As a tax-centric law firm, Flick Gocke Schaumburg is one of the leading addresses for national and international tax law, transfer pricing, criminal tax law and succession planning. This wide-ranging expertise is based on a large team of partners and frames the group's advice on restructuring, reorganisation and transactions – here, tax consultant and practice head Thomas Rödder is active among others – as well as on asset and succession planning and the implementation of tax compliance systems; instructions stem from DAX corporations, family businesses and wealthy private individuals. Jörg Schauf and Karsten Randt are among the key contacts for criminal tax matters.
Tax in Germany
Flick Gocke Schaumburg
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Extremely pragmatic goal-oriented approach; we always get very quick practical suggestions for decisions; Enormous negotiating skills in handling and communicating with the tax audit.’
Key clients
Axel Springer
BASF
Bayer
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Telekom
Dr. Oetker
E.ON
Lufthansa
Merck
Schneider Electric
Siemens
Volkswagen / Porsche
Work highlights
- Advice on tax law to Siemens AG on the spin-off of the energy division.
- Tax advice (tax due diligence and structuring) to Schneider Electric SE in connection with the acquisition of the listed German construction software manufacturer RIB Software SE.
- Tax advice to the Open Grid Europe GmbH MET Group in the bidding process for the acquisition of the Gas Union Group: tax due diligence, acquisition structuring, legal and quantitative tax planning for the post-closing structure, processing and negotiation of the tax regulations in the purchase agreement.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Other key lawyers:
David Beutel; Stephan Eilers; Christian Sistermann; Norbert Schneider; Christian Ruoff; Martin Schiessl
Linklaters
At Linklaters, transaction-related tax advice continues to stand out as a clear strength, which is not least due to the relevant expertise of practice group heads Oliver Rosenberg and Sebastian Benz, among others. The group was recently instructed to advise on numerous national and cross-border takeovers and sales of prestigious companies in the energy, chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors as well as the processing industry. Additionally, the team is just as experienced in tax-related crisis management, compliance matters – Jens Blumenberg is renowned for this – and in tax disputes, including tax audits and cum-ex-related preliminary investigations. Ongoing tax advice for large companies and investment tax law support are also among the practice's central pillars. Advice in the latter area regularly touches on private equity and fund structuring issues. Managing associate Julian Böhmer is recommended for assistance with tax aspects of group restructuring. Transactional tax law expert Jann Jetter joined Shearman & Sterling LLP in January 2021.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Sebastian Benz; Jens Blumenberg; Andreas Schaflitzl; Rainer Stadler; Christian Hundeshagen; Julian Böhmer
Testimonials
‘Outstanding expertise in the area of corporate and group tax law, including international tax law. Powerful practice that employs the most suitable lawyers in each case. Also very convincing in the area of project management and the use of technical solutions. This represents a real expansion of the range of services.’
‘Oliver Rosenberg is technically excellent. Presents complex issues in a way that is suitable for management and makes concrete, practical recommendations. ‘
‘The practice is very broad and represented in all areas by outstanding people. The aim is to be better than auditing companies and not to compete with low prices and standard solutions, but with quality and tailor-made solutions.’
‘Sebastian Benz and Jens Blumenberg are very experienced and have been in the business for a long time. Christian Hundeshagen is a valuable addition at partner level and has a very good consulting approach, making the impossible possible but not promising anything impossible.’
Allen & Overy LLP
Allen & Overy LLP is one of the leading practices for internal investigation and tax litigation in the financial transactions sphere, such as those relating to cum-ex and cum-cum transactions, which is a topic that practice head Gottfried Breuninger focuses on. With the arrival of Ellen Birkemeyer from KPMG Law in Germany in autumn 2021, the practice also succeeded in complementing its expertise with preventive compliance advice. Other mainstays for the practice include investment tax law advice on fund structuring and investments, in which the team regularly cooperates with the Luxembourg and Paris offices, and transaction tax law support for real estate, PE and M&A transactions. Heike Weber is one of the key contacts for corporate taxation.
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Testimonials
‘Repeatedly excellent tax advice from the Heike Weber team in connection with M&A projects.’
‘Heike Weber combines strong professional competence with practical experience in our industrial sector. She is ALWAYS available and the personal cooperation couldn’t be better.’
‘ Communication with Ms. Weber is always very timely, targeted and uncomplicated. In particular, tax and legal advice is also a people business and I would recommend Ms. Weber to my colleagues at any time.’
‘Professional excellence, reliability, pragmatism.’
‘Heike Weber is just good. ‘
Key clients
Deutsche Bank AG
SAP SE
Capital Bay
American Tower
Banco Santander
Schweizer SGS SA
Grünenthal Pharma
TUI AG
House of HR
Work highlights
- Advising and representing Deutsche Bank AG in defending itself against claims in the high millions. Deutsche Bank AG, as the seller-custodian bank of a customer, is being held liable by its contractual partner, MM Warburg &CO (AG & Co.) KGaA and MM Warburg & Co Gruppe GmbH, for liability from an alleged joint and several obligation and for damages.
- Advising SAP SE on the takeover of Signavio GmbH, a leading company in the field of business process intelligence and process management.
