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The comprehensive guide to the world's leading tax firms

Deloitte's tax team is led by Erwin Holzer and the entire practice is led by senior tax partner Bernard Vanas. Andrea Lahodny-Karner has been praised by her peers for her work in transfer pricing and is widely seen as a specialist in the field. The litigation ... [more]

Deloitte's tax team is led by Erwin Holzer and the entire practice is led by senior tax partner Bernard Vanas. Andrea Lahodny-Karner has been praised by her peers for her work in transfer pricing and is widely seen as a specialist in the field. The litigation group is well respected and Michael Kotchsnigg is recognised for his work in this area. The firm advises major companies, both domestic and international as well as a large number of foreign funds.

Ernst & Young's tax team consists of 10 tax partners and is led by transfer pricing specialist Andreas Stefaner. Roland Rief is highly regarded by his peers for his work in M&A and leads the international tax services department. Nina Doralt has been ... [more]

Ernst & Young's tax team consists of 10 tax partners and is led by transfer pricing specialist Andreas Stefaner. Roland Rief is highly regarded by his peers for his work in M&A and leads the international tax services department. Nina Doralt has been noted for her work in financial products while Ingrid Rattenter is recognised for her work in indirect taxes. The practice has a number of important clients from a variety of industries including the automotive sector and has a strong relationship with financial institutions.

KPMG's tax practice consists of 10 partners and 70 fee earners. The team is led by Hans Zöchling, who is recognised for his M&A capabilities. Barbara Polster is also recognised for her work in M&A and is also involved in international tax planning and ... [more]

KPMG's tax practice consists of 10 partners and 70 fee earners. The team is led by Hans Zöchling, who is recognised for his M&A capabilities. Barbara Polster is also recognised for her work in M&A and is also involved in international tax planning and structuring. Sabine Bernegger is considered a specialist in transfer pricing by her peers. Stefan Haslinger is the partner in charge of the VAT practice. One commentator described Johann Mühlehner as "a very good tax practitione." He is known for his work in capital markets and financial products. The firm's client focus is on the biggest Austrian companies.

LeitnerLeitner has a well-known tax group with 22 partners and 150 fee earners. The firm is led by Reinhard Leitner. His brother Roman Leitner is known for his work in tax controversy. Sabine Kirchmayr and Tatjana Polivanova-Rosenauer head the banking ... [more]

LeitnerLeitner has a well-known tax group with 22 partners and 150 fee earners. The firm is led by Reinhard Leitner. His brother Roman Leitner is known for his work in tax controversy. Sabine Kirchmayr and Tatjana Polivanova-Rosenauer head the banking and finance group. Kirchmayr is recognised among her peers for her work in financial markets tax. The firm is advising Deutsche Bank on innovative financial products for Austrian investor, including a special purpose acquisition company structure. The firm is also advising Credit Suisse on private equity and securitisation transactions in the Austrian market. Kirchmayr and Polivanova-Rosenauer are working on both of these deals. The firm's clients also include Macquarie and Nomura International.

Friedrich Rödler, a tax partner, is head of the whole of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Austria. The tax department is led by Herbert Greinecker. Rödler has been described by a peer as being "good across the field," although he is known for his work in M&A. ... [more]

Friedrich Rödler, a tax partner, is head of the whole of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Austria. The tax department is led by Herbert Greinecker. Rödler has been described by a peer as being "good across the field," although he is known for his work in M&A. Greinecker is known for his expertise in transfer pricing. The firm's other transfer pricing specialist, Thomas Pühringer, recently left to form his own practice and he has been replaced by Doris Bramo-Hackel. The firm admitted two new partners in July 2009. The first new partner, Dieter Habersack, is involved in financial services, mainly insurance companies and investment management. The second new partner, Rudolf Krickl, looks after family owned businesses. The firm has an impressive list of long-standing clients including Bank Austria, Vienna Insurance, RHI and voestalpine.

Arnold Rechtsanwalts-Partnerschaft is a family boutique led by the father and son team of Wolf-Dieter Arnold and Nikolas Arnold. Wolf-Dieter Arnold is widely recognised among his peers for his skills in litigation. Nikolas Arnold is the author of a leading ... [more]

Arnold Rechtsanwalts-Partnerschaft is a family boutique led by the father and son team of Wolf-Dieter Arnold and Nikolas Arnold. Wolf-Dieter Arnold is widely recognised among his peers for his skills in litigation. Nikolas Arnold is the author of a leading commentary on the taxation of private foundations. The firm's clients include numerous banks, domestic and multinational companies. The firm recently represented Austrian Broadcasting Corporation in its claim of unconstitutionality of the financing system of the Austrian Television and Radio Regulatory Authority. The result of the case led to a change in the system. The firm also represented a client in a dispute about energy tax refunds worth around €300 million ($430 million).

