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The Legal 500 Hall of Fame Icon The Legal 500 Hall of Fame highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence. The Hall of Fame highlights, to clients, the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession. In the United Kingdon, the criteria for entry is to have been recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the elite leading lawyers for eight years. These partners are highlighted below and throughout the editorial.
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United Kingdom > London > Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

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Index of tables

  1. Corporate tax
  2. Leading individuals: Hall of Fame
  3. Leading individuals
  4. Next Generation Partners
  5. Rising stars

Leading individuals

  1. 1

Next Generation Partners

  1. 1

Rising stars

  1. 1

Clifford Chance LLP is well-placed to advise multinationals on Brexit-related restructurings, US tax reform and mitigation and compliance with the Criminal Finances Act 2017. The group also stands out for transactional matters, including project financings and M&A. Department head Chris Davies specialises in taxation for corporate and financing transactions, with a focus on structured finance and international tax. The group also includes veteran tax lawyer David Harkness whose practice includes restructurings and international tax planning. Harkness advised HSBC and ICBC as lenders on the tax aspects of the restructuring, short-term financing and administration of House of Fraser.

Practice head(s):Chris Davies

Other key lawyers:David Harkness; Dan Neidle

Testimonials

'Very clearly "partner-led"- with the partners at the top actually doing the work'

'Deep technical expertise'

'Ready to pick up the phone on an undisclosed basis, to HMRC and HMT in the interests of reaching a good outcome'

Key Clients

Aga Khan Foundation (United Kingdom)

Canary Wharf Group plc

Citigroup Global Markets

Commerzbank AG

Credit Suisse AG

Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (UK)

The Coca-Cola Company

Linklaters LLP's tax group excels in a number of areas, notably: corporate demergers and group unifications; M&A transactions; securitisations and structured finance; funds and private equity work. The group also has significant Fintech expertise, with experience advising major financial institutions on the tax implications of interbank blockchain technology. The team is led by Yash Rupal, who clients rate for his ability to handle commercial transactions in addition to managing tax controversies. Other key team members include financial institutions taxation expert James Morgan and Mavnick Nerwal who is an expert in the global financial sponsors sector.

Practice head(s):Yash Rupal

Other key lawyers:Mark Kingstone; Dominic Winter; Mavnick Nerwal; James Morgan;

Testimonials

'Yash Rupal manages to combine technical excellence with genuine commerciality. He is extremely client focused and is instrumental in ensuring his clients obtain sound legal and commercial advice'

'Yash Rupal brings unparalleled experience, industry knowledge and insight and has built an extremely impressive team in Silk Street'

'James Morgan's understanding of tax issues is extensive, which compliments his client engagement skills'

'Linklaters' tax practice is among the best in the City of London'

Key Clients

Lloyds Banking Group

Barclays

Vodafone

Goldman Sachs

BP

Work highlights

  • Advised on several high-value, high profile demergers and group unifications for Unilever, Old Mutual, Mondi, Investec
  • Advised Dialog on the sale to Apple of certain technology assets
  • Advised Goldman Sachs on its second largest ever sale and leaseback
  • Advising on both UK and Belgian tax aspects of the redomicile of the Euroclear group to Belgium

Slaughter and May's notable strength in depth enables it to advise on the full spectrum of transactional tax matters and securitisations, as well as offering strategic advice on restructurings and international tax issues across a range of sectors, including private equity, real estate, retail,  energy and manufacturing. The department is led by Sara Luder, who has substantial experience in contentious and non-contentious issues. Steve Edge is another key name and is often instructed in transatlantic matters. Dominic Robertson, whose 'technical knowledge is second-to-none' is noted for his experience advising clients in the technology space.

Practice head(s):Sara Luder

Other key lawyers:Steve Edge; Mike Lane; Gareth Miles; William Watson; Dominic Robertson

Testimonials

'Take a pragmatic approach to problems, listen to the position the business has taken and either counsel an alternative or provide an argument to back the position taken'

'Dominic Robertson can think on his feet when highly technical questions are given to him'

'Strength in depth and unparalleled technical expertise'

Key Clients

Bupa

Canary Wharf

CEVA Logistics

Deutsche Bank

GSK

HM Treasury

Work highlights

  • Advised Walmart on the proposed combination between J Sainsbury plc and Asda Group Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walmart, to create an enlarged business
  • Advised Tata Steel Group on its 50/50 joint venture with thyssenkrupp AG
  • Advised Vodafone Group Plc on the proposed acquisition of certain operations of Liberty Global.

Allen & Overy LLP advises  on corporate, financial and real estate tax matters, covering all of these from both a transactional and advisory perspective. The department often draws on the firm's international presence to offer clients a full cross-border service. Financial services tax is a key area of expertise, under the leadership of group head Vimal Tilakapala, and clients include a mixture of banks and other financial institutions, particularly in relation to financings, capital markets issues and structured finance. Christopher Harrison leads the global tax practice and James Burton stands out for real estate tax work.

Practice head(s):Vimal Tilakapala

Other key lawyers:Lydia Challen; Christopher Harrison; James Burton; Charles Yorke

Testimonials

'Very good for solutions - responsive, commercial, pragmatic, good value.'

'Charles Yorke is very good at working through problems and arriving at pragmatic workable solutions.'

Key Clients

21st Century Fox

Allianz

Citibank

Direct Line

Investec

Nationwide

Work highlights

  • Advised on the merger of Saham Group’s client relationship management business with that of Bertelsmann.
  • Advised Société Générale on the acquisition of the equity markets and commodities business unit of Commerzbank.
  • Advised a UK financial institution on a case over the tax treatment of redundancy costs.

Baker McKenzie's tax practice stands out for its strong cross-border offering due to the firm's extensive  international presence. In addition to its traditional corporate transactional tax practice, the firm  offers  tax planning and transfer pricing capabilities, as well as VAT and indirect tax expertise. The department's strength is evidenced by a stellar client list, including Body Shop, Hitachi and Unilever. The group is led by Mark Delaney and includes London office managing partner and international tax planning expert Alex Chadwick, Richard Fletcher, who co-leads the UK transfer pricing group alongside Nigel Dolman and James Smith who takes the lead on transactional tax matters.

Practice head(s):Mark Delaney

Other key lawyers:Alex Chadwick; Kate Alexander; James Smith; Richard Fletcher; Nigel Dolman; David Jamieson; Jessica Eden

Testimonials

'Excellent team with genuine industry knowledge and depth of experience across all levels of seniority'

'James Smith is exceptional, always available and helpful with prompt and valuable feedback as needed'

'The team's depth of knowledge is amazing and they offer a personal service, providing innovative and robust solutions to complex business issues'

Key Clients

Body Shop

Hitachi

Inter Pipeline Ltd

LVMH

Novo Nordisk

Work highlights

  • Advised Hitachi on its $11bn acquisition of ABB Power
  • Advising Unilever on all tax issues relating to its €4.6bn acquisition of GlaxoSmithKline's health food portfolio
  • Assisted Body Shop with post-acquisition work relating to Natura Cosméticos' acquisition of the client from L'Oréal

Hogan Lovells International LLP's team uses the firm's global office network to advise clients on the tax aspects of complex cross-jurisdictional transactions. This advice is augmented by a strong transfer pricing service that includes compliance and disputes capabilities. Other areas of expertise include real estate and finance-related taxation. The department is led by Elliot Weston, who principally advises institutional investors, lenders, corporations, and investment managers in the real estate sector. Co-head of the global tax practice Karen Hughes focuses on tax related to commercial transactions. Philip Harle, who led the London team until 2018, has extensive experience in acquisitions and disposals.

Practice head(s):Elliot Weston

Other key lawyers:Karen Hughes; Philip Harle

Testimonials

'They are serious and competent from day one'

'The firm's international presence and understanding of the various markets' pros and cons is helpful'

Key Clients

The Department of Education

Infracapital

Prologis Inc.

