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The comprehensive guide to the world's leading tax firms

PwC is the largest of the big-four firms in Cyprus. The tax team is led by Costas Mavrocordatos and comprises 14 partners and directors and around 150 other fee earners. Panicos Tsiailis is mentioned by competitors as one of the best litigators in Cyprus. ... [more]

PwC is the largest of the big-four firms in Cyprus. The tax team is led by Costas Mavrocordatos and comprises 14 partners and directors and around 150 other fee earners. Panicos Tsiailis is mentioned by competitors as one of the best litigators in Cyprus. Chrysilios Pelekanos is also singled out as a leader in the field of indirect tax. Vladimir Vinogradov is mentioned as a rising star.

The number of professionals means that the tax practice is able to offer a full range of tax services including tax planning, cross-border structuring, M&A, VAT and tax compliance. The firm is especially strong in the area of VAT, where the practice is seen by the market as possibly the best in Cyprus. True to the firm's global network the practice is structured along a matrix system and is experienced across most of the major global industries. It is particularly strong in the fields of financial services and energy.

Though the effects of the global economy are still being felt the team worked on a number of important transactions this year. The group assisted a major client in the insurance sector in an $9 billion M&A deal. It has seen a particular increase in structuring work this year for clients that are looking to expand into emerging markets. The group advised one of the largest private equity firms on how to structure their operations in new markets through the use of convertible debentures. The group also advised a large oil trading group on the restructuring of their group, making use of a Cypriot holding company.

The group is also active in the field of policy and advised the Cyprus Ministry of Finance in its renegotiation of new double tax treaties in an effort to further enhance Cyprus' treaty network.

After their national merger with Grant Thornton in July, PwC has extended its capabilities in Denmark. With a team of 17 partners and 140 other fee earners before the merger, it was already one of the largest tax practices in Denmark. Led by Henrik Faust ... [more]

After their national merger with Grant Thornton in July, PwC has extended its capabilities in Denmark. With a team of 17 partners and 140 other fee earners before the merger, it was already one of the largest tax practices in Denmark. Led by Henrik Faust Pedersen, the team has capabilities in transfer pricing, indirect tax, M&A, cross-border structuring and corporate tax. They have an impressive list of clients including multinationals such as Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, DONG Energy and Leo Pharma as well as Danish companies such as Vestas and TDC. The firm's work this year has included advising on the tax implications of Danish food group Chr Hansen Holding's IPO on the Danish stock market. The offering raised $2.7 billion and required close attention to cross-border structuring issues as a result of the group's international subsidiaries. Susanne Nørgaard advised Scandinavian Tobacco Group on its merger with Swedish Match to create the second largest cigar company in the world. Because Swedish Match had a number of international subsidiaries, responsible for the sale of goods, distribution and intellectual property rights for the group, the deal required adaptation and use of complicated cross-border structures. PwC is well placed to deal with Danish matters with cross-border elements due to their extensive international network.

PwC's tax practice in Finland is led by Petri Seppälä and has significantly strengthened its ability this year. In a market where the tax authorities are increasingly focused on transfer pricing, the arrival of Sari Takalo, Ernst & Young's former transfer ... [more]

PwC's tax practice in Finland is led by Petri Seppälä and has significantly strengthened its ability this year. In a market where the tax authorities are increasingly focused on transfer pricing, the arrival of Sari Takalo, Ernst & Young's former transfer pricing leader, is notable. This was just one of four senior-level additions and with 21 other fee earners were also added, the tax team now numbers more than 120 practitioners. Financial services tax specialist Samuli Makkonen has been recognised for his expertise this year and received nominations for many industry awards during 2010-2011. PwC's clients include Finnish companies across several industry sectors as well as multinationals. Their work this year has included a number of structuring matters as companies and funds adjust to the increased focus on transfer pricing and intra-group finance. The department coordinated the restructuring of a Finnish multinational's manufacturing activity across several jurisdictions. The team advised the company on implementing the most commercial structure for dealingwith issues of corporate income tax, VAT and customs duties. The firm was also involved in advising a consortium of investment funds and fund sponsors on structuring their Finnish investments. Close regard to the use of feeder and holding companies, interest payments on intra-group loans and the methods used to remunerate individuals were integral to the project to ensure efficient tax treatment.