- Advice to Berlin-based Capital Bay GmbH on the successful launch of the two real estate funds Commercial and Residential for existing properties in Germany and Austria.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance's German tax team is embedded within the firm's international tax practice, making cross-border advice part of its day-to-day business. The group focuses on the interface between tax law, fund regulation and real estate, which is reflected in instructions on tax structuring issues in the fund and asset management area – Marco Simonis is known for this – as well as in connection with real estate, M&A and PE transactions. This expertise has resulted in a client portfolio made up of domestic and foreign banks, companies, institutional investors, funds and asset managers. The setting up tax compliance systems and the representation before authorities and in courts represent other core segments of the practice which are also handled by practice head Felix Mühlhäuser, although he also provides tax advice on financing transactions, real estate and company acquisitions.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Marco Simonis; Dominik Engl; Olaf Mertgen; Stefan Behrens; Jan Grabbe; Thorsten Sauerhering
Testimonials
‘Market overview and acceptance, proximity to legal developments.’
‘Marco Simonis and team: excellent expertise in all relevant areas of law when advising structures in the area of alternative investments, absolute planning security with regard to on-time delivery and billing of mandates.’
Milbank
Milbank stands out for its transactional tax expertise that contributes to the firm's assistance with national and cross-border M&A and PE transactions, capital market transactions and financing rounds. in this context, Thomas Kleinheisterkamp and Rolf Füger are the names to note; Kleinheisterkamp also oversees tax audits and tax litigation, while Füger has an additional focus on corporate tax law. These fields of expertise are among the team's key competencies and in regularly demand by private equity houses and companies.
Other key lawyers:
Rolf Füger; Thomas Kleinheisterkamp; Norbert Rieger; Matthias Schell
Testimonials
‘Expertise, pragmatic and proactive, highly service-oriented, end-to-end coverage/consulting. ‘
‘Highest professional competence.’
‘We are collaborating with Dr. Kleinheisterkamp. In addition to outstanding knowledge of tax law and legal knowledge, Dr. Kleinheisterkamp characterized by cooperative solution-oriented work, high willingness to discuss and outstanding persuasiveness.’
‘Team led by Matthias Schell is undoubtedly one of the best tax teams on the Munich market for PE. ‘
‘Matthias Schell is available at all times and imparts absolute authority knowledge with regard to structuring issues. Also strong in the area of management participation.’
‘The team of experts first listens carefully to the wants and needs and makes sure they understand what is important to the customer. Subsequently, they always turn out to be very analytical and able to find the most economical way. You are result oriented. ‘
‘Dr. Matthias Schell is definitely an outstanding personality, both in his personal dealings and in the way he approaches his mandate. He is never limited to interpreting and optimizing tax law, but also considers corporate, financial or other structures that can help to overcome obstacles.’
Key clients
Advent International
Ardian
Auto 1 Group
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG)
Deutsche Invest Capital Partners GmbH
ECM Equity Capital Management
EMH Digital Growth Fund GmbH & Co. KG
EQT Partners AB
FC Bayern München AG
H.C. Starck Group
HENSOLDT
H.I.G. European Capital Partners GmbH
INNIO Group
Jedox
LEA Partners
Nordwind Capital
Otto Group
PAI Partners
Philipp Lahm Holding
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE
Sartorius AG
The Carlyle Group
Work highlights
- Tax advice to AUTO1 Group SE on its first successful IPO in Germany in 2021.
- Tax advice to the Otto Group on the sale of Hermes UK to Advent International. As part of the transaction, Advent acquired a 75% stake in Hermes UK and a 25% stake in Hermes Germany.
- Tax advice to EQT VII on the €1.6 billion sale of Apleona Group GmbH to PAI Partners SAS.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie's tax advice foots on two central pillars, namely the assistance with cross-border M&A transactions and restructuring – which also represents the focus of both practice co-heads Thomas Schänzle and Christoph Becker – as well as advice on VAT issues and transfer prices. The latter area was recently strengthened by the arrival of tax advisor Florian Gimmler from PwC in January 2021. This advice offering is complemented by expertise in tax disputes and tax audits, with Jana Fischer regularly leading in these matters. In addition to corporates, the client base also includes investment companies and financial institutions.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Stephan Behnes; Stephan Schnorberger; Jana Fischer; Thomas Gierath; Jochen Meyer-Burow; Christian Port
Testimonials
‘Well-established global network; in-depth tax knowledge of local jurisdiction; good cooperation between different professionals; customer-oriented service. ‘
‘Responsive, proactive approach to problem resolution; very competent professionals; good knowledge of customer business. ‘
‘Highly qualified staff with remarkable tax expertise combined with practical solutions; very short response times, extensive global presence that does not consist in a mere brand network, but in a truly integrated partnership that ensures efficiency for the customer.’
Key clients
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG)
Cognizant
GEA Group
METRO AG
Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL)
Benpac Holding
MyTheresa.com
Work highlights
- Tax advice to DNS:Net Internet Service GmbH (DNS:Net) and its shareholders, the DBAG Expansion Capital Fund and the founder and majority shareholder Alexander Lucke, on the sale of a majority stake in DNS:NET to the British 3i Infrastructure plc.
- Tax advice to Cognizant on the acquisition of ESG Mobility, a group company of ESG Elektroniksystem – und Logistik – GmbH, a portfolio company of Armira Private Equity.