Grainger PLC

LabCorp

Retail banks

Work highlights

  • Advised Prologis on the tax aspects of the sale of 46 industrial properties located across Europe.
  • Advising Asahi on the tax aspects of its £250m acquisition of Fuller's  entire premium beer business.
  • Acted as UK tax advisers to The Department of Education, advising on the securitisation of £4bn income contingent repayment student loans
  • Acted as tax advisers for Affinity Water

Key areas of expertise for Kirkland & Ellis International LLP's 12-partner tax group include private equity transactions, real estate, credit transactions, restructuring and fund formation. Drawing on the firm's transatlantic presence, the group is most noted for advising US clients, but it also handles work for clients based in the UK and Europe, with a focus on private equity and financial sponsors. In 2018, the group, which is led by Jonathan Kandel, welcomed Alan Walker from Linklaters LLP, cross-border private equity and M&A specialist Jan Hobbs from Clifford Chance LLP and Chris Smale from an in-house position at Z Investment Partners.

Practice head(s):Jonathan Kandel

Other key lawyers:Timothy Lowe; Dulcie Daly; Alan Walker; Jan Hobbs; Chris Smale; Ian Ferreira; Frixos Hatjantonas

Testimonials

'They are a very market focused and commercial team of professionals'

'They are very thorough, take time to understand our business and what we are trying to achieve and invariably go the extra mile to ensure we get the right result'

'They are very open and transparent and will tell you if something is not possible'

Key Clients

GLP

Ares

TDR Capital

The Carlyle Group

BC Partners

Blackstone

Apax Partners

Work highlights

  • Advised GLP (a global provider of modern logistics facilities and technology-led solutions) in establishing GLP Continental Europe Development Partners I (GLP CDP I).
  • Advised Blackstone Property Partners and Telereal Trillium on their acquisition of UK Network Rail’s commercial business estate
  • Advised Rhône Group, on its strategic partnership with Eurazeo SE, a publicly listed private equity firm based in Paris

Macfarlanes LLP's tax department is divided into teams handling investment management, M&A, real estate, remuneration and group tax. Particular specialisms for the firm include VAT, employment and mobility taxes, tax policy, operational tax, transfer pricing and share valuation. The group has a niche in advisory work for listed companes and financial services groups, particularly in relation to cross-border matters. Department head Damien Crossley focuses on alternative investment fund taxation, Ashley Greenbank is experienced in the corporate tax aspects of UK and cross-border corporate finance and M&A transactions and group tax planning. Ceinwen Rees, who joined from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in May 2018, is an expert in funds taxation.

Practice head(s):Damien Crossley

Other key lawyers:Ashley Greenbank; Mark Baldwin; James McCredie; Peter Abbott; Ceinwen Rees

Testimonials

'Good response times'

'Up-to-date with all recent developments,  very commercial in their thinking and love solving problems'

'Damien Crossley is best-in-class; knowledgeable, commercial, innovative and user-friendly'

Key Clients

Hayfin Capital Management

Patron Capital

Bridgepoint Advisers Limited

Permira

Aermont

Dana

Work highlights

  • Acted for the management team of the Cognita schools group on the sale of their shares in its holding company (alongside outgoing investors KKR and Bregal), and their subsequent reinvestment in the new holding structure
  • Advised Patron Capital, a pan-European investor, on tax aspects of the sale of its stake in Cala Homes, one of the UK’s largest house-builders. Their 52.1 per cent share was sold for £315m
  • Advised Bridgepoint in relation to its global carried interest and co-investment arrangements
  • Advised Aermont capital on the tax structuring of its manager group reorganisation and new fund which closed with commitments of €2bn

Addleshaw Goddard's tax team plays an integral part within  the firm's other offerings across real estate, financial services and private equity. The firm handles tax advisory and structuring work alongside a  particular strength  in transactional tax work. The tax and structuring team is led from Manchester by Justine Delroy, while Elaine Gwilt is the key tax contact for the London office; with expansive experience in the private equity space.

Practice head(s):Justine Delroy; Elaine Gwilt

Other key lawyers:Peter Sayer; Paul Concannon; Martin Griffiths

Key Clients

Wyevale Garden Centres/Terra Firma

Eli Global

GVC Holdings plc

British Land plc

Virgin Money

Work highlights

  • Advising Terra Firma on the sale and break up strategy in relation to the Wyevale Garden Centres business, instigated by its shareholder Terra Firma.
  • Provided tax, corporate and banking advice to Eli Global on the acquisition of entire issued share capital of Damoco Holdco Limited. The mandate was AG's first deal for Eli Global .
  • Advised longstanding client GVC on the disposal of its Turkish-language online gaming business, as a prelude to GVC's acquisition of Ladbrokes Coral (completed early 2018, for consideration of up to c.£3.9bn)
  • Advising Virgin Money on the ongoing establishment of its asset management joint venture with Aberdeen Standard Investments

Ashurst's team combines tax generalists with sector-specific expertise to offer clients a strong service on both domestic and international tax issues. The department is led by Alexander Cox, who focuses on funds and M&A; Paul Miller is noted for financings and restructurings; Simon Swann is a real estate tax expert; and Nicholas Gardner advises on taxes related to energy and infrastructure, as well as general corporate tax.

Practice head(s):Alexander Cox

Other key lawyers:Simon Swann; Paul Miller; Nicholas Gardner; Tim Gummer

Testimonials

'The team is user-friendly and has deep-rooted knowledge of all taxes impacting the property sector'

'Good client management skills'

'Nicholas Gardner provides high quality advice, precisely identifying key issues. He has a strong industry background and delivers efficiently within the wider project programme'

 

Key Clients

Lendlease

Mirae Asset Global Investment

The Valesco Group

Samsung SRA Asset Management

Savills Investment Management

Aviva Investors

Work highlights

  • Advised OMV on its agreement to establish a joint venture with Malaysia-based independent oil and gas company, Sapura Energy Berhad
  • Advising long-standing client ICG on the structuring and fundraising for their European Fund VII
  • Advising Inflexion on the structuring and fundraising for their buy-out and partnership capital funds
  • Advised a Korean consortium on the trophy asset acquisition of 20 Old Bailey, London from Blackstone for around £340 million

The group at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP stands out for its strength in real estate-related taxation, but it is also noted for advising clients on insurance tax and funds. Post merger, the transatlantic firm is able  to  draw on its enhanced international presence, advising clients across North America, as well as the Middle East and Asia. Department head Elizabeth Bradley leads on the tax aspects of multi-jurisdictional transactions and is ably supported by real estate tax expert Richard Harbot.

Practice head(s):Elizabeth Bradley

Other key lawyers:Richard Harbot; Mark Brailsford; John Overs; Matthew Poole; Paul Shaw

Testimonials

'The real estate tax team has strong technical and delivery skills'

'Effective and efficient responding to the queries raised by the client'

'Elizabeth Bradley runs the team and is an amazing asset to the firm. She  combines intelligence and tax expertise with personality and emotional IQ, which is rare in someone running a tax team.'

Key Clients

Tishman Speyer

Kingboard Investments

The Great Ropemaker Partnership

Unite Students

Delancey

CBRE Global Investors

BlackRock

Work highlights

  • Advised Grange Hotels,  one of London’s largest privately held hotel companies, on the tax aspects of the sale of four of its high-end, luxury hotels: Grange St Paul's EC4, Grange Tower Bridge E1, Grange City EC3, and Grange Holborn WC1
  • Advised Tishman Speyer and PSP Investments on tax elements of the sale of Verde SW1, a mixed-use property in London's West End, to Deka Immobilien for approximately £457m
  • Advised Hong Kong based investor Kingboard Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kingboard Chemical Holdings Limited, on the tax structuring of the purchase and leaseback of KPMG’s London headquarters, 15 Canada Square in Canary Wharf, for circa £400m

CMS has impressive tax expertise across a number of sectors, most notably real estate, energy, media and technology. The group is able to leverage the firm's wide office network to provide international clients with a full cross-border service in relation to M&A and structuring issues. The team is co-led by transactional and advisory tax experts Aaron Fairhurst and Stephen Hignett. Mark Joscelyne is another central individual and handles structurings and reorganisations, as well as specialising in the taxation of intangible assets and employment-related tax.

