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The comprehensive guide to the world's leading tax firms

Ernst & Young has recently strengthened its tax team by hiring partner Todd Immell from Ernst & Young in the US. Dominik Bürgy leads the practice, replacing, Philip Robinson who is now the global director of indirect tax. Georg Lutz heads the ... [more]

Ernst & Young has recently strengthened its tax team by hiring partner Todd Immell from Ernst & Young in the US. Dominik Bürgy leads the practice, replacing, Philip Robinson who is now the global director of indirect tax. Georg Lutz heads the transaction tax team. Salim Damji has recently left the firm to join PricewaterhouseCoopers. Markus Huber heads the international tax practice. Barbara Henzen is well regarded and specialises in indirect tax. Lutz advised Permira on the sale of Jet Aviation to General Dynamics. He also advised Heineken on its acquisition of Eichhof. The firm advised Argos Soditic on its acquisition of Toggenburg and also assisted Kloeckner & Company on selling KVT to Capvis. [hide]

Homburger's tax practice consists of five partners and 15 fee earners. The firm recently strengthened its tax team by promoting Reto Heuberger to partner. Markus Weidmann leads the practice and specialises in corporate tax, restructuring of transactions ... [more]

Homburger's tax practice consists of five partners and 15 fee earners. The firm recently strengthened its tax team by promoting Reto Heuberger to partner. Markus Weidmann leads the practice and specialises in corporate tax, restructuring of transactions and international tax. The practice focuses on corporate tax law and clients include Credit Suisse and UBS. Peter Riedweg is known for his work on M&A, cross-border structuring, capital markets and financial products. Eveline Saupper is recognised for her work on M&A. The firm has been advising on the immigration of various multinational groups to Switzerland. It has also advised on several reorganisations, public tender offers and securitisations for Swiss based banks and financings for Swiss listed companies.

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At PricewaterhouseCoopers the tax practice is now led by Andreas Staubli, after Andrin Waldburger left the firm in May. Armin Marti is a well-known individual at the firm who is praised by competitors. The transfer pricing financial services team, led ... [more]

At PricewaterhouseCoopers the tax practice is now led by Andreas Staubli, after Andrin Waldburger left the firm in May. Armin Marti is a well-known individual at the firm who is praised by competitors. The transfer pricing financial services team, led by Mohamed Serokh, is strong. The transfer pricing practice was strengthened with the addition of Salim Damji, who joined the firm from Ernst & Young, where he was a partner. The firm advised on the re-domiciliation of the largest offshore drilling contractor from the Cayman Islands to Switzerland. The transaction was the culmination of a series of highly complex structuring steps and sophisticated international tax planning. This deal was worth $21 billion. Staubli and Martin Büeler advised a Swiss-headquartered travel company on the $450 million acquisition of a premier travel retailer in North America. This deal involved the PricewaterhouseCoopers network. The firm was able to clarify the transaction's qualification for US and Swiss tax purposes quickly. Büeler also advised a global investment company on the expansion of their portfolio into Europe. The lack of a double tax treaty between the investment company's domicile, United Arab Emirates, and the target's location, Switzerland, required the use of an Austrian holding company to avoid withholding tax. [hide]

Lenz & Staehelin's tax practice consists of five partners and 20 fee earners. Pascal Hinny is known for his work on M&A. The firm covers the spectrum of tax work for corporations, both nationally and internationally, and has recently strengthened its ... [more]

Lenz & Staehelin's tax practice consists of five partners and 20 fee earners. Pascal Hinny is known for his work on M&A. The firm covers the spectrum of tax work for corporations, both nationally and internationally, and has recently strengthened its tax team by hiring four associates. The firm advised Commerzbank Switzerland on its sale to Vontobel. They also advised BASF on a public tender offer for Ciba. The firm advised Barclays Private Equity on its acquisition of Schild. It also advised Richemont on the separation into two distinct entities. Other clients of the firm include Bayer and Caterpillar.

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Oberson Avocat's tax team consists of eight partners. Pierre-Marie Glauser is head of the Lausanne office of the firm and specialises in VAT. The firm recently hired three associates. This boutique firm covers all aspects of tax. The firm has been busy ... [more]

Oberson Avocat's tax team consists of eight partners. Pierre-Marie Glauser is head of the Lausanne office of the firm and specialises in VAT. The firm recently hired three associates. This boutique firm covers all aspects of tax. The firm has been busy advising clients on financial restructuring this year. The group also advises multinational companies and official bodies in VAT matters and advises clients seeking to move headquarters to Switzerland. Xavier Oberson is a well regarded litigator.