- Tax advice to the Düsseldorf technology group GEA on the sale of the compressor manufacturer Bock to NORD Holding.
Gleiss Lutz
Gleiss Lutz's tax expertise is based on three pillars: on transactional level, practice head Stefan Mayer and Johann Wagner are experienced advisors on M&A and PE transactions, while Wagner also assists with real estate transactions. Furthermore, the team is renowned for assisting companies in crisis and insolvency situations with restructuring tax issues, including regular cooperation with the firm's Stuttgart-based restructuring experts. And with Alexander Werder, the team is well equipped to advise on large compliance projects and investigations; the dispute resolution team is usually called upon for contentious matters. This triad is supplemented by expertise in corporate succession planning; here, Achim Dannecker is a key contact, who also focuses on corporate tax law. The client base consists of large companies, family businesses, private equity funds, financial institutions and public corporations.
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Testimonials
‘One of the strongest RE teams in Germany, with whom we work regularly. Cover the entire spectrum from GrSt, international aspects to VAT comprehensively with appropriate industry knowledge.’
‘The particular strength of the team at Gleiss Lutz, which has been advising us for years, is the excellent cooperation across the practice groups/legal areas. Not only in the core areas of company and tax law, but also in areas such as health and social security law, the consultants are at the top of the market. This ensures that the interfaces between the various specialist areas are always well covered. Hardly any other law firm in Germany can do that. At the same time, the price-performance ratio is very good.’
‘Outstanding and impressive is Dr. John Wagner. He thinks extremely fast, is incredibly well-versed, has enormous experience and always keeps an overview. In negotiations he is confident and diplomatic, has an excellent understanding of the interests of the parties and has always achieved excellent results for us. At the same time, working with him is always very pleasant.’
‘High legal competence combined with pragmatism, implementation orientation and a sense of proportion.’
‘Dr. Achim Dannecker: High level of integrity, understanding of business issues and extreme reliability.’
‘Very good networking across the legal work areas and locations, very high customer orientation and specific consulting approach.’
‘RA Dr. Johannes Wagner: Top in M&A tax, very good in negotiations, responds to individual client ideas with lasting effect.’
‘Dr. Achim Dannecker is a very experienced specialist lawyer with the right antenna and the appropriate sensitivity for solution-oriented moderation of internal coordination. He also has a high frustration tolerance and the right touch when dealing with less technically experienced conversation partners. Combined with his professional excellence, his balancing nature and balanced sense of humor, it’s fun to work with him.’
Work highlights
- Advising the Dutch technology group ASML on the tax law aspects of the acquisition of the Berliner Glas Group.
- Advising the Ritter Group on the tax law aspects of the sale of the company to the US technology group Avantor.
- Advising the airline SunExpress on the tax law aspects of the liquidation of SunExpress Germany and various related structural issues.
Hengeler Mueller
Hengeler Mueller is regularly instructed by large (listed) companies, private equity houses and family businesses to assist with tax law issues arising from restructuring and M&A transactions. Here, Stefanie Beinert, Martin Klein, Matthias Scheifele and Markus Ernst are the key contacts, while Scheifele and Ernst are also well versed in advising on tax audits, internal investigations and tax litigation; Beinert is also experienced in succession planning.
Other key lawyers:
Stefanie Beinert; Martin Klein; Matthias Scheifele; Markus Ernst
Testimonials
‘Dr. Markus Ernst: Very competent, very pragmatic, very solution-oriented, focus on the essentials.’
‘Excellent at meeting deadlines and getting work done within a limited time frame.’
‘Dr. Matthias Scheifele has the ability to explain complex technical issues in simple terms. Ability to analyze the opposing party’s position and identify/suggest possible compromise solutions. Ability to react at short notice to meet tight deadlines. ‘
‘Hengeler Müller’s teams are small, which means that only one or two associates work for each partner. The learning effect for the associates is probably very large, on the other hand the partner can also make faster reviews, so that the team concept is efficient. I noticed that Hengeler’s senior associates are also very active in acquisitions. This professional and organizational autonomy of the senior associates is much less pronounced in other comparable law firms.’
‘Dr. Markus Ernst: An excellent specialist with very broad specialist knowledge, extremely precise and careful, dedicates himself to the order with a great deal of commitment.’
‘ Dr. Ernst is definitely an asset to Hengeler’s tax practice.’
‘The Hengeler team is outstanding from a technical point of view and convinces with a cautious as well as pragmatic consulting approach. The team also assumes ownership beyond purely tax advice, for example with regard to process management or implementation issues. ‘
‘Hengeler’s advisors are comprehensively competent and can also efficiently cover topics related to tax advice such as civil law, company law or accounting with one and the same person. All in all, Hengeler thinks holistically and thus ensures smooth process control and makes it easier for the tax department to avoid unpleasant surprises. ‘
Latham & Watkins LLP
The strength of Latham & Watkins LLP and practice head Stefan Süss in particular lies in advising companies, private equity funds and financial institutions on transaction taxes. Thus, instructions regularly relate to M&A, PE and capital market transactions as well as to restructuring and fund structuring. Advice also often entails international tax structures, for which the German practice is well positioned thanks to its integration within the firm's international network. This range of advisory services is complemented by Thomas Fox's expertise in tax audits and tax disputes, which represent his focus alongside corporate transactions and restructuring.