Practice head(s):Stephen Hignett; Aaron Fairhurst

Other key lawyers:Mark Joscelyne; Graham Chase; Anna Burchner; Phil Anderson; Nick Burt; Cliona Kirby

Key Clients

Argent

BMO Real Estate Partners

Kaupthing

Kingboard Investments

Knight Frank Investment Management

BBC Studios

ITV plc

888

Kindred

Work highlights

  • Advised on the tax structuring of several complex matters relating to Delancey Oxford Residential, a co-investment platform between Delancey-advised client fund DV4 Limited and Oxford Properties, the global real estate arm of OMERS
  • Advised Nuffield Health on the inheritance tax, income tax, insurance premium tax and VAT implications of setting up a trust to provide health benefits to gym members
  • Advising on tax structuring for the acquisition of cPanel by Oakley
  • Advising City Developments on tax structuring for the acquisition of the former Stock Exchange Tower

Isaac Zailer is the global head of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's tax group, which has a strong international focus and advises clients on the tax aspects of M&A deals, private equity, fund formation and restructuring. Particular niche specialisms include upstream energy taxation and insurance-related tax. Other key names include corporate and tax planning specialist Howard Murray and William Arrenberg, whose focus include real estate, oil and energy tax matters. In 2019, Neil Warriner retired, while Michael Alliston left the firm for Norton Rose Fulbright.

Practice head(s):Isaac Zailer

Other key lawyers:Howard Murray; William Arrenberg; Aurell Taussig; Heather Gething; Nick Clayton

Testimonials

'High quality focused advice on complex tax issues in clear, practical and understandable briefings'

'Very capable in high-stakes, high pressure environments and able to access advice on a range of bespoke issues'

'Isaac Zailer provides advice that cuts to the chase and is solution focused. He brings to bear an impressive experience in the industry'

Key Clients

Associated British Foods

BHP

BP

TSB

Virgin

Orange

Mercuria Energy

Work highlights

  • Advised the Independent Committee of Sky on a competitive offer situation resulting in Comcast's successful £30bn recommended cash offer,  which followed an initial recommended offer from 21st Century Fox and culminated in a rarely seen competitive auction process run by the Takeover Panel
  • Acted as advisers to BP International on a multi-billion dollar inter-conditional UK/Alaska transaction between BP and ConocoPhillips.
  • Advised on the sale of the building at 5 Broadgate which was owned in a 50/50 joint venture between British Land and GIC to CK Asset Holdings
  • Advised BTG Pactual E&P on the sale of African oil & gas joint venture company Petrobras Oil & Gas

Norton Rose Fulbright's tax expertise encompasses the range of corporate and finance transactions, drawing on strong and wide-ranging sector expertise, including in the niche areas of new technology and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), renewable energy and Islamic Finance.  Dominic Stuttaford is head of tax for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Brazil, and is focused on M&A transactions and corporate re-organisations, with a particular emphasis on the insurance, banking and technology sectors. Associate Judy Harrison has expertise in tax matters for financial institutions and clients in the transport, technology and energy sectors. In 2019, Angela Savin left the department to join KPMG United Kingdom, however the group gained Michael Alliston as a partner from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

Practice head(s):Dominic Stuttaford

Other key lawyers:Matthew Hodkin; Matthew Findley; Chris Bates; Michael Alliston; Judy Harrison

Key Clients

EasyJet

Deutsche Finance International

London Gateway Port

Royal Bank of Scotland plc

Bombardier

Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners

Centrica

Work highlights

  • Advised Randgold Resources on its $18.3bn merger with Barrick Gold Corporation
  • Advised Trinity Mirror on its acquisition of Northern & Shell’s publishing assets for a total purchase price of £126.7m
  • Advised a three-party consortium led by China Resources (Holdings) Company Limited on its £600m acquisition of a 30% stake in the 402MW Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm
  • Acted for PPIL on its conversion from a listed Guernsey investment company to a listed commercial UK real estate investment trust

Simmons & Simmons' tax group handles transactional, advisory and contentious matters, as well as transfer pricing for a broad client base of equity investors, asset managers and financial institutions. The London and international tax groups are led by Darren Oswick, who is supported by M&A tax expert Nick Cronkshaw and Martin Shah, who leads the financial services tax practice.

Practice head(s):Darren Oswick

Other key lawyers:Nick Cronkshaw; Martin Shah; Mark Sheiham; Hatice Ismail; Jo Crookshank

Testimonials

'Martin Shah has a wealth of asset management experience and is adept at delivering technically difficult advice in a manner that can be understood by tax and non-tax professional alike'

'On private equity deals, they assist with the structure and then seamlessly transition into advising on the compensation for the deal team'

Key Clients

Orlebar Brown

British Land Company plc

Principal Financial Group

Citigroup Global Markets

GoCompare.com Group plc

Telefónica UK

Work highlights

  • Advising Orlebar Brown and certain selling shareholders on the sale of its luxury men's swim and resort wear brand to Chanel
  • Advise British Land on a range of significant tax and structuring matters
  • Advising the arranger on a £3.7 billion securitisation of UK student loans

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP's team has carved out a niche in taxation for US-UK deals and private capital matters. The department is led by James Anderson, who is noted for advising a wide range of asset managers, family offices, investment companies and high-net-worth individuals. He is supported by Alex Jupp, who has substantial experience in multi-jurisdictional M&A and advisory matters. The group has also developed a practice supporting new energy and technology clients, including in relation to crypto-currencies.

Practice head(s):James Anderson

Other key lawyers:Alex Jupp: Jisun Choi

Testimonials

'Practical and efficient group that understands what clients need'

'Alex Jupp is easy to work with, very responsive, smart, and efficient'

Key Clients

The Coca Cola Company

Phoenix Group Holdings

CME Group Inc

Fortress Investment Group

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd

Virgin Trains USA

Work highlights

  • Advised The Coca-Cola Company on the tax aspects of its £3.9 billion (US$5.1 billion) acquisition of Costa Coffee from Whitbread Plc
  • Advised Phoenix Group Holdings on its £2.93 billion acquisition of Standard Life Assurance and strategic partnership with Standard Life Aberdeen plc (SLA)
  • Advising Pfizer on the tax aspects of its joint venture with GlaxoSmithKline plc to create a leading global consumer healthcare company
  • Advising Australia-based Westfield Corporation on its acquisition by Unibail-Rodamco SE of France

Core strengths for the team at Travers Smith LLP include the tax aspects of private equity, asset management and investment funds, as well as corporate finance, M&A, real estate and employee incentives. Department head Simon Skinner has an active transactional and advisory practice; Russell Warren specialises in advising private equity houses, as does Kathleen Russ. Jessica Kemp is noted for her expertise in M&A-related taxation in both the public and private sectors.

Practice head(s):Simon Skinner

Other key lawyers:Russell Warren; Kathleen Russ; Emily Clark; Jessica Kemp; Elena Rowlands; Hannah Manning; Madeline Gowlett

Testimonials

'The firm shines in private equity'

'Simon Skinner is highly knowledgeable  and explains complex concepts clearly. He is practical, charts the optimal course, and then executes quickly and efficiently. Truly an outstanding adviser'

'A rare combination of deep technical knowledge and commercial acumen'

Key Clients

The Access Group

Sompo Canopius and its Executive Management Team

Bridgepoint

Microfocus

Gates Industrial Corporation

Premier Rugby

Work highlights

  • Advised TA Associates and management on their strategic reinvestment in The Access Group alongside new investor Hg.
  • Advised Michael Watson and the Executive Management Team of Sompo Canopius on the $952m sale of Sompo Canopius to Centrebridge Partners.
  • Advised Bridgepoint and management on the sale of Pret A Manger.
  • Advised Smithson Investment Trust in relation to a record breaking IPO.

