Germany: Corporate Tax
An uptick in M&A activity early on in 2011 saw a corresponding increase in transactional-related corporate tax activity in Germany. With uncertain market conditions casting a shadow over Europe, it will be interesting to see the impact on this type of work. As tax authorities become more aggressive globally, tax controversy work has been particularly active. Our research uncovers 57 leading practitioners recommended for their domestic and international expertise.
Specialist tax firm Flick Gocke Schaumburg has been described by peers as having “an excellent tax team”, evidenced by the impressive eight names that feature from the firm. The “outstanding” Thomas Rödder is renowned for his work in both international and domestic matters. Klaus Sieker’s practice focuses on advising large multinationals from Germany and overseas on complex inbound and outbound investments. The “highly regarded” Andreas Schumacher is praised for his work in structuring real estate transactions and Xaver Ditz is commended for knowledge of transfer pricing. Jörg Lüttge is “first-rate” and is credited for his considerable experience in M&A and corporate reorganisations and Harald Schaumburg is praised by contemporaries for his knowledge regarding the taxation of corporate groups. Detlev Piltz is widely recognised as an industry expert and his practice includes tax litigation work. Marcus Mick completes the listing and is “very knowledgeable” in the structuring of German investments abroad as well as foreign investments in Germany.
With an equally impressive number of listings is “tax powerhouse” Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP. Leading the way is executive partner Stephan Eilers. Hailed as “one of Germany’s finest tax lawyers”, Eilers was the former global head of the firm’s international tax group. His is praised for the depth of his practice and specialises in structuring and financing national and international M&A transactions, re-organisations, leveraged buyouts and private equity transactions. Jochen Lüdicke is “top for funds structuring” work and Norbert Schneider is a “star”. Deputy head of the firm’s international tax group, Holger Häuselmann advises credit institutions and financial services companies on general tax issues. Wilfried Schaefer, whose practice focuses on the sale and purchase of companies and on internal reorganisations, is “highly respected” by peers. Cologne-based Adalbert Rödding is exceptional” and in Frankfurt, Martin Schießl is “tremendous”, particularly for the tax structuring of domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. Thomas Wiesenbart is a “smart, well regarded” lawyer who has recently advised a number of investment banks on financial derivative based structured tax and regulatory products for investors and issuers.
Linklaters LLP demonstrates its strength in this field with the six lawyers listed. The “superb” Jens Blumenberg advises on tax treaties, M&A, transfer pricing and EC tax law. Oliver Rosenberg is highly regarded for cross-border tax planning and structuring. His expertise extends to corporate acquisitions and asset finance, in particular real property investments. Andreas Schaflitzl is “top notch” for fund structuring and Florian Lechner’s expertise focuses on national and international M&A as well as asset finance. In Düsseldorf, Sebastian Benz was the former head of the firm’s German tax practice and Albert Rädler is a “distinguished” name.
P+P Pöllath + Partners is well represented with six nominees. The firm’s founding partner Reinhard Pöllath is an “industry force” with over 30 years of experience where he has assisted in structuring and reviewing more than 100 private equity funds. The “excellent” Richard Engl is a recognised industry expert and Thomas Töben’s area of expertise includes debt restructuring and refinancing. Andreas Rodin is “brilliant” for private equity work as is Michael Best who advises on the structural tax aspects of private equity funds. In Frankfurt, Wolfgang Tischbirek is admired for the breadth of his practice.
Four lawyers from the Frankfurt office of Hengeler Mueller are listed in this chapter. Friedhelm Jacob is described by peers as “a leading name in the market” and Martin Klein is “top-tier”. Ernst-Thomas Kraft is “very well respected” and Stefanie Beinert is praised for the strength of her practice.
A trio of names feature from Kantenwein Zimmermann Fox Kröck & Partner. Thomas Kantenwein is a “respected figure” and Franz Willibald acts for large corporate entities as well as private companies. Gerhard Widmayer’s practice focuses on domestic and international matters where he advises on reorganisations and M&A transactions and on the tax issues regarding all aspects of real estate.
Allen & Overy LLP boast two “terrific” lawyers. In Frankfurt, with more than 20 years experience in international tax law, Eugen Bogenschuetz advises on the tax implications of M&A and capital markets transactions as well as representing clients in the tax court. Munich-based Gottfried Breuninger is the firm’s German managing partner and the global head of tax. Focusing on M&A, tax-driven restructurings and tax structuring of hybrid financing, he is a “key player in the market”.
Another two-strong team features from Latham & Watkins LLP. Munich-based Thomas Fox is “a must of inclusion” and his practice focuses on the tax aspects of M&A and private equity transactions as well as reorganisations. In Hamburg, Götz Wiese is credited for the strength of his cross-border practice and his clients include Goldman Sachs and BAE Systems.
A talented duo from the Munich office of McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP also feature. Dirk Pohl is a “phenomenal litigator” who has successfully represented Shell Oil in the European Court of Justice. Arndt Raupach has a “wealth of experience” in European and international tax law regarding partnerships and corporations.
At Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP, Rolf Füger is praised for his “technical knowledge” and his in-depth knowledge of the private equity sector, in particular on the development and implementation of innovative cross-border acquisition and financing structures. He is joined by the “excellent” Norbert Rieger, who is praised for his expertise in advising on complex reorganisations.
Wilhelm Haarmann at Haarmann Partnerschaftsgesellschaft is hailed as a “leading light” and is one of the most highly nominated practitioners in our research overall. He is commended for his corporate expertise and also acts as an arbitrator. At Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, Friedrich Hey is described by peers as a “formidable talent”. His focus is on German international tax matters with an emphasis on US/German cross-border tax planning.
At Gleiss Lutz, Achim Dannecker is head of the firm’s tax practice and is respected for his “expertise and efficiency”. He regularly advises on tax audits, tax court proceedings with special focus on succession planning.
Axel Bödefeld, one of the founding partners of Oppenhoff & Partner, is “absolutely outstanding” for his M&A work. He also specialises in the structuring and restructuring of corporate groups.
At Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwalts AG, Hans-Georg Berg is “admired for his solution driven approach” to complex problems. Shearman & Sterling LLP’s Johannes Frey has “an impressive client book” and he has acted for Dow Chemical, Allianz SE and E ON. At CMS Hasche Sigle, Wolf-Georg Freiherr von Rechenberg is a “highly respected” name for his international work.
Stefan Behrens is based in the Frankfurt office of Clifford Chance LLP and advises on all aspects of German tax law. Specialist areas include the taxation of investments in German real estate, M&A and the structuring of private equity and real estate funds.
Etienne Spierts heads the Frankfurt office of Loyens & Loeff and specialises in cross-border investments and business activities between Germany and the Benelux region. At Alpers & Stenger, Ingo Alpers is lauded for his work in relation to real estate matters. Hanno Berger at Berger Steck & Kollegen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH is a “specialist on the finance front”. Founding partner at Blumers & Partner, Wolfgang Blumers is “superb” and admired for the depth of his knowledge across this practice area.
At HPL Plewka & Coll LLP, Harald Plewka is credited for his cross-border corporate tax know-how. Otmar Thoemmes at Deloitte & Touche GmbH is “exceptional”. With over 20 years of experience, he was also seconded to the Commission of the European Communities in Brussels where he was involved in drafting EC Directives on direct tax matters.