Dorda Brugger Jordis has a tax team consisting of eight people including three partners and is led by Paul Doralt, who is praised for his capital markets work. The firm's impressive array of clients include AES Corporation, HSBC, JPMorgan Chase and Banco ... [more]

Dorda Brugger Jordis has a tax team consisting of eight people including three partners and is led by Paul Doralt, who is praised for his capital markets work. The firm's impressive array of clients include AES Corporation, HSBC, JPMorgan Chase and Banco Santander. Doralt advised HSBC Real Estate on the development and implementation of an innovative Austrian special purpose vehicle set up for investors in UK real estate projects. This used Austria's tax treaty network for international investors. This deal achieved large scale tax benefits. The firm represented voestalpine, Magna International and other enterprises before the European Court of Justice. The firm was chosen by the Association of Austrian Industrial Enterprises to represent the four largest industrial corporations in Austria, including voestalpine and Magna International, in a joint appeals procedure against the Austrian government. The appeal challenged an Austrian turnover tax introduced by the government for financing the operations of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Doralt represented Banco Santander in their restructuring of international special purpose vehicles. This deal was particularly innovative given its political context. The restructuring of the special purpose vehicles was needed after Argentina terminated its tax treaty with Austria. This act was among others targeted at structures put in place by the Banco Santander Group. Due to the treaty termination Dorda Brugger Jordis had to swiftly develop a new strategy adapting the existing structures to the new legal environment.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's tax department is led by sole partner Michael Sedlaczek, who has been praised for his work on cross-border structuring and M&A. Claus Staringer is the principal consultant who specialises in financial products and M&A. ... [more]

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's tax department is led by sole partner Michael Sedlaczek, who has been praised for his work on cross-border structuring and M&A. Claus Staringer is the principal consultant who specialises in financial products and M&A. Sedlaczek advised Unicredit on all the tax aspects concerning the reorganisation of its worldwide markets and investment banking business in a deal worth $18 billion. This deal involved cross-border reorganisation in light of new EU legislation. Staringer advised Bundesimmobilien-Gesellschaft on the €2 billion ($2.8 billion) privatisation of its real estate portfolio. It was a landmark transaction in the Austrian real estate market due to the size of the deal.

Wolf Theiss has been involved in tax law for 15 years and the firm has four partners. The team is led by Niklas Schmidt, who has been widely praised for his capital markets and M&A work. The firm recently strengthened its team by hiring Clemens Schindler ... [more]

Wolf Theiss has been involved in tax law for 15 years and the firm has four partners. The team is led by Niklas Schmidt, who has been widely praised for his capital markets and M&A work. The firm recently strengthened its team by hiring Clemens Schindler a transactional specialist, from BPV Hügel Rechtanswälte. Michaela Klar has been commended by her peers for her work on M&A and cross-border transactions. The firm advised C&A on the implementation of a cross-border merger between two group companies. This deal was complicated as it involved Luxembourg law which had not adopted the EC cross-border merger directive. Schmidt and Klar worked on this deal. The firm represented Invitel International before the Austrian Administrative Court in connection with two appeals against stamp duty assessments. The case involved the difficult question of qualification of services under the Stamp Duty Act. Schmidt and Klar advised Petróleos de Venzuela in connection with the transfer of the legal seat of a holding entity to Austria.

BDO Auxilia's tax team has five partners and employs around 200 fee earners. The tax team is led by Karl Bruckner. Its international tax team is led by Marjit Windinski, who advises on transfer pricing, M&A and cross-border structuring. Reinhard Rindler ... [more]

BDO Auxilia's tax team has five partners and employs around 200 fee earners. The tax team is led by Karl Bruckner. Its international tax team is led by Marjit Windinski, who advises on transfer pricing, M&A and cross-border structuring. Reinhard Rindler is another partner involved in international tax. Although the firm offers transfer pricing services in Austria, the BDO network has its own centre of excellence in Canada. The firm has clients from industry, finance and the gaming industry.

BPV Hügel Rechtsanwälte's tax practice is led by Hans Hügel, who one commentator described as "the most famous tax lawyer in Austria". He is widely recognised for his M&A work and is a well regarded litigator. The firm's other partner Florian Gibitz ... [more]

BPV Hügel Rechtsanwälte's tax practice is led by Hans Hügel, who one commentator described as "the most famous tax lawyer in Austria". He is widely recognised for his M&A work and is a well regarded litigator. The firm's other partner Florian Gibitz has been described as having good tax knowledge. The team advises numerous domestic and international clients, including financial institutions and private equity funds. They include American Express, BP Austria, RHI Shell Austria and Bank of America.

Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati tax team consists of three partners and five fee earners. The firm is led by Clemens Hasenauer, who is recognised for his work on M&A transactions. Johannes Prinz is also involved in transaction work and they are supported ... [more]

Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati tax team consists of three partners and five fee earners. The firm is led by Clemens Hasenauer, who is recognised for his work on M&A transactions. Johannes Prinz is also involved in transaction work and they are supported by the banking and corporate finance partner Peter Knobl. The firm attracts clients of the calibre of Credit Suisse, which they have advised on structured finance transactions. The partners also advised the German company Q-Cells on the tax implications of one of the first cross-border mergers in Austria.