White & Case LLP's team offers transactional, advisory and structuring advice to clients including governments, sovereign wealth funds, multinationals and family-backed businesses. Peita Menon leads the London tax team and is experienced in corporate M&A and reorganisations. Michael Wistow is noted for his expertise in real estate-related tax. Laura Hoyland was promoted to partner in January 2019 and advises a variety of funds and private equity houses.

Practice head(s):Peita Menon

Other key lawyers:Michael Wistow; Prabhu Narasimhan; Laura Hoyland

Testimonials

'Great international reach and perspective and commercial judgement'

'The team has a combination of wisdom in Peita Menon and a willingness to be unorthodox where appropriate in Prabhu Narasimhan that  is hard to beat'

'Peita Menon is always at the forefront of legal thinking'

Key Clients

Energean Oil & Gas

Anchorage Capital Group LLC

Zynga

Novator Partners

Grupo Bimbo

Klarna Bank AB

PPF Group

Goldman Sachs

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP stands out for its expertise in the interplay between US and UK tax regimes, predominantly advising on fund formation, M&A, financing and capital markets tax issues with US-UK aspects. The team is jointly-led by London co-managing partner Richard Ward and Matthew Saronson, whose practice consists of advising sponsors and investors on the US and international tax aspects of private equity funds and their operations.

Practice head(s):Richard Ward; Matthew Saronson

Other key lawyers:Cécile Beurrier

Testimonials

'A wide range of tax expertise combined with excellent commercial sense'

'Creative thinkers, fast workers and on point'

'Richard Ward is a go-to person with incredible knowledge and solutions available on the spot'

Key Clients

AIA Group Limited

PJSC Polyus

Motor Fuel Group

Clayton, Dubilier & Rice

HarbourVest Partners

Tristan Capital Partners Holdings Limited

Hanover Insurance Group

Work highlights

  • Advised the AIA Group in connection with its $6 billion Global Medium Term Notes and Securities Programme and its offering of $500 million of notes
  • Advised PJSC Polyus, the largest gold producer in Russia, on the issuance of $500 million notes due 2024
  • Advised Temporis Capital Ltd in relation to the establishment of a green energy fund focussed on investments in Ireland
  • Advised JAB Holding Company in relation to arrangements with the founder and management shareholders, in connection with the acquisition of the Pret à Manger group

The group at Dentons is able to draw on a substantial global office network to advise on tax matters with an international element across the private equity, corporate, real estate, and structured finance sectors. In addition, it has developed a niche in FinTech, advising clients on the tax consequences of blockchain technologies, anti-hybrid rules, corporate interest rate restrictions and compliance with the Criminal Finances Act 2017. Alex Thomas is head of the UK team and co-chair of the global tax practice. He specialises in corporate and real estate tax issues. Tax generalist James Meakin joined from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in March 2018.

Practice head(s):Alex Thomas

Other key lawyers:James Meakin; Cristiano Bortolotti; Alex Tostevin; Alastair MacLeod

Key Clients

KKR

Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners

Lloyds

Virgin

Avis

Tenaga Nasional Berhad

Her Majesty's Government

Qatar Airways

John Lewis

Work highlights

  • Advising Atom bank PLC on tax  aspects of  its first residential mortgage-backed securitisation transaction
  • Advising Aprirose on the acquisition of the QHotels group
  • Advised KKR on tax aspects of its bid to acquire the spreads business of Unilever plc.
  • Advised Volkswagen Financial Services on the £2 billion asset backed notes program of one of its securitisations

DLA Piper's team handles a range of transactional and advisory tax work in relation to corporate, real estate and financial servicesmatters. The  firm also advises more broadly on international taxation, which sits alongside a strong transfer pricing practice. Having joined the firm from Greenberg Traurig, LLP in November 2018, Clive Jones took over the leadership of the department from international VAT expert Richard Woolich. In addition to experience on international transactions, funds and investment structures, Jones has particular expertise in European tax risk insurance.

Practice head(s):Clive Jones

Other key lawyers:Richard Woolich; Paul Rutherford; Ben Brown; Kelly Lovegrove

Testimonials

'Richard Woolich has a very wide range of knowledge in all areas of tax, with clear, concise and reliable written tax advice'

Key Clients

Brewdog plc

Dropbox

Heineken UK

Kaplan International

Marsh & Mclennan

Mondalez

Stanley Black & Decker

Vice Media

Work highlights

  • Advising on a Jersey property unit trust as a commercial property income producing fund for institutions and its status for tax, in the light of new CGT rules for non-UK residents.  Also advising on the tax implications of various UK real estate purchases, or corporate real estate transactions by the fund, including developments.
  • Providing tax structuring advice on an acquisition by Carlyle of a UK IT business
  • Advised Keller Group Plc on the refinancing of its existing debt facilities into a new £375 million syndicated revolving credit facility.  The new syndicated facility involved borrowers and guarantors across eight jurisdictions and a club of eight banks across seven jurisdictions, giving rise to multi-jurisdictional tax issues

Cathryn Vanderspar leads the team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, which has a broad offering in investment fund taxation, cross-border M&A, real estate investment, finance tax and tax risk insurance. The team includes funds taxation specialist Camilla Spielman and real estate tax expert Paul Beausang, who joined the group from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP in May 2018.

Practice head(s):Cathryn Vanderspar

Other key lawyers:Camilla Spielman; Ben Jones; Paul Beausang; Deepesh Upadhyay

Testimonials

'Eversheds offer a wealth of experience with dealing with the UK regulator and they have a close knit team of advisers that provides tax/regulatory advisory services. Their team is relatively unique in as much that it has been together for some time now and so it is good to deal with the same people who have worked on our account and know our business very well.'

'Detailed knowledge. Broad spectrum advice and expertise. Partner led, commercial and responsive approach.'

'Camilla Spielman is technically very strong in respect of tax issues in respect of the UK fund management industry. She is good to work with and is proactive in bringing emerging tax issues to my attention.'

'Ben Jones is commercial and responsive.'

Key Clients

Legal & General

Land Securities

M&G Investments

SEGRO

Aviva

Taylor Wimpey

Work highlights

  • Advised Aviva on tax aspects of the sale of its global indirect real estate investment business and its interest in the European commercial real estate fund, Encore+. The deal will result in around £6 billion of assets under management being transferred to LaSalle
  • Advised Rolls-Royce on the sale of its commercial marine division to Kongsberg Gruppen
  • Advising AIG Europe on the underwriting of approximately 20 W&I insurance policies in relation to transactions with an aggregate value of over £4bn.
  • Advised Blackstone on its sale of the iconic Adelphi building in Covent Garden to Pontegadea, the investment vehicle of Amancio Ortega, the founder of fashion brand Zara

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher's tax group was greatly boosted by the arrival of Sandy Bhogal from Mayer Brown International LLP in April 2018. Bhogal brought with him significant experience in corporate tax planning and transfer pricing, as well as expertise in transactional tax, and he was followed to the firm by former colleague Ben Fryer in October 2019. Reflecting the firm's transatlantic presence, department head Jeff Trinklein specialises in US and international taxation, with a focus on advice to overseas clients with investments in the US and advice to US clients with operations elsewhere.

