bpv Hügel 'combines top-tier Austrian expertise with seamless cross-border capability' to advise on complex transactional tax structures, for both acquisitions and joint ventures, set up transfer pricing arrangements and defend clients facing audits or court proceedings brought by the tax authorities. Jointly heading the group are Kornelia Wittmann, a German-qualified lawyer who acts for corporates and HNWIs alike, and Nicolas Wolski, whose practice spans tax structuring and controversies. Wittmann is a regular before senior Austrian courts, assisting clients in fiscal criminal proceedings, while Wolski is able to assist clients looking to carry out investigations into their own practices, in addition to advising on M&A and financing levies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Highly competent in their field, able to quickly familiarise themselves with complex legal issues and just as quickly draw up guidelines for action.’
- ‘Not only is Kornelia Wittmann an absolute expert in her field, she is also forward-thinking and always looks beyond the horizon. She and her team provide comprehensive support.’
- ‘bpv Hügel’s corporate, M&A and tax team combines top-tier Austrian expertise with seamless cross-border capability, offering the depth of an international firm with the agility and partner-involvement of a leading independent practice.’
- ‘Nicolas Wolski stands out for his sharp analytical skills, commercial awareness, and hands-on approach, which make him a trusted advisor in complex transactions.’
- ‘For me, the tax team of bpv Hügel is clearly a prominent player that advises on both domestic and cross-border cases and transactions. Its expertise covers a host of sectors, including logistics and transport, financial services, retail, technology and a host of topics including M&A, restructuring, international tax law, VAT, customs, tax litigation and fiscal criminal law. Nicolas Wolski and KornelWittmann are simply brilliant.’
- ‘Kornelia Wittmann is a brilliant and highly approachable tax lawyer and a real pleasure to work with. Her advice is always of high value and strategically perfect. Kornelia is technically excellent and provides extremely valuable advice and insights.’
Key clients
- CPI Europe AG
- EAVISTA Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH
- IMMOFINANZ
- Raiffeisen Agrar Invest AG/RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria eGen
- STRABAG SE
- BP
- S IMMO AG
Work highlights
Advised STRABAG SE on all aspects of the acquisition, alongside PORR AG and via a joint holding company, of parts of the VAMED Group for c. €90m.
Analysed transfer pricing arrangements for two Austrian subsidiaries of an international group that has further subsidiaries in the UK, US and EU, that effectively eliminated profits, developed adaptation options, and addressed potential financial criminal risks.
Advised Raiffeisen Agrar Invest and RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria eGen on the tax structuring and financing of the creditor-driven restructuring of BayWa AG.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Nicolas Wolski; Kornelia Wittmann