Baker & McKenzie's tax team is led by sole partner Imke Gerdes who is a an accountant and a lawyer. She is concerned primarily with M&A and cross-border structuring. The firm has three fee earners including Klaus Link who was hired this year. Baker & ... [more]

Baker & McKenzie's tax team is led by sole partner Imke Gerdes who is a an accountant and a lawyer. She is concerned primarily with M&A and cross-border structuring. The firm has three fee earners including Klaus Link who was hired this year. Baker & McKenzie focuses mainly on optimising tax structuring for the acquisition of companies, reorganisations and tax planning of fund and leasing arrangements. Gerdes represented Bristol-Myers Squibb in the worldwide spin-off of its ConVatec business. This deal was structured as a share deal in some countries and an asset deal in others. It involved around 40 different jurisdictions. The firm also advised a major Italian client in one of the first cross-border mergers in Austria which took the company from Austria to Germany.

Binder Grösswang's tax team is led by Andreas Hable, who is known for his work in transfer pricing and indirect taxes. The firm's other partner, Christian Wimpissinger, focuses on international taxation. The firm is involved in M&A, restructuring and ... [more]

Binder Grösswang's tax team is led by Andreas Hable, who is known for his work in transfer pricing and indirect taxes. The firm's other partner, Christian Wimpissinger, focuses on international taxation. The firm is involved in M&A, restructuring and financing projects. Hable and Wimpissinger advised IPIC on the $600 million acquisition of Man Ferrostaal. This deal involved tax structuring over three jurisdictions and was done under strict time constraints. The firm advised Aabar Investments PJSC on the acquisition of 9.5% in Daimler. This deal involved complex financing. for $2.1 billion.

Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners's tax team consists of two partners and six fee earners. The tax department is led by Werner Minihold, who is a dual qualified tax adviser and tax lawyer. He is recognised for his work in M&A and financial instruments. ... [more]

Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners's tax team consists of two partners and six fee earners. The tax department is led by Werner Minihold, who is a dual qualified tax adviser and tax lawyer. He is recognised for his work in M&A and financial instruments. The firm's areas of expertise include corporate and commercial matters, M&A involving special financial and tax structures, corporate restructuring, banking and financial services, financial instruments, private client solutions and international tax planning, as well as tax litigation. Minihold advised a major Austrian bank on the structuring of asset backed securities using an Austrian special purpose vehicle to generate securities that can be pledged to the Eurosystem as security for its central bank credit operations. This deal constituted one of the first large scale securitisations using an Austrian special purpose vehicle. The firm advised another big Austrian bank on the structuring of a tier one capital structure using a Jersey special purpose vehicle. This deal involved a sophisticated funding scheme including a securities lending mechanism that produced considerable tax and regulatory issues.

Schönherr Attorney's tax team is led by Peter Feyl. The other partner, Andreas Baumann, is a dual qualified lawyer and certified tax adviser who replaced Paul Doralt when he left to join Dorda Brugger Jurdis. Baumann is also an academic who lectures ... [more]

Schönherr Attorney's tax team is led by Peter Feyl. The other partner, Andreas Baumann, is a dual qualified lawyer and certified tax adviser who replaced Paul Doralt when he left to join Dorda Brugger Jurdis. Baumann is also an academic who lectures at the University of Graz on international tax. The focus of the firm's tax practice is on M&A, national and international tax planning, structured finance, development of financial products and personal financial planning. Baumann advised YIT Oyi on the acquisition and post-acquisition restructuring of the building technology division of MCE. He also advised WAZ Medien Gruppe Essen on more difficult post-acquisition restructuring after the purchase of Stampa Group Serbia. Feyl and Baumann advised on the intended transfer of the international part of a German group into an Austrian holding company separate from the German group. This project dealt with a variety of difficult tax issues which the courts and tax authorities have not ruled on yet.

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz's tax team is led by Sibylle Novak and Johannes Reich-Rohrwig. Novak specialises in M&A, private foundations and corporate restructurings. Reich-Rohrwig is known for his litigation skills and is also involved in M&A and capital ... [more]

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz's tax team is led by Sibylle Novak and Johannes Reich-Rohrwig. Novak specialises in M&A, private foundations and corporate restructurings. Reich-Rohrwig is known for his litigation skills and is also involved in M&A and capital markets. The firm advised an international developer on the tax structuring of a major railway station development.

DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach's tax practice consists of five fee earners and is led by sole partner Claudine Vartian.

SchneideR's is a small tax boutique headed by sole partner Robert Schneider. The firm offers specialised tax and legal advice for international investors doing business in Austria. The firm's clients include energy companies, Hypo-Alpe-Adria Bank and ... [more]

SchneideR's is a small tax boutique headed by sole partner Robert Schneider. The firm offers specialised tax and legal advice for international investors doing business in Austria. The firm's clients include energy companies, Hypo-Alpe-Adria Bank and A-CAP management. One client described Robert Schneider as "very flexible, he has very good knowledge and he has a good network to solve problems over the borders".