Practice head(s):Jeff Trinklein

Other key lawyers:Sandy Bhogal; Ben Fryer; Nicholas Aleksander

Testimonials

'Sandy Bhogal communicates the key issues clearly and with commercial understanding, enabling the tax element of transactions to be executed efficiently and effectively'

'Great tax team; stand-out individuals are Jeffrey Trinklein and consistent top quality expert Sandy Bhoghal'

'Top notch tax team. Technical and pragmatic. Excellent service'

Key Clients

The Stars Group

WeWork Companies

Bruin Sports Capital

Crescent Heights

HTC Corporation

Apollo Global Management

ATL Partners

Uber Technologies

Finance and M&A-related tax are key areas of expertise for the team at Latham & Watkins, which has a strong transactional focus and a specialism in private equity-related work. The group also regularly supports other departments in the firm on issues such as IPOs and technology-related taxation. Transactional tax specialist Sean Finn and Karl Mah (who is the principal tax contact for the London office's banks and capital markets departments) co-head the team.

Practice head(s):Sean Finn; Karl Mah

Other key lawyers:Stephen Brown

Testimonials

'Very competent technically and very commercial'

'Karl Mah is a good sounding board to discuss tax issues to a transaction'

'Very knowledgeable, with excellent technical expertise and strong communication skills'

Key Clients

The Carlyle Group

Credit Suisse

Houlihan Lokey

Manchester United

Onex Partners

Soho House

Platinum Equity

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp

Work highlights

  • Advised Wagamama, Duke Street, Hutton Collins and the other selling shareholders in connection with the high profile acquisition by The Restaurant Group plc of the entire issued share capital of the holding company of the Wagamama group.
  • Advised Credit Suisse on the acquisition by Dana Incorporated of the driveline division of GKN, a UK-based provider of engineering services to the automotive and aerospace industries
  • Represented Platinum Equity on its acquisition of the European vacation rental business of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation.

NGM Tax Law LLP is a boutique that has an emphasis on corporate tax, fielding a highly experienced team of individuals who previously held senior roles in leading City firms. The firm advises a range of domestic and international corporates on transactional and advisory matters, particularly in relation to the commercial property sector. The team is jointly-led by international tax experts Mark Nichols and Stephen Hoyle, and corporate tax specialists Keith Gregory and Simon Meredith.

Practice head(s):Mark Nichols; Keith Gregory; Simon Meredith; Stephen Hoyle

Other key lawyers:Nigel Davies; David Hinds; Peter Jenkins; Nikhil Mehta; Gerald Montagu; Steven Sieff

Testimonials

'Cost effective, dedicated and on top of their subject matter'

'Keith Gregory deploys his many years of experience and knowledge to provide practical and commercial legal tax advice'

'Mark Nichols and Keith Gregory are technically strong and with significant practical experience to be able to deliver commercial advice in a clear and concise manner'

The team at Pinsent Masons LLP stands out for its transactional work and structuring  advice, for which it is able to provide a cross-border service via the firm's international network of offices, as well as a strong transfer pricing practice. The team is led by Eloise Walker, who often works closely with the German tax team advising UK investors on tax issues across the EU. Following the retirement of John Christian in 2018, the group was joined by dual-qualified lawyer and chartered tax adviser Peter Morley from Squire Patton Boggs and real estate tax expert Richard Croker from CMS

Practice head(s):Eloise Walker; Jason Collins

Other key lawyers:Christine Yuill; Jeremy Webster; Richard Croker; Penny Simmons

Testimonials

'The team is very good at distilling complex property transactions so that they are easy to understand from both a commercial and tax technical perspective'

'Very good strength throughout the team and across disciplines'

'Eloise Walker is very bright and very commercial. She is able to balance the risk of something arising with the consequences - able to present multiple solutions to problems and then help narrow down the preferred approach'

Key Clients

Co-operative Group

UK Sport

HSBC

Lloyds Banking Group

RBS

Serco

Ørsted's UK

Work highlights

  • Advising CommScope on the tax aspects of the acquisition of Arris International plc.
  • Acted for Kier Limited on its disposal of its interest in KHSA, a construction group, to Downer Group, a leading supplier of integrated infrastructure services in Australia and New Zealand
  • Advice on certain transactional tax elements of the initial public offering of shares in AJ Bell PLC to the main market of the London Stock Exchange

Stephenson Harwood's key areas of tax sector expertise are funds, transportation and asset finance. The group is often called upon to advise on M&A, financing and real estate matters and is also able to assist clients with the restructuring of complex tax planning arrangements. Department head Hugo Jenney handles corporate and personal tax; Maryanna Sharrock is a business tax expert; senior associate Kate Worthington has particular experience in real estate transactions.

Practice head(s):Hugo Jenney

Other key lawyers:Maryanna Sharrock; John Meehan; Hilary Barclay; Kate Worthington

Key Clients

Transport for London

ENGIE

HSBC/HSBC Pension Fund

Tristan Capital

LXI REIT

Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust

Work highlights

  • Acted  on a number of sales and acquisitions on behalf of private equity investment firm Bowmark Capital including: the acquisition of Lawyers on Demand and the Instant Group and Ask4 and the sale of Nexus Vehicle Rental
  • Acted for Subsea7 on the acquisition of Siem Offshore Contractors and 2 ships
  • Act for LXi in respect of direct and indirect property acquisitions and other real estate matters as well as regular group restructuring work.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP 's City tax team  counts a strong private equity leaning  among its strengths as well as handling the  tax aspects of  corporate M&A,  private funds,  insolvencies  and  group restructurings. It  is able to draw on the firm's  office  network across  North America and Europe  to  handle cross-border tax matters. The  team also  advises on  the tax  aspects of  structured financings, leveraged financings and management incentivisation schemes. Oliver Walker leads the department and has significant experience in transactional tax matters and complex reorganisations.

Practice head(s):Oliver Walker

Other key lawyers:Aron Joy

Testimonials

'Oliver Walker is highly talented, reactive and pragmatic and his team is of the same vein'

'A one-stop shop solution when it comes to UK tax advice'

'Very commercial approach. Work well with their M&A colleagues'

Key Clients

VINCI Airports

Advent International Corporation

Lehman Brothers Holdings

Westinghouse Electric

The Public Sector Pension Investment Board

Bain Capital Private Equity

Work highlights

  • Advising VINCI Airports SAS (France) (an indirect subsidiary of VINCI SA) in its £2.9 billion ($3.7 billion) acquisition of a majority stake in Gatwick Airport
  • Advising Advent International on the tax aspects of various deals over the course of 2018
  • Advising LBHI on claims by it and subsidiaries for UK treaty relief and on potential scheme negotiations with Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (In Administration) (LBIE)

Akin Gump LLP's main focuses are restructurings and investment fund taxation, drawing on the firm's wider expertise in financial services. Department head Stuart Sinclair handles a variety of structuring and transactional work. Sophie Donnithorne-Tait is noted for experience in major restructurings and reorganisations, and also leads on pro bono support provided to the National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone, alongside counsel Serena Lee, who is experienced in investment funds and restructurings.

Practice head(s):Stuart Sinclair

Other key lawyers:Sophie Donnithorne-Tait; Serena Lee

Testimonials

'This team has all-round expertise on corporate tax issues combined with a depth of expertise which is rarely found in the City of London'

'Stuart Sinclair is a highly trusted adviser who is in the top tier of corporate tax lawyers in London'

'Serena Lee is highly knowledgeable, thoughtful and responsive; truly excellent'

Key Clients

Ad hoc committee of unsecured creditors to the Noble Group

Agrokor d.d.

Ahren LLP

National Revenue Authority, Sierra Leone

BrightSphere Investment Group plc (previously known as OM Asset Management plc)

Work highlights

  • Advised on the establishment and formation of Ahren LP and continue to advise on its ongoing investments
  • Acted as independent international legal counsel in relation to the $6.35bn restructuring of the Agrokor group
  • Represented the ad hoc committee of unsecured creditors in the proposed financial restructuring of over US$3.5bn of debt issued by Noble

In keeping with the firm's wider insurance expertise, Clyde & Co LLP stands out for insurance taxation matters, including public and private insurance for M&A transactions, underwriting and insurance premium tax. The group is also regularly instructed in real estate deals, as well as on a variety of M&A transactions. Ray Smith leads the team, advising on tax planning and transactional tax issues.