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Testimonials
‘Stefan Süss has my full trust. Thanks to this basis of trust, we have a very good and speedy working relationship. My trust is based on Stefan’s deep expertise, his clear communication and the work results he has delivered on a consistent basis over the past few years.’
Key clients
Allianz Capital Partners
BayWa
Benteler Group
Bregal Unternehmerkapital
Cartesian Capital
Chequers Capital
Dediq
Deutsche Infrastruktur und Netzgesellschaft mbH
EG Group
EMZ Partners
Equistone
Froneri
GASPOOL Balancing Services
Grünenthal
IK Investment Partners
NetConnect Germany
Rockaway Capital
Siemens Healthineers AG
Temasek
Work highlights
- Advising Allianz Capital Partners on setting up a joint venture with Telefónica and investing in the construction of a fiber optic cable network.
- Advising BayWa AG on the capital increase at the level of its subsidiary BayWa re . renewable energy GmbH.
- Advised Bregal on the acquisition of a majority stake in ACTICO, a leading international provider of software for intelligent automation and digital decision-making.
POELLATH
POELLATH's focus on transactions and asset management leads to regular instructions relating to the design of tax-optimised private equity structures, the structuring of various funds and tax advice to domestic and foreign investors on real estate transactions. The relevance of the group's transactional tax advice, especially in the private equity sector, was underlined by Gerald Herrmann's promotion to the partnership at the beginning of 2021; along with tax consultants Michael Best and Hardy Fischer (focus on real estate transactions), he is one of the key contacts for these matters. Martin Liebernickel made partner at the same time; he heads the succession and wealth sub-practice and thus advises German family businesses and their shareholders as well as wealthy private individuals on succession planning. Founding partner Andreas Rodin is known for his expertise in investment funds and fund investments.
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Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘responsiveness; professional competence; Ability to convey and process complex issues in an understandable way; initiative and understanding of the business model; pragmatic cooperation and solutions. ‘
‘Inclusion of other specialists from the POELLATH team, if necessary, and also the transparent indication that topics may not be conclusively assessed in the first discussion and then come back with brilliant solutions. This creates lasting trust in the resilience of the solutions and results. ‘
‘Dr. Fischer: Expertise, responsiveness and the ability to develop pragmatic solutions tailored to the individual business model.’
‘ Straightforward, pragmatic, collaborative collaboration. ‘
‘On-time delivery, practical relevance, pragmatism.’
‘Highest professional competence. Close monitoring of case law and legislation enables early action.’
Key clients
Union Investment
DKB
ZBI Group
Maxburg Capital Partners
Avira
EQT
Earlybird Ventures
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
Allianz Global Investors
ECE Real Estate
Quantum
Deutsche Wohnen
SwanCap Partners
Genui
Castik Capital
Neuraxpharm
Elvaston
Talanx
Work highlights
- Advised Castic Capital on the final closing of EPIC Funds II in December 2020 with a volume of €1.25 billion.
- Advice to Deutsche Wohnen SE on the acquisition of 40% of the shares in Quarterback Immobilien AG with a new construction portfolio of now 90 projects.
- Tax and corporate law advice to a family in a dispute between several family lines with an international dimension (USA); €1.5 billion.
CMS
In 2020, Björn Demuth (Stuttgart) and tax advisor Angelika Thies (Munich) took over the management of CMS' tax law practice from Heino Büsching, who remains a key member of the team and, in line with the team-wide orientation, focuses on transaction and corporate taxes. In terms of transactional support, the group regularly assists with matters in the energy, real estate, healthcare, private equity, telecommunications and IT sectors and routinely cooperates with its corporate and M&A teams. The team also handles tax compliance, company succession issues, company audits and criminal tax matters; Demuth and Thies are also devoted to this range of issues.
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Dentons
Advice to insurance companies on W&I and special risk insurance remains an essential part of Dentons' tax practice, although the group also routinely assists large national and international companies, which make up its client base alongside funds and investors, with tax aspects of transactions and conversions; practice head Michael Graf is a key contact for both areas. Furthermore, the group assists with tax and company audits as well as contentious issues, which often stem from double taxation scenarios. Stephan Busch, among others, is experienced in representing clients in proceedings before fiscal courts including the federal fiscal court. Thanks to its integration within the firm's international network and cross-locational cooperation, the team is also experienced in handling international issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Pia Dorfmueller; Stefan Korten; Thomas Voss; Dominik Thomer; Stephan Busch
Testimonials
‘Large wealth of experience and intelligent solutions, even for very difficult and complex issues.’
‘The internal team coordination worked smoothly – a reliable interaction of all employees! Terrific. ‘
‘Thomas Voss: Intelligent and economical thinking; very solution oriented. ‘
‘Michael Graf: Very competent, was able to provide very detailed information over the phone without any preparation, very pleasant to deal with and responsive. ‘
‘The quality of the advice is particularly noteworthy, which is also reflected in the fact that colleagues who specialize in tax areas are called in to answer them. Despite this, you have the feeling that you are always being looked after by a team and not by different individual lawyers, even if the team members are spread over different locations. This is true even when colleagues from other departments or other countries are involved.’