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Tax Partner-Taxand's tax practice consists of 10 partners and 15 fee earners. Rudolf Sigg is one of the founding partners of the firm and his areas of expertise include international tax. Kurt Wild specialises in transfer pricing. The firm recently strengthened ... [more]

Tax Partner-Taxand's tax practice consists of 10 partners and 15 fee earners. Rudolf Sigg is one of the founding partners of the firm and his areas of expertise include international tax. Kurt Wild specialises in transfer pricing. The firm recently strengthened its tax practice by hiring two associates.
Stephan Pfenninger advised an international producer and supplier of steel in the dissolution of a joint venture. This deal involved negotiations with the tax authorities and there were a lot of legal and audit issues to be solved which made the transaction complex. David Ryser advised a US multinational on the transfer of corporate and tax domicile of existing principal company structure from Luxembourg to Switzerland. This deal was complex because it involved not only direct tax planning but also planning for VAT and withholding tax. [hide]

The Walder Wyss & Partners tax practice consists of six partners and 13 fee earners. Thomas Meister and Martin Busenhart are the two founding partners of the firm. Marcus Desax specialises in tax litigation, he recently represented a US multinational ... [more]

The Walder Wyss & Partners tax practice consists of six partners and 13 fee earners. Thomas Meister and Martin Busenhart are the two founding partners of the firm. Marcus Desax specialises in tax litigation, he recently represented a US multinational in competent authority proceedings between Switzerland and Canada. Stephan Neidhardt advised on the setting up of a large Swiss holding company by means of an international reorganisation in order to optimise the US private shareholder's overall tax burden. He also advised a US-based group about setting up a new Swiss intermediary holding company and a new Swiss management company. Busenhart advised a Swiss private equity investor on the acquisition of an international pharmaceutical company. He also advised two US listed technology groups on integrating the Swiss headquarters of two acquired international target groups into the corporate structure. Busenhart advised a major German pharmaceutical group on the reorganisation of its substantial Swiss operations. Meister advised on setting up a tax optimised structure for the acquisition of a portfolio of Swiss commercial properties by a listed foreign real estate fund. Maurus Winzap advised a US private equity fund on the acquisition of a Swiss/German high tech industry group. He also advised a German listed company on the acquisition of a Swiss media group. Samuel Dürr advised a German based group in the relocation of its leasing business to Switzerland.

Tier 3

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At Altorfer Duss & Beilstein, Jürg Altorfer specialises in cross-border reorganisations, M&A and indirect taxes. Marco Duss is recognised for his international tax capabilities, while Julia von Ah is known for her work on cross-border structuring. In ... [more]

At Altorfer Duss & Beilstein, Jürg Altorfer specialises in cross-border reorganisations, M&A and indirect taxes. Marco Duss is recognised for his international tax capabilities, while Julia von Ah is known for her work on cross-border structuring. In addition to providing tax advice, members of the firm are also active lecturers. The firm's client base is mainly banks and financial institutions.

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Baker & McKenzie's tax team consists of six partners. The practice is involved in structured deals, advising companies moving their headquarters to Switzerland. Urs Schenker heads the Zurich practice and focuses on corporate tax and Denis Berdoz and ... [more]

Baker & McKenzie's tax team consists of six partners. The practice is involved in structured deals, advising companies moving their headquarters to Switzerland. Urs Schenker heads the Zurich practice and focuses on corporate tax and Denis Berdoz and Hans-Andre Koch are the other notable practitioners. The international practice provides a wide range of services including the establishment of trust companies worldwide, dealing with compliance issues and the development of financial products for private banks and other financial institutions. Thomas O'Donnell has 15 years experience in corporate tax advice. Marnin Michaels is involved with international corporate tax and provided advice on US tax planning to wealth management company Kaiser Ritter Partner.

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Bär & Karrer's tax practice provides advice on corporate tax planning, double taxation issues and indirect taxes. The team consists of 12 fee earners, including three partners. The practice is led by Peter Reinarz and Daniel Lehmann. Reinarz specialises ... [more]

Bär & Karrer's tax practice provides advice on corporate tax planning, double taxation issues and indirect taxes. The team consists of 12 fee earners, including three partners. The practice is led by Peter Reinarz and Daniel Lehmann. Reinarz specialises in corporate tax planning, cross-border structuring of corporate transactions and the taxation of financial institutions and their products. Lehmann's expertise lies in M&A, corporate finance, international tax planning and tax litigation work. Paolo Bottini is based in Lugano and specialises in M&A.