Practice head(s):Ray Smith

Other key lawyers:Susan Ball; David Blumenthal

Testimonials

'Advice is succinct and practical'

'Ray Smith is a very easy lawyer to relate to and is a pleasure to deal with. His deep knowledge gives clients comfort and confidence'

Key Clients

Grainger

Liberty

Simec

AIG

Oaktree Capital

Willmott Dixon

Work highlights

  • Advised Wilmott Dixon on the disposal of a 70% stake in its development business BeLiving to EcoWorld
  • Advised SIMEC on all aspects of the sale to Atlantis Resources and the joint venture
  • Advised Select Group on tax residence issues

Goodwin's team focuses on private equity and real estate taxation. working closely with the London office's other departments to provide clients with a full service. On the funds side, a particular strength of  the  City office , the group assists clients with the formation of funds and their transactions. Following the departure of Sarah Priestley, who left to co-found PriestleySoundy in December 2018, Goodwin's tax team is led by private investment fund taxation expert Laura Charkin, who also leads on European tax, and has experience in structuring Luxembourg-based funds. Senior associate Katie Leah is noted for transactional tax matters. In June 2019, the group welcomed venture capital and real estate tax specialist Rob Young from Taylor Wessing LLP.

Practice head(s):Laura Charkin

Other key lawyers:Katie Leah; Rob Young

Key Clients

Macquarie

Ares Management

Bregal

Investcorp

Inflexion

M7 Real Estate

TA Associates

Abingworth VII

G-Square

Angelo Gordon

Work highlights

  • Advised longstanding client Macquarie on the structuring and fundraising of the first series of Macquarie SuperCore Infrastructure Fund, closing at €2.5bn in the first series of three
  • Acted for WisdomTree Investments, Inc. on its acquisition of the European exchange-traded commodity, currency and short-and-leveraged business of ETF Securities Limited for $523m

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP's core UK tax practice focuses  on advising on M&A transactions, fund formations, banking-related tax work, real estate matters and litigation, engaging in disputes with tax authorities including HMRC. The group is able to draw on the firm's global office network to cater to the needs of international clients in cross-border tax matters. Tax generalist James Ross leads the team and has particular experience in transfer pricing and double tax treaty issues.

Practice head(s):James Ross

Other key lawyers:Neville Wright; Sarah Gabbai

Testimonials

'They always look to find a solution to the problem rather than put barriers in the way of getting business done'

'The firm's teams are easy to manage, they align internally, know and anticipate what needs to be done meaning clients ask a question and receive a consolidated response covering all jurisdictions'

Key Clients

Socotec

Actuant

HIG Capital

Great Point Partners

Work highlights

  • Advised Praxair. (NYSE: PX), a global industrial gases company, on  tax issues relating to the €5 billion sale ($5.85 billion) of the majority of its businesses in Europe to Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation, a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and majority owned by Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation
  • Advised Mondi Group (a FTSE 100 company)on  tax issues relating to its acquisition of Powerflute Group Holdings Oy from Nordic Packaging and Container Holdings, a portfolio company of US private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners
  • Advised on  tax aspects of  Alliance Pharmaceuticals acquisition of a marketing and distribution business for therapeutic hair care products  from Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, an entity within the Johnson & Johnson Group

Mishcon de Reya LLP's advisory- and transaction-focused team has deep expertise in property tax, advising on all aspects of real estate investment, including student accommodation. Many of  these matters are led by department co-head Jonathan Legg. In addition, the team has experience in insurance-sector deals and fund formation taxation. John Skoulding, who is the other co-head, focuses on transactional advice around domestic and international M&A, fund formations and corporate restructurings and reorganisations. Gary Richards is noted for tax planning and transaction structuring.

Practice head(s):John Skoulding; Jonathan Legg

Other key lawyers:Gary Richards; Isabella Adams

Testimonials

'Excellent communication skills and first class knowledge'

'Jonathan Legg is a leading expert for real estate tax work'

'The team has exceptional knowledge of the key developments in the tax environment'

Key Clients

Brookfield (Student Roost)

Capital & Counties Properties plc

Helical plc

Derwent

Fusion Global Investments LLP

Alony Hetz Properties and Investments

Work highlights

  • Provided property tax advice for 'Student Roost' (a business owned by Brookfield Strategic Real Estate Partners II fund) on the purchase of the 'Enigma Portfolio' from Curlew Student Trust (a fund backed by clients of CBRE Global Investors)
  • Advised long-standing client Helical plc on the tax aspects on its disposal of its retirement village's portfolio to Legal & General for £102m

Osborne Clarke has strengthened its City tax team with a number of significant additions. These include  the hire of international tax expert Mathew Oliver from Bird & Bird LLP, who brings with him broad experience in transactional and standalone advisory work. Dividing their time between the London and Bristol offices, the team is jointly-headed by cross-border transaction specialist Erika Jupe and Tracey Wright, who leads on UK tax issues, with a particular focus on real estate taxation.

Practice head(s):Tracey Wright; Erika Jupe

Other key lawyers:Mathew Oliver; David Nisbet; Luolan Dong; Homyar Pahlan

Testimonials

'Not only is the team knowledgeable, it is available and responsive'

'The individual attorneys at this firm are knowledgeable, efficient and friendly'

'Tracey Wright is good at coming up with commercial solutions when tax issues are identified'

Key Clients

Siemens plc

PGIM

Equitix

Solarplicity Asset Limited

Addington Capital

Foresight Group

Caledonia Investments plc

Work highlights

  • In one of the largest management buyouts in the UK in 2018, the team advised on the management tax aspects of the sale of NEC Group to Blackstone; this covered a full tax advisory role acting for the key management team on exit and equity reinvestment
  • Advised Gram Games, the mobile game developer, on its $250m sale to leading social games company, Zynga Inc. (Zynga), and all related tax aspects
  • Advised Solarplicity, one of the UK’s leading renewable energy providers, on the sale of 133MW of solar assets

Arun Birla leads Paul Hastings LLP's London corporate tax offering, which is instructed on major deals, often with international aspects. The group also excels in standalone advisory work for clients such as financial institutions ad private funds - as well as advising on  matters involving collateralized loan obligations and the real estate sector.

Practice head(s):Arun Birla

Other key lawyers:Jiten Tank

Testimonials

'They feel like an extension of their client's team, and always make the effort to make them feel like they are a priority'

'What makes them special is their deep understanding of the commercial issues and empathy with the client'

'Jiten Tank is user friendly, understands the commercial impact and provides helpful advice'

Key Clients

Societe Generale

Activum

Starwood Capital

Intermediate Capital Group

Apollo Asset Management

Abry Partners II, LLC

Mayfair Capital

 

Work highlights

  • Advising Octopus Healthcare in relation to the structuring and tax aspects of the conversion of the closed-ended MedicX I Health fund into a perpetual life fund targeting over £1bn of commitments
  • Representing Starwood Capital in its disposal of 12 full-service hotels forming part of the Principal Hotel Company to FdM, for a purchase price in excess of $1bn
  • Advising Monaco Telecom on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of MTN Cyprus for net sale proceeds of €260m

Proskauer Rose LLP is geared towards advising funds and asset managers on across all of their tax issues, with the team drawing on strong cross-practice cooperation with the corporate, banking and real estate practices. As a US-headquartered firm, the tax team is well-placed to advise on transatlantic deals. Department head Robert Gaut's practice spans complex corporate tax structuring, real estate tax counsel and fund formation taxation. Matt Pincus, who joined from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in 2018, is a go-to name for US tax issues.