‘Our primary contact at Dentons is Michael Graf. He is an excellent corporate tax lawyer who is also able to involve colleagues with questions about specialist tax areas in such a way that our problem is easily solved. We have been working with him for over 10 years.’
‘Miss Dr. Pia Dorfmüller advises us with a wide range of tax expertise and always keeps an eye on the entire company or group of companies. She has an extraordinary command of the interaction of domestic and foreign circumstances, regardless of the legal form and right down to the owners and their interests. Your international network is complete and offers solutions for all needs. Particularly noteworthy is her pronounced customer orientation, which is not only reflected in the high speed, but also in the analytical competence and approach. She is negotiating fluent in all areas and does not shy away from emphasizing good processes.’
‘Very fast and uncomplicated problem solving. Cost effective.’
Key clients
AIG
ATAI Lifesciences NV
Berliner Wasserbetriebe
BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management GmbH
BVV Versicherungsverein des Bankgewerbes a. G.
Deutsche Vermögensberatung AG
Deutscher Sparkassen und Giroverband
Dual Specialty M&A GmbH
Franger Investment GmbH & Co. KGaA
Riskpoint A/S
Ruby Hotels GmbH
S Broker AG & Co KG
S-Kreditpartner GmbH
Work highlights
- Tax advice to ATAI Life Sciences NV on all matters relating to the IPO on the US technology exchange NASDAQ in June 2021.
- German lead tax adviser to Johnson Controls International plc (JCI) in an arbitration proceeding primarily relating to a hypothetical dividend payment by a highly liquid German group company to a Luxembourg holding company after the balance sheet date and the impact of the German anti-treaty shopping regime on the hypothetical dividend withholding tax in a private equity environment.
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Tax law advice to companies, their shareholders, insurance companies, investors and financial institutions during restructuring as well as M&A, PE and real estate transactions forms an essential part of Hogan Lovells International LLP's case load, with Heiko Gemmel regularly taking the lead; this transactional focus was underlined by Mathias Schönhaus' promotion to the partnership in January 2021. Both are part of the team led by Ingmar Dörr, who complements the practice's transaction expertise with experience in tax disputes, internal investigations and tax audits as well as preventive compliance work.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Heiko Gemmel; Mathias Schönhaus; Christoph Küppers; Michael Dettmeier
Testimonials
‘Broad-based expertise in the field of insurance.’
‘Dr. Christoph Küppers has many years of experience in the insurance sector. Compared to his competitors, he also has in-depth knowledge of insurance supervisory law and can therefore point out efficient solutions in terms of both supervisory law and tax law.’
Key clients
Daimler
Norddeutsche Landesbank – Girozentrale – (NORD/LB)
Deutsche Hypothekenbank (Actien-Gesellschaft) (Deutsche Hypo)
Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC)
Gesellschafter der Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH
Zinc Nacional S.A.
Konzern Versicherungskammer
Dana Incorporated
HR Group
IBERFIN CAPITAL, S.A.
Quadriga Capital
BNP Paribas REIM
Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH
MAS Real Estate
PATRIZIA
Values Real Estate
Work highlights
- Advising Daimler on the global corporate restructuring into three divisions: Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans, Daimler Trucks & Buses and Daimler Mobility.
- Advising Norddeutsche Landesbank – Girozentrale – (NORD/LB) and Deutsche Hypothekenbank ( Actien -Gesellschaft) (Deutsche Hypo ) on the merger and full integration of Deutsche Hypo into NORD/LB.
- Advising the shareholders of Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH on the sale to the Danish biotechnology company Chr. Hansen.
Noerr
Noerr strengthened its junior ranks with the addition of a number of associates and senior associates over the course of 2020/2021 while simultaneously expanding its partner ranks with the appointment of tax advisor Elmar Bindl in January 2021; just like the practice in general, he focuses on tax advice related to M&A, PE and real estate transactions as well as fund structuring and fund investments. Practice co-heads Carsten Heinz (tax consultant) and Georg Edelmann (tax consultant and auditor) assist medium-sized and multinational companies as well as funds and financial institutions with the development of tax-centric structures for company acquisitions, tax-optimised financing and corporate reorganisations. Edelmann is also experienced in handling tax audits and fiscal court proceedings.
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Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Noerr’s extraordinarily fast response time to new, tax-related inquiries and the familiarization with new topics deserve special mention.’
‘ Analysis, design tips and recommendations are technically well-founded, very comprehensive and detailed and always helpful. If required, expert opinions are prepared quickly and without loss of information content, even when the team is busy.’
The cooperation in the tried and tested Noerr team is extremely good, and knowledge of the respective mandate is passed on to each other. Even under high workloads, very useful work results are created by the team members, whereby as a client you usually have to deal with one contact person who bundles all the results internally.’
‘The contacts I know are characterized by a very good and quick comprehension, even with complex issues, always very friendly and helpful working methods as well as a high level of technical, tax and legal knowledge compared to other competitors. Communication is equally good in German and English. Even under heavy workloads, clients can rely on comprehensive and problem-solving support. The extremely friendly, natural and communicative interaction with the client is really praiseworthy.’
