution and is able to clearly explain the theory behind it if we wish.’

Key clients

RSJ Investments investiční společnost a.s.

SG Equipment Finance Czech Republic s.r.o.

SATPO management, s.r.o.

B&B Hotels

Akcenta Group

Allimand SA

Gondrand

Work highlights

  • Advising RSJ Investments on legal and tax implications of investments/divestments into various projects.
  • Advised B&B Hotels on the tax and legal aspects of disinvestment in real estate project.
  • Advising Allimand SA on the Czech VAT, corporate income tax and customs aspects of its business.

Weinhold Legal

Weinhold Legal handles a mix of day-to-day tax advice and disputes, as well as the tax aspects of large-scale (often cross-border) corporate transactions. Daniel Weinhold heads up the tax disputes department. Martin Lukáš is also recommended for his dispute resolution expertise, with experience of both litigation and arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Weinhold

Other key lawyers:

Martin Lukáš

bnt attorneys-at-law

Offering ‘an individual approach to each customer’, bnt attorneys-at-law‘s fully integrated tax practice provides legal advice and financial accounting services. The team is uniquely oriented towards the German market, with it acting for a number of German multinational clients. The team also has experience of tax audits and acts for clients in matters before the Czech tax authorities. Markéta Pravdová leads the team.

Practice head(s):

Markéta Pravdová

Testimonials

‘Bnt applies an individual approach to each customer. As a client, I always receive 100% advice, the office staff always makes time for me.’

‘I work a lot with partner Mrs Markéta Pravdová. I always feel maximum concentration on the problem, an effort to find the optimal solution, a personal approach. But the other employees of the office are always extremely helpful and professional.’

Key clients

CHEM-TREND

EAGLEBURGMANN

Trigema a.s.

Interma Byty a.s.

RSJ Investments

GERMAN PENSION FUND REPRESENTED BY ZEITGEIST ASSET MANAGEMENT

CESTA DOMŮ

ČESKÁ EUV COMMERCIAL, ENGEL & VÖLKERS

HABA CZ

LKY LOGISTIC CZ

MEKTEC EUROPE

PROTIPOŽÁRNÍ BEZPEČNOSTNÍ SYSTÉMY

SINIT KUNSTSTOFFWERK LOUNY

SCHOLZ RECYCLING GmbH & Co. KG

DOROTHEUM spol. s r. o.

Work highlights

  • Providing cross-border tax advice to CHEM-TREND.
  • Advising EagleBurgmann Czech on its corporate income tax return.

Dentons

Dentons‘ Prague office provides a full range of tax services to clients, with its work covering compliance, tax planning and disputes. The team is particularly known for its work in the energy sector, advising on complex litigation matters. It is also well connected with the firm’s corporate and finance practices, and provides related support. Practice head Petr Kotáb, who focuses on transactional matters, has a strong profile among international clients.

Practice head(s):

Petr Kotáb

Testimonials

‘Petr Kotab is an extraordinary adviser with whom I like cooperating.’

‘Combination of law and tax is unique at Dentons Prague.’

Key clients

Sev.en EC, a.s

Veolia Energie ČR, and Veolia Energie Kolín

BPD

Work highlights

  • Representing Veolia in disputes concerning the reimbursement of illegal gift tax on emission allowances.
  • Advising arranger and dealers on update of the EMTN programme of an issuer operating in the energy sector.

KPMG in Czech Republic

KPMG in Czech Republic's team has ‘excellent knowledge of technical tax issues’, and is highlighted for its strong capabilities handling dispute resolution and advisory work for clients. On the contentious side, the group is active in investigations and tax litigation; Petr Toman specialises in this area, and also handles tax planning work for multinational clients. Managing partner Radek Halíček leads the team.

Practice head(s):

Radek Halíček

Other key lawyers:

Petr Toman

Testimonials

‘KPMG team provides excellent service thanks to the great people they employ, with excellent knowledge of technical tax issues and great co-operation within the team. They also have a good knowledge and understanding of our situation and our needs, thanks to long-term cooperation.’

‘Professional approach and wide range of tax knowledge.’

‘Petr Toman – great lead and excellent support.’

 

Key clients

Global Tungsten & Powders spol. s r.o.

ADM Olomouc s.r.o.

EP Energy Trading, a. s.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal s.r.o., advokátní kancelář

The tax controversy and disputes team at PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal, s.r.o. has recently handled cases involving the denial of VAT input deductions, transfer pricing and tax deductibility. Clients include domestic corporates, as well as Czech branches of multinationals. Radek Buršík, who leads the team, has expertise in criminal, commercial and administrative tax law. Senior associate Zuzana Hájková is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Radek Buršík

Other key lawyers:

Zuzana Hájková

ROWAN LEGAL

ROWAN LEGAL has a ‘compact team with appropriate depth’, which provides support to domestic and international clients on cross-border transactions involving complex legal and tax issues. It generates work from clients such as family businesses, start-ups, private equity firms and global corporates. In addition to undertaking non-contentious work, the group also represents clients in tax litigation. Team head Martin Šubrt is key on M&A matters. Vladimir Hejduk is known for his ‘great tax & structuring knowledge’. 

Practice head(s):

Martin Šubrt

Other key lawyers:

Vladimir Hejduk

Testimonials

‘Well balanced.’

‘Vladimir Hejduk – exceptional negotiator with vast experience, very creative in tailor-made client solutions.’

‘Compact team with appropriate depth. Reasonable billing.’

‘Vladimir Hejduk is the best tax man in the city. He has great tax and structuring knowledge, but he is also an incredible negotiator who will defend your interests and persuade the counterparty to apply your solution. He is creative and able to react “on  spot”. Best value for money you can even think about. He is also able to handle most complex deal structuring, including international elements.’

Key clients

CENTRAL EUROPE INDUSTRY PARTNERS

ELCOM INDUSTRY PARTNERS

PrimeFUND SICAV

Oriens

Superface

HEUREKA Group

Jan Bednář / ShipMonk

HCP medipro

Work highlights

  • Provided tax structuring advice to Superface s.r.o.
  • Assessed the impact of a planned new digital tax on HEUREKA Group’s activities.
  • Provided HCP medipro with comprehensive tax support in connection with intra-group reorganization.