Practice head(s):Robert Gaut

Other key lawyers:Stephen Pevsner; Mary Kuusisto; Catherine Sear; Matt Pincus

Testimonials

'The team brings unique insights into the PE environment amid a flood of new legislation impacting the industry'

'Stephen Pevsner is the go-to person on complicated tax matters impacting portfolio groups, management and certain fund matters'

'Mary Kuusisto is insightful, thoughtful, and offers great advice'

Key Clients

Formosa International Hotels Corporation

BerryWorld

ICG

ScaleVP

Apiary Capital

Lion Capital

Investcorp

Work highlights

  • Advised Formosa International Hotels Corporation on tax aspects of its agreement to sell  a 51% stake in the Regent Hotels and Resorts brand to InterContinental Hotels Group for $39mn cash.
  • Advised long-time client Hg on the formation of Hg Saturn 1, which closed at its hard cap of £1.5bn
  • Advising BerryWorld on tax issues relating to its joint venture with Mastronardi foods
  • Advising ICG on tax aspects of its acquisition of the Inenco Group

Key areas of expertise for Reed Smith LLP include tax-related mid-market M&A transactions, fund formation, banking tax, real estate acquisitions and sales taxation, often working closely with the firm's offices in the US and Europe. Caspar Fox leads the European tax department, and has a particular focus on cross-border M&A and restructurings. Private equity-related tax expert Gareth Amdor is another noted practitioner with substantial corporate tax experience.

Practice head(s):Caspar Fox

Other key lawyers:Gareth Amdor; Laura Gould

Testimonials

'Provides clear and commercial advice'

'Very good understanding of the business of the client'

'Gareth Amdor is a great and dynamic tax lawyer. He knows how to get straight to the point'

Corporate and private equity tax expert Brenda Coleman leads the group at Ropes & Gray LLP, which excels in transactional tax for clients with operations in the UK and across the EU. Private equity, fund formation, real estate, banking and finance remain core competencies for the department.

Practice head(s):Brenda Coleman

Other key lawyers:Andrew Howard

At Shearman & Sterling LLP, the team handles the full spectrum of traditional corporate tax matters for a variety of domestic and international, public and private sector clients. It also often works closely with the firm's international private capital industry group to advise on complex structures. Simon Letherman leads the team and is a real tax generalist.

Practice head(s):Simon Letherman

Other key lawyers:Michael Ward

Testimonials

'Simon Letherman and his team are very knowledgeable and have extensive experience.' 

'The team is extremely professional and reliable and manages an incredible workload; sometimes on an around-the-clock basis'

'Michael Ward remains calm, friendly, competent and reliable, even in the middle of the storm'

Key Clients

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company

Ardagh Group

Boston Scientific

Coca-Cola European Partners

Investcorp

Liberty Global

Qatar Investment Authority

Work highlights

  • Advising General Electric's Power division on tax issues relating to  the $3.25 billion sale of its Distributed Power business to Advent International
  • Advised Cyprus Cooperative Bank on the sale of certain of its assets and liabilities to Hellenic Bank plc
  • Advising on  tax aspects of Boston Scientific Corporation's recommended cash offer for the entire issued share capital of BTG at approximately $4.2bn
  • Advised Piraeus Bank on the sale of a €1.95bn portfolio of non-performing loans ("NPLs") and denounced corporate credit exposures, backed by real estate collateral, to Bain Capital Credit LP

The team at Taylor Wessing LLP has a strong transactional and advisory offering, with experience in the private wealth sector, real estate funds and inward investment structuring and financing. The tax group also works closely with the firm's corporate technology team, advising both start-ups and venture capital investors. The department is jointly-led by international tax expert Peter Jackson and Robert Young, who focuses on incentives.

Practice head(s):Robert Young; Peter Jackson

Other key lawyers:Graham Samuel-Gibbon; James Stewart

Testimonials

'Clear concise advice which is not coloured by the circumstances of client needs'

'Fully trustworthy'

'Individual attention to complex cases by a partner . No delegation to less experienced lawyers.'

'Rob Young is very bright and catches all the details, big and small.'

'Excellent teamwork and leadership in cross-border transactions involving various jurisdictions.'

'Peter Jackson is not only an excellent tax lawyer but he is also able to work well with lawyers in other jurisdictions in order to ensure that the client obtains the best possible advice. He is also a very amiable person who fully respects colleagues and whose knowledge enables him to put across the appropriate questions.'

Key Clients

Caledonia Investments plc

Canada Life

Casual Dining Group plc

Grapeshot

Inflexion

Interactive Investor plc

Rutland PartnersSky

Work highlights

  • Advised Grapeshot Limited on the sale of its entire issued, and to be issued, share capital to Oracle Corporation.
  • Advised on the 80% sale of Bitstamp to Brussels-based investment firm, NXMH.
  • Advised MML, on its joint venture with Macquarie to acquire parking management business, ParkingEye, from Capita for £235m, in a highly competitive auction.

Drawing on a strong transatlantic presence, Vinson & Elkins RLLP's main focus is international tax planning, with a particular emphasis on the natural resources, energy and telecoms industries. The team also advises on cross-border acquisitions by private equity funds, as well as restructurings. Cross-border structuring expert Jenny Doak heads the department.

Practice head(s):Jenny Doak

Other key lawyers:Andrew Callaghan; Evlogi Kabzamalov

Testimonials

'The Vinson & Elkins London tax team is an excellent team for large transactions and complex tax matters'

'Technically excellent in all respects; attention to detail is outstanding'

'Jenny Doak is an outstandingly capable tax lawyer. She displays deep experience in the energy sector, excellent technical skills and service delivery on large transactions'

Key Clients

Africa Oil Corp. (“AOC”)

Vitol Group

Vitol Investment Partnership II

Vivo Energy

Helios Investment Partners

TPG Sixth Street Partners

Woodside Petroleum

J.P. Morgan

Work highlights

  • Advised Vitol and Helios Investment Partners on tax aspects of Vivo Energy’s initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange
  • Advised J.P. Morgan Securities, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Deutsche Bank Securities as the initial purchasers on the issuance by Neptune Energy Bondco plc of $550m of senior notes due 2025
  • Advised Vitol Group in its joint acquisition, with IFM Global Infrastructure Fund, of Buckeye Partners LP’s 50% equity interest in VTTI B.V., the leading global independent provider of energy storage

Bird & Bird LLP's team works closely with the firm's M&A department, predominantly advising on the tax aspects of transactions. The group also has expertise in tax issues relating to intellectual property, as well as international tax, particularly for European and US inbound and outbound work. Zoe Feller leads the tax practice and has experience of corporate, asset finance and structured finance transactions. Legal director Simon Gough is noted for banking and funds work.

Practice head(s):Zoe Feller

Other key lawyers:Simon Gough

Key Clients

F-Secure

DXC Technology

Calero Software

Cobham PLC

Darktrace (Invoke Capital Partners)

Technopolis

Nokia Solutions and Networks

Work highlights

  • Advised F-Secure  on the tax aspects of its $105m acquisition of MWR InfoSecurity
  • Advised Arm on the tax aspects of its aquisition of Stream Technologies
  • Advised Cobham plc on the tax aspects of the sale, to Dassault Systemes, by its wholly owned subsidiary, Chelton, of its "Opera" branded simulation software business

Burges Salmon LLP 's tax practice  offers advice on  corporate restructurings, real estate transactions and investment funds for clients including The Crown Estate. Following the retirement of Nigel Popplewell in 2019, the group is led by Ian Carnochan and Sarah Lane, who joined the firm from an in-house position at FTI Consulting in March 2018, and has a practice that includes M&A, treasury tax and real estate tax  work.

Practice head(s):Ian Carnochan; Sarah Lane

Other key lawyers:John Barnett

Testimonials

'Very well considered, prompt professional advice'

'In-depth knowledge of financial services products and services'

'Very strong at listening to the client and delivering on key aspects and risks; with a strong risk management and ethics approach to engagement'

Key Clients

The Crown Estate

Yeo Valley Group Limited

Octopus Investments Limited

The Church Commissioners

Battery Energy Storage Solutions

Work highlights

  • Advising Yeo Valley on a strategic transaction with Arla Foods
  • Advised the Wales Pension Partnership on the establishment of an authorised contractual scheme.
  • Advised management on a £160 million buy-out of Supplier Assessment Services from Capita
  • Provided UK tax advice to senior management in relation to the buy-out of Hydro International by pan-European private equity firm Agilitas

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP is most noted for its cross-border structured finance practice.  The London  tax group regularly advises domestic and multinational companies and financial institutions on the tax aspects of transactions and deal structuring. Adam Blakemore leads the practice and has particular experience assisting clients with restructurings in solvent and distressed debt situations and  corporate reorganisations.