‘Very well-positioned team with broad tax knowledge in all questions that have arisen and been asked so far. As far as can be seen, very good internal cooperation.’
‘Carsten Heinz: High professional competence and commitment.’
‘Excellent expertise in treasury-related tax issues. Complex topics are made “readable” and practicable solutions are developed. ‘
‘Dr. Martin Haisch: Industry leader in knowledge of investment structures for institutional investors, both on the regulatory side and on the tax side. Very pragmatic and efficient. Very well structured and legible typefaces. Always available, always fast deliveries.’
Streck Mack Schwedhelm
Tax law boutique Streck Mack Schwedhelm is renowned for its representation in tax disputes including disputes with financial authorities and criminal tax matters; recently, the group saw an increase in instructions from tax consultants, tax consulting firms and auditing firms to assist with contentious tax consultant liability matters. This key expertise was further strengthened by the arrival of criminal tax law expert Sebastian Peters in January 2021, who joined from Bonn's public prosecutor's office. The group further assists with tax law issues arising from succession planning as well as the restructuring and founding of companies. Clients also include fund companies, companies and wealthy private individuals.
Other key lawyers:
Martin Wulf; Jörg Alvermann; Burkhard Binnewies; Markus Wollweber; Jens Stenert; Sebastian Peters
DLA Piper
With cross-practice and cross-location cooperation being a consistent feature of its advice, DLA Piper focuses on the support of M&A, real estate and restructuring transactions on one hand and on transfer pricing, indirect taxes and tax compliance, including related investigations, on the other. Practice head Marie-Theres Rämer is one of the key contacts for the aforementioned transactional sphere and thereby regularly assists with tax-related financing aspects and the structuring of real estate investments. Tax consultant Ulf Andresen is usually in charge of transfer pricing matters.
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Testimonials
‘Very good network, always discussed in the team, even on vacation and illness.’
‘Technically very competent, on time, always available, understandably prepared.’
‘DLA’s tax department has both broad and deep experience. The team understands the technical requirements and is able to provide practical insights. ‘
‘Outstanding conceptual approach in the area of transfer pricing, careful analysis in the area of tax planning and pitfalls, stringent approach in litigation. Very fast response behavior, cases are processed and closed in a short time. Fair judgment when a case is unsuccessful.’
‘ The consultants always take the direct route to the goal.’
‘Dr. Ulf Andresen: Outstanding conceptual approach in the area of transfer pricing, very good tactical negotiator.’
‘Dr. Konrad Rohde: Very careful analysis of tax structures, hard but correct in dealing with the financial administration, does not take any complicated detours.’
‘Konrad Rhode was excellent. He knows his area of law well and applies a complex area in a constructive and easy-to-understand way.‘
Key clients
Allianz Real Estate
InterContinental Hotel Group
FSC International
Lehman Brothers Holding Inc.
Lone Star
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals/Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma America Inc.
Wintershall
Work highlights
- Tax law advice to Wintershall Dea GmbH on the issue of the first subordinated bond in two tranches in the amount of €1.5 billion.
- Advising Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. on transfer pricing issues in a complicated financing structure.
- Tax support for Lone Star on the acquisition of a majority stake in ISARIA Wohnbau AG. In addition, ongoing tax advice for various Lone Star companies.
Oppenhoff
Corporations, PE companies and insurance companies rely on Oppenhoff's tax expertise in M&A transactions and restructurings, which are handled by practice head and founding partner Axel Bödefeld, among others. Him and his team also have a general focus on tax disputes, in particular in connection with transfer pricing and customs assessments, and are experienced in assisting with tax audits. The group also advises individuals on succession planning.
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Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Benckiser Holding / JAB
Johnson & Johnson
Sebastian Vettel
Merck Sharp & Dohme
Bristol-Myers Squibb
VHV Versicherungen (im Auftrag von Hannoversche Leben)
Saint-Gobain
Ford
DuMont Media Group
Shop Apotheke Europe N.V.
Work highlights
- Advised the PE investor ND Group BV on the acquisition and financing round of over €30 million for e.GO Mobile.
- Advising RheinEnergie AG & EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG on the sale of 45.1% of the shares in the listed energy supplier MVV Energie AG.
- Comprehensive legal and tax advice to VHV Versicherungen (on behalf of Hannoversche Leben) on the acquisition of the digital pioneer company Eucon for the insurance group.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has particular expertise in the tax structuring of complex acquisition structures and recently increasingly assisted with the tax structuring of SPAC and de-SPAC transactions, while simultaneously also expanding its cross-border restructuring advice. Practice head Johannes Frey also devotes himself to this area, but further assists his clients, including numerous multinational corporations, with tax audits as well as contentious tax matters, of which many entail IP aspects.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Top international practice with a great global network.’
‘Dr Johannes Frey is a fantastic tax lawyer. Precise, practical and yet down-to-earth!’
‘ Skadden works very well together across borders and provides us (as global clients) with reliable, insightful and efficient advice. Compared to other law firms, I am impressed with how easy it is to work with them. For example, they quickly grasp concepts that are unique to what we do and it feels like they are working with us instead of just offering us a service.’