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Led by Peter Parsons the Deloitte Switzerland tax practice has grown significantly over the last 12 months. CJ Getz joined from Deloitte UK and the firm has also added 10 directors. The firm's transfer pricing practice has been involved in providing ... [more]

Led by Peter Parsons the Deloitte Switzerland tax practice has grown significantly over the last 12 months. CJ Getz joined from Deloitte UK and the firm has also added 10 directors. The firm's transfer pricing practice has been involved in providing a tax efficient supply chain for a Swiss multinational's Central American business operations. This deal involved complex restructuring of the client's entire transfer pricing model across five jurisdictions. Stephen Alleway advised on this deal. The firm's indirect tax practice advises on both Swiss VAT and international VAT. The firm also provides advice regarding specialist taxes including insurance premium tax and new green taxes which target energy consumption, CO2 emissions and waste disposal.

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KPMG's tax practice is led by Jörg Walker, who is responsible for overseeing emerging markets, and includes 27 partners. Frank Lampert heads the firm's substantial corporate tax practice. The firm is involved in transfer pricing, tax accounting, tax ... [more]

KPMG's tax practice is led by Jörg Walker, who is responsible for overseeing emerging markets, and includes 27 partners. Frank Lampert heads the firm's substantial corporate tax practice. The firm is involved in transfer pricing, tax accounting, tax risk, VAT instruments and cash management instruments. The firm has focused on business restructuring over the last 12 months.

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Niederer Kraft & Frey's tax practice is led by Thomas Graf and has grown over the past 12 months with the addition of three associates. The practice now consists of four partners and ten other fee earners. Graf specialises in cross-border structuring ... [more]

Niederer Kraft & Frey's tax practice is led by Thomas Graf and has grown over the past 12 months with the addition of three associates. The practice now consists of four partners and ten other fee earners. Graf specialises in cross-border structuring while the team as a whole focuses on corporate tax, finance structures, indirect taxes and international tax planning. The firm's impressive array of clients includes FIFA, UBS and Credit Suisse.

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Pestalozzi's tax practice consists of four partners and four fee earners. Christina Rinne is a new partner and works in VAT. The tax team is led by Maja Bauer-Balmelli who focuses on corporate tax, international tax, tax planning, M&A and financial products. ... [more]

Pestalozzi's tax practice consists of four partners and four fee earners. Christina Rinne is a new partner and works in VAT. The tax team is led by Maja Bauer-Balmelli who focuses on corporate tax, international tax, tax planning, M&A and financial products. Silvia Zimmerman also has a large practice including corporate and international tax. Pierre-Olivier Gehriger works in financing structures, international structuring and M&A. The firm is part of the Lex Mundi network of independent law firms. It is involved in the transfer of domicile of companies to Switzerland from offshore jurisdictions. The firm is advising a major retailer on the tax ramifications of a restructuring abroad. It is also advising a large group on captive insurance. Clients include banks, insurance companies, investment funds, private equity houses and pharmaceutical companies.

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TAX EXPERT International's tax practice is led by Richard Wuermli. The practice recently added two new managers to the team. The firm's impressive list of clients include Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines and Siemens. Wuermli advised the German ... [more]

TAX EXPERT International's tax practice is led by Richard Wuermli. The practice recently added two new managers to the team. The firm's impressive list of clients include Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines and Siemens. Wuermli advised the German fund BVT, Halcyon and Warner Bros on the funding and the development for the Terminator Salvation III video game. The worldwide distribution was channelled through Switzerland. Katharina Padrutt advised the Swiss and Chinese governments and a European airline on business taxes in China. This deal was important because the total turnover of the airline, with aircrafts going to or coming from China, may be affected by the Chinese business taxes.

