Cerha Hempel advises across the spectrum of tax matters, but is particularly noted for its litigious capabilities, concerning VAT liabilities, stamp duty and more. The group is also well versed in setting up transfer pricing structures and optimising cross-border M&A from a tax perspective. Benjamin Twardosz is the firm’s key name for tax disputes, representing clients faced with challenges concerning stamp duty and real estate transfer taxes, as well as fiscal criminal law issues. He leads the team alongside Johannes Prinz, an expert in the taxation of corporates and non-profits, transactional taxes and withholding tax. Christoph Schimmer departed the firm in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Cerha Hempel has a wealth of knowledge and experienced people. Advice is accurate, understandable and provided with quick turnaround times.’
- ‘The individuals are very responsive and collaborative. They work with you to find the best solution to complex matters.’
- ‘Competent advice, excellent availability and rapid support in urgent cases, good internal cooperation between legal and tax.’
- ‘This law firm was the only one willing to take on our case and successfully accomplished it.’
- ‘Benjamin Twardosz has always been professional and has worked promptly and efficiently to resolve our issue.’
- ‘Working with Benjamin Twardosz is a very pleasant and transparent experience. He has a profound knowledge of the industry. His expertise in procedural tax law is outstanding.’
Key clients
- Georg Fischer AG
- Wirtschaftskammer Österreich
- Österreichische Vereinigung für Wetten und Glücksspiel
- Seagems
- Topdown Creative Factory GmbH
- UBS
- Philip Morris
- WAG Payment Solutions
- UN Global Compact Network
- Ground Truth Solutions
- AIG Asset Management
- Contrarian Capital Management
Work highlights
Advised seven Austrian wind and hydro-power operators regarding the energy crisis tax, represented them in tax litigation before the Supreme Administrative and Supreme Constitutional Courts, and in tax audits.
Advised Georg Fischer AG on all tax aspects of the sale of its Casting Solutions division to Nemak, including a pre-sale restructuring involving a carve-out of participations and real estate.
Advised OMV on both its participation in Borealis, and the sale of a participation to TOTAL Energies.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Johannes Prinz; Benjamin Twardosz