‘On a personal level, people are very friendly and professional at the same time, and I enjoy working with the team. Johannes Frey is our main contact and stands out compared to partners in other companies. He quickly understood our business processes and offers insightful and useful advice. He is always quick to respond and the quality of the work received is impressive.’
Key clients
Amazon
Apple
BlackRock
Coty Inc.
Gulf Energy Development
IBM
Netflix Inc.
Perella Weinberg Partners
SCP Group
The Coca-Cola Company
Work highlights
- Advised Coty Inc. on its strategic partnership with KKR & Co. Inc. including the carve – out sale of 60% of the professional cosmetics and retail hair products business to KKR for an enterprise value of $4.3 billion.
- Advising Netflix, Inc. on German tax law issues relating to several past restructurings.
- Advising The Coca-Cola Company in connection with the merger of the three largest European bottlers to form Coca-Cola European Partners Plc . w ith a transaction volume of around $5 billion as well as with regard to restructuring and tax audits.
White & Case LLP
Due to its strong cooperation with the M&A, capital markets and debt finance teams, White & Case LLP's tax advisory strength lies in tax advice on structured and asset-based financing as well as cross-border M&A transactions. Thanks to the full integration within the firm's global practice, the team is well equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional matters. Last but not least, this internationality is embodied by practice head Bodo Bender, who also co-heads the EMEA tax law practice. Tim Bracksiek (domestic and international tax law) made partner in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Adler Group
Credit Suisse International, ING Bank N.V., ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. und BNP Paribas Fortis NV/SA
J.P. Morgan and Deutsche Bank
x+bricks S.A.
PEAC (Germany) GmbH (PEAC Finance Europe), HPS Investment Partners
HT Troplast
Santander Consumer Bank AG
AIT Worldwide Logistics
Corestate Capital Holding S.A.
Deutsche Bank AG / Deutsche Bank AG and DWS Investment GmbH
EIG Global Energy Partners
Next Kraftwerke
The Carlyle Group
Qatar Investment Authority
Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball Aktiengesellschaft (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Friedrich Vorwerk Group SE
Nordic Capital
Marriott International, Inc.
Summit Gruppe
Work highlights
- Advice to the Adler Group SA on the business combination with ADLER Real Estate and Consus Real Estate including the public takeover bid to the shareholders of WESTGRUND.
- Advising the Marriott International, Inc. group on the squeeze-out of Design Hotels AG under transformation law.
- Advising Summit Group on the sale of a large part of its German commercial portfolio to Tristan Capital Partners for an initial purchase price of €1 billion.
GSK Stockmann
With a firm-wide focus on the real estate industry, GSK Stockmann's tax transaction advice is tailored to this sector, but also addresses corporate transactions. A significant proportion of the group's fund tax assistance, another core competence, also stems from the real estate sector. Here, clients further benefit from the close cooperation with the firm's Luxembourg office and from the investment tax law expertise of Heiko Stoll, who joined from Simmons & Simmons at the end of 2020. The expertise of practice heads Petra Eckl and Dirk Koch reflects the team's focus.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Frankfurt team of Dr. Eckl is very competent when it comes to national real estate transactions. Good accessibility and usually quick feedback in case of queries are also on the plus side.’
Key clients
Art Invest Real Estate und Accumulata Real Estate
ELA Bathroom Supply Limited
Strenger Group
Evolution Development GmbH
Spectralliance Holding
Competo Capital Partners, Optima Group
Work highlights
- Advising ELA Bathroom Supply Limited on the tax structuring of an inbound investment in a German industrial company via a multi-level cross-border structure; Structuring and advice on special topics such as withholding tax.
- Advising the Strenger Group on the sale of a Romanian subsidiary and on the tax-efficient structuring and reinvestment of the sales proceeds, each as part of a share deal. The advice also included tax-efficient financing and possible reinvestment.
- Tax advice to Evolution Development GmbH on a project in Wiesbaden, in particular on a tax-efficient purchase and coordination with the tax authorities on an information procedure.
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek's focus lies on advising companies, their shareholders and investment managers on tax aspects of restructuring as well as M&A and private equity transactions, which also mirrors the strength of Düsseldorf-based practice heads Marion Sangen-Emden and Marc Scheunemann, and which was given further weight with the arrival of the Hamburg-based Henrik Lay (previously at AHB Arends Hofert Bergemann Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater PartGmbB) in April 2021.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Jones Day
Jones Day regularly handles tax aspects of national and cross-border transactions and restructuring and with practice head Klaus Herkenroth, is well versed in derivatives and securitisation taxation. This advice offering is complemented by experience in tax audits and tax disputes, including several new instructions for cum-ex-related investigations, which are predominantly handled by Florian Lechner.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Amadeus FiRE AG
Bessemer Venture Partners
EDF (Electricité de France)
European Bank for Financial Services (ebase)
Parkwind Ost
Real I.S. AG (Tochtergesellschaft für BayernLB)
Suez S.A.
UniCredit Bank AG
Work highlights
- Advice to Amadeus FiRE AG on the acquisition of 100% of the shares in the Dortmund-based retraining specialist ComCave Holding GmbH in tax matters.
- Advised the EDF subsidiaries Hynamics SAS and EDF Deutschland GmbH on their first investment in the German hydrogen sector.