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Vischer's tax practice consists of 13 fee earners including four partners. The firm specialises in corporate tax law, planning, reorganisations, implementing distribution concepts and advising companies on setting up headquarters in Switzerland. The ... [more]

Vischer's tax practice consists of 13 fee earners including four partners. The firm specialises in corporate tax law, planning, reorganisations, implementing distribution concepts and advising companies on setting up headquarters in Switzerland. The firm has replaced three associates who left in the last 12 months and has also hired a special tax counsel. Partners in the Basel office include Hubertus Ludwig and Thomas Ziegler, their clients are Altran Technologies, Ikea Group, Nitec Pharma, Vitra Group and Rieker Schuh. Zurich-based partner Stefan Widmer's clients include Allianz Suisse, SCOR Switzerland, Herbal Life International of America, Heska, Raetia Energie, OC Oerlikon Management and Swissmem. The firm this year advised on the tax neutral reorganisation of a dual resident company, and on an asymmetric split of a Swiss company. This deal was interesting as it involved the tax neutral transfer of assets to various international shareholders.

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Altenburger's tax practice is led by senior partner Peter Altenburger, who has specialist knowledge of US tax issues. The firm's practice areas include corporate tax, M&A, reorganisations, financial instruments, insurance products, international ... [more]

Altenburger's tax practice is led by senior partner Peter Altenburger, who has specialist knowledge of US tax issues. The firm's practice areas include corporate tax, M&A, reorganisations, financial instruments, insurance products, international tax, real estate transactions and VAT. The tax team consists of seven fee earners including four partners. Thierry Boitelle is based in Geneva while Werner Lederer and Leonhard Toenz support Altenburger in Zurich. The firm advises clients in a variety of sectors including financial services and IT. It has advised multinationals on Swiss and international reorganisations. [hide]

BDO Visura's client base is mainly small and medium enterprises. The firm offers a range of services including assistance with compliance, transfer pricing and restructuring. Hans-Peter Mark focuses on M&A while Andreas Russi works on indirect taxation. ... [more]

BDO Visura's client base is mainly small and medium enterprises. The firm offers a range of services including assistance with compliance, transfer pricing and restructuring. Hans-Peter Mark focuses on M&A while Andreas Russi works on indirect taxation. The firm's other partners are Erich Ettilin and Donatus Huerzeler.

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Böckli Bodmer & Partners has a strong individual in Peter Böckli, who has been described by one commentator as; "very academic". He is a renowned litigator.

Poledna Boss Kurer was founded by Walter Boss, whose practice focuses on domestic and international tax, M&A, private equity and corporate tax. The tax team is four strong and includes Stefanie Monge who focuses on domestic and international tax.

Prager Dreifuss recently lost experienced practitioner Samuel Dürr to Walder Wyss & Partners. The tax practice is now led by sole partner Oliver Weber who is supported by associates. The firm provides tax structuring advice to companies and also advises ... [more]

Prager Dreifuss recently lost experienced practitioner Samuel Dürr to Walder Wyss & Partners. The tax practice is now led by sole partner Oliver Weber who is supported by associates. The firm provides tax structuring advice to companies and also advises companies looking to move headquarters to Switzerland. The firm is also involved in litigation. Weber advised the Swiss National Bank on the structuring in connection with a $38.7 billion transaction related to illiquid securities and other assets sold by UBS to a special purpose structure controlled by the Swiss National Bank. The firm's client list includes transportation logistics company Gondrand.

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Schellenberg Wittmer's tax practice is led by Michael Nordin who specialises in corporate tax. The firm has a new partner Harun Can who focuses on indirect tax. Pietro Sansonetti practice focuses on reorganisations and litigation. Madeleine Simonek specialises ... [more]

Schellenberg Wittmer's tax practice is led by Michael Nordin who specialises in corporate tax. The firm has a new partner Harun Can who focuses on indirect tax. Pietro Sansonetti practice focuses on reorganisations and litigation. Madeleine Simonek specialises in international tax planning, M&A and tax litigation. The firm's clients include Swiss Re, American Express, AIG Private Bank and Banque AIG.

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Tappolet & Partner's tax team is led by founding partner Klaus Tappolet, who specialises in property tax, the taxation of trusts and litigation. The firm, based in Zurich, consists of four partners and one associate. Partner Urs Bölsterli specialises ... [more]

Tappolet & Partner's tax team is led by founding partner Klaus Tappolet, who specialises in property tax, the taxation of trusts and litigation. The firm, based in Zurich, consists of four partners and one associate. Partner Urs Bölsterli specialises in international tax, property tax and tax litigation. Livio Zanetti specialises in the taxation of foundations, property tax and tax litigation. Martin Steiner specialises in restructuring, property law and tax litigation.

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