Practice head(s):Adam Blakemore

Other key lawyers:Catherine Richardson; Hugo Chan

Key Clients

Seadrill Limited

Smurfit Kappa Group

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton's practice is geared towards the tax aspects of  UK and international M&A, fund formation and management work for banks and other financial institutions. The group is led by corporate tax expert Richard Sultman and includes counsel Jennifer Maskell, who has experience in complex cross-border M&A.

Practice head(s):Richard Sultman

Other key lawyers:Jennifer Maskell

Testimonials

'The team is very reactive and up to date'

Key Clients

ArcelorMittal

Atalian

Lavazza

Kazakhtelecom

JUUL

Work highlights

  • Advising ArcelorMittal on tax aspects of its divestiture of steel plants in Romania, Czech Republic, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Macedonia to Liberty House Group in a series of deals valued at approximately €1.4bn
  • Provided tax advice to La Financière ATALIAN (Atalian) on its acquisition of 100 percent of Servest Limited (Servest UK), a leading provider of facility management services in the United Kingdom, and its subsidiaries
  • Advised Cushman & Wakefield plc and its principal shareholders, a consortium comprised of TPG, PAG Asia Capital, and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board, in the company's $765 million initial public offering of 45 million of its ordinary shares
  • Advised Lavazza in the acquisition of Mars Drinks. The transaction was structured as a part-share, part-asset deal.

Cooley (UK) LLP's team has a transactional focus, supporting the firm's private equity and capital markets teams on taxation matters relating to firm-wide  key sector specialisms  in life sciences and technology. Natasha Kaye leads the practice, with expertise in private equity transactions; acting for both institutions and management teams. David Wilson, who joined the firm from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in May 2018,  has extensive experience in finance transactions, often with cross-border aspects.

Practice head(s):Natasha Kaye

Other key lawyers:David Wilson

Key Clients

Pizza Hut Restaurants UK

Clearlake Capital

Primary Capital

Orchard Therapeutics

RockRose Energy plc

23andMe

Work highlights

  • Provided the lead buy-side tax structuring advice on the management buyout (MBO) of the Pizza Hut UK business, backed by Pricoa Capital Group
  • Advised Acelity on tax aspects of transactions including its acquisition of Crawford Healthcare and its sale of a manufacturing facility to Scapa Healthcare
  • Provided tax advice to Orchard Therapeutics on its acquisition of GSK’s rare disease gene therapy portfolio
  • Advised 23andMe on an important collaboration with GSK

Dechert LLP's team really stands out for its work in the UK and cross-border private equity, funds and investment management spaces, but it is also instructed on M&A and executive incentives matters. Mark Stapleton leads the team, with substantial experience advising offshore funds and investment managers, in addition to offering structuring and tax advice on collateralised loan obligations (CLOs). Jane Scobie , who is  recommended for her expertise in  private equity taxation, left  the firm for Willkie Farr  & Gallagher in  2019.

Practice head(s):Mark Stapleton

Other key lawyers:Daniel Hawthorne

Testimonials

'Knowledgeable lawyers who are commercial in their approach'

'The tax department is well aligned to the special needs of asset managers. Being able to provide multi jurisdictional advice in this area is critical and is a well heralded success of the firm'

'Mark Stapleton understands all the nuances whether the matter relates to the taxation of the investment manager, its staff and partner remuneration schemes or the tax position of its investment funds both onshore and offshore'

Key Clients

Apollo Global Management

Ares

Astorg

Coveris Holdings S.A.

Generali Investments

Northill Capital

Quilvest

Sun Capital Partners

Work highlights

  • Advised PE firm Sun Capital Partners as the lead global legal adviser on the sale of its portfolio company Albéa S.A., to PAI Partners
  • Lead global counsel to Coveris Holdings S.A., a premier global packaging manufacturer on the sale of its Global Rigid Business to PE firm Lindsay Goldberg LLC
  • Advised Northill Capital, an asset management business with $56bn of assets under management on the acquisition and associated tax advice related to the management equity structuring of Hastings Fund Management, the global infrastructure specialist

Derek Hill leads the team at Fieldfisher, and specialises in tax-structured finance transactions. The group has a variety of experience, but is most noted for advising clients in the TMT, life sciences and financial services sectors.

Practice head(s):Derek Hill

Other key lawyers:Nick Noble; Andrew Prowse

Jones Day's tax department has a heavy real estate focus, under the leadership of Blaise Marin-Curtoud. Drawing on the firm's international presence and strong transactional practices, the group also handles M&A and financing taxation. Charlotte Sallabank left to join Katten in October 2018.

Practice head(s):Blaise Marin-Curtoud

Other key lawyers:Anthony Whall

The group at Mayer Brown International LLP works closely with the firm's international offices, primarily providing transactional support. In addition, it is often called upon to advise on tax planning and structuring work, which it can provide across several jurisdictions. It  has a particular niche in the taxation of employee share incentives, an area of expertise for department leader James Hill.

Practice head(s):James Hill

Other key lawyers:Simon Rose; Kitty Swanson

Key Clients

British Land

CPPIB

Entertainment One

The Halifax Group

National Grid Pension Scheme Trustees

Unilever

Work highlights

  • Advised eOne on tax aspects of its acquisition of a 49% stake in film and television producer, The Mark Gordon Company, for $209m
  • Advising KD Group on the sale of its insurance company Adriatic Slovenica
  • Advised Mitie Group plc on the sale of its social housing business to Mears Group plc
  • Advised The Halifax Group and Management on the sale of Pirtek Europe

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP's team draws on the firm's global reach to advise multi-national clients on the spectrum of transactional and tax structuring work. Department head Kate Habershon focuses on M&A, international structuring, corporate finance, private equity and executive compensation. In 2018, real estate tax expert Paul Beausang left the team to join Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.

Practice head(s):Kate Habershon

Key Clients

Yandex

Oracle Corporation

Blackrock

Pepper UK

Work highlights

  • Advised Oracle in its acquisition of Grapeshot Limited, a provider of brand safety and pre-bid contextual solutions to more than 5,000 of the world's leading marketers
  • Advised BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Ltd. in the issuance of £325 million listed residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) - the third under the London Wall RMBS program established by Morgan Lewis
  • Advised Pepper (UK) Ltd. as originator, seller, subordinated noteholder, and servicer in the establishment of a $290m UK residential mortgage warehouse securitisation vehicle.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP's practice spans the tax aspects of transactions, consultancy and disputes. The group is most noted for its expertise in the energy and infrastructure, maritime, natural resources and real estate sectors, but it has also developed a niche in emerging technologies, such as blockchain and crypto-currencies. The team is led by marine tax expert Richard Stephens.

Practice head(s):Richard Stephens

Other key lawyers:Tom Jarvis

Testimonials

'Practical and proportionate advice on tax matters'

'Tom Jarvis provides a great service and is very responsive'

'The standard of advice and assistance is very detailed and high quality'

Key Clients

Orsted (formerly DONG Energy)

Salutem Healthcare

RBS

BP Pension Fund

MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Tui Cruises

Work highlights

  • Advising Aban Singapore Pte. Ltd on its acquisition of interests in two oil and gas blocks in the UK North Sea.
  • Advising Chaarat Gold Holdings Ltd. on the acquisition of Kapan Mining and Processing CJSC.
  • Advising institutional investors on the long-term financing for the acquisition of a stake in the Walney Extension offshore wind farm.

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