- Tax advice to the Real IS Group on two major real estate transactions.
Kantenwein Zimmermann Spatscheck & Partner
Kantenwein Zimmermann Spatscheck & Partner advises companies on the development of acquisition tax structures in the context of M&A and real estate transactions as well as on other issues at the corporate law interface, which are often handled with practice head and tax advisor Gerhard Widmayer being in the lead. Other key competences include tax audits and company succession issues as well as assistance with criminal tax matters. The client base also includes wealthy private individuals.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Complete legal and tax capacities including accounting and declaration practice; offers capacities on the respective topic, experience level and cost level. Many tax interfaces such as family businesses and entrepreneurs, succession.’
‘Highly qualified team.’
‘Sven Ceranowski: Exactly, responsive, persistent, sense for solutions.’
‘Gerhard Widmayer is a great team player, outstanding legal knowledge. Extremely reliable, very well thought out and always level-headed and calm. ‘
Work highlights
- Tax advice to a trading company regarding the conversion of the business model and the service relationships within the group (100 companies).
- Advising a Canadian listed software company on the processing of tax risks in connection with the acquisition of German companies.
- Advising a listed US company on acquiring shares in a German biotech company: conducting tax due diligence, advising the SPA, tax advice on the acquisition structure, treatment of tax risks.
Norton Rose Fulbright
The flagship of Norton Rose Fulbright's tax law practice is the advice rendered to insurers on W&I and tax risk insurance, while its tax advice to real estate companies on real estate transactions and transactional support for companies represent other mainstays of the practice. Corporate tax expert Tino Duttine has been heading the practice alone since Uwe Eppler joined Möhrle Happ Luther in February 2021.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
AIG
Amundi Immobilien
Löwenstark
Real I.S AG
Warburg HIH
MTG
Liberty
Aviva
Work highlights
- Advising AIG on the conclusion of a tax insurance policy regarding two tax risks arising from restructuring measures within a complex real estate fund structure, which lead to potential trade and real estate transfer tax issues.
- Advice from Amundi Real estate when acquiring a logistics property as part of a forward deal.
- Advising Löwenstark Digital GmbH on its expansion with the two equity partners HANNOVER Finanz as the new majority shareholder and ARCUS Capital as a co-investor. The tax advice focused on the negotiation of the tax clause in the share purchase agreement as well as the structuring and contractual implementation of the company founder’s rollover.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
At Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, tax structuring of private equity and M&A transactions as well as of strategic cross-border restructuring form the heart of the group's advice, which is usually rendered in cross-practice and cross-location cooperation with practice head Tobias Geerling leading on the tax aspects. In this regard, the group is instructed by investors, sponsors and companies, while the team's experience in asset structuring also results in regular instructions by private individuals.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Exide Technologies
KKR
Upfield Group
Advent International
TCV
Novalpina Capital
Santé Cie
Evernex
Terreal Group
Joint Special Administrators of MF Global UK Ltd.
Work highlights
- Tax advice to Advent International on the acquisition of a stake in Aareon AG.
- Tax advice to Exide Technologies as part of the global strategic restructuring.
- Tax structuring advice from TCV on the investment in Mambu GmbH.
YPOG
YPOG has established itself as a popular choice for the tax structuring of VC funds and fund investments, including investments in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets – here, among others, Andreas Kortendick assists funds and start-ups as well as private and commercial investors – and complements this key competence with expertise in transactional tax advice. Stefan Richter and Thomas Töben are among the key contacts for M&A; Richter is also experienced in tax planning for token-based business models and Töben in assisting with tax audits and tax disputes.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘You can always rely on the law firm and the team, even with very time-sensitive projects. Things are always implemented quickly, with reasonable effort and with very good quality. The expertise of the team is unique. In addition, the team is characterized by a very pleasant interaction – the contact with them is always a great pleasure. All in all we are extremely satisfied.’
‘The individuals are characterized by excellent expertise, which is always effective. Things are enforced efficiently and not with unnecessary additional effort. The people are on top of their tasks and always have a very good overall view of the projects .’
‘Very high client orientation, professional, solution-oriented, good at dealing with investors, strong team.’
‘Andreas Kortendick: High ability to deliver, also addressed complex and unique issues well, assessed tax risks and worked out clear recommendations, managed a wide range of topics and issues.’
‘Extensive knowledge of German tax law with a specialization in investment funds, but also in the area of corporate and M&A, everything from a single source. Fast reaction times and excellent knowledge of what is specific to us as a customer.’
‘Andreas Kortendick knows all the relevant details of our funds and management companies. He advises us very tailor-made and always with a sense of proportion and can draw on his wealth of experience in matters of German tax law. This includes all aspects of tax law, which Andreas can cover.’
Key clients
DTCP (Open Dutch Fiber)
Project A
DTCP
Hg Capital
Oakley Capital
Armira (Active Invest II)
Vorwerk Ventures
Flink SE
DTCP/DIV
Publity
Work highlights
- Advised DTCP on structuring their stake in Open Dutch Fiber.
- Advising Publity on the tokenization of up to 50 million shares in its subsidiary PREOS Global Office Real Estate & Technology AG (PREOS).
- Advising Flink SE on setting up an SE holding structure for future German and European business and on designing the governance and group structure.