PwC's tax practice is headed by Dieter Endres who is the subject of widespread praise by his peers. He leads a team of nearly 2,000 professionals. 13 new partners were added last year in tax. Norbert Winkeljohann was appointed senior partner this year.The ... [more]

PwC's tax practice is headed by Dieter Endres who is the subject of widespread praise by his peers. He leads a team of nearly 2,000 professionals. 13 new partners were added last year in tax. Norbert Winkeljohann was appointed senior partner this year.

The practice provides a comprehensive range of tax services including transfer pricing, VAT, international tax planning, tax audit support, corporate tax and customs. Of all the areas international corporate tax is by the far the largest accounting for more than 50% of the workload. The group is also recognised by the market for being particularly strong in the area of VAT. Götz Neuhahn is singled out for his expertise in that regard.

Transfer pricing work has increased substantially this year. The introduction of documentation requirements in Germany a few years ago has brought transfer pricing issues to the forefront since audits tend to take place between three and five years after matters have taken place. The team, led by Lorenz Bernhardt, comprises nearly 100 professionals and advises more than half of the DAX 30 companies on issues that range from advanced pricing agreements to dispute resolution.

The practice advises companies in a variety of sectors including industrial products, retail & consumer, automotive, pharmaceutical and financial institutions. Work for financial services has been growing noticeably this year.

The tax team at PwC is led by Mary Psylla and is seen as one of the strongest of the big-four's tax teams in Greece. Vasilis Vizas is recommended by his peers for his corporate tax work and is described by one partner as "an up-and-coming adviser in ... [more]

The tax team at PwC is led by Mary Psylla and is seen as one of the strongest of the big-four's tax teams in Greece. Vasilis Vizas is recommended by his peers for his corporate tax work and is described by one partner as "an up-and-coming adviser in the Greek tax market, who is starting to get the credit he deserves".

The group is structured across five main industries: consumer and industrial product services (CIPS); technology, information, communication and entertainment (TICE); financial services;private equity and other services. Out of these CIPS is the largest group.

The group advises across all areas of tax. There has been more debt restructuring and securitisation work in the last year du e to the problems in Greece's economy. The transfer pricing team is also growing rapidly afterthe legislation in 2009 and this is something that is expected to continue. Antonis Desipris, appointed partner this year, heads this team and is also taking part in the negotiations with the Ministry of Finance over changes to the law.

Most of the team are active in the fields of policy and education. Senior manager, Katerina Savvaidou, was appointed lecturer in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki this year.

PwC vies with the other firms in tier one to be regarded as having the strongest tax practice of the big-four accounting firms. Feargal O'Rourke heads the tax practice, which includes 33 partners and 450 professionals spread across their offices in seven ... [more]

PwC vies with the other firms in tier one to be regarded as having the strongest tax practice of the big-four accounting firms. Feargal O'Rourke heads the tax practice, which includes 33 partners and 450 professionals spread across their offices in seven cities – Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny.

The practice is structured across five business lines: domestic and international outbound, financial services, foreign and direct investment, indirect taxes and human resources services. A number of their professionals are regularly singled out as leaders in their particular fields. Denis Harrington is mentioned for his corporate tax work, while Enda Faughnan and George Reddin are mentioned for capital markets and M&A respectively.

The practice has a China Tax Desk in Dublin and Irish desks in New York, San Jose and London. The practice is particularly strong in servicing the US inbound market with O'Rourke, Liam Diamond, Joe Tynan and Susan Kilty to the fore in this area.

The practice is active in policy work, especially in the foreign direct investment sector. Pat Mahon was recently appointed to the Government Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare. The practice is also strong in transfer pricing and won Ireland Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year at International Tax Review's European Tax Awards this year.

PwC maintains its standing at the top of the rankings. The practice is led by Wim Piot and comprises about 330 fee earners. Michel Guilluy, for capital markets, and Laurent Grençon, for indirect tax, are both mentioned by their peers as leading practitioners.The ... [more]

PwC maintains its standing at the top of the rankings. The practice is led by Wim Piot and comprises about 330 fee earners. Michel Guilluy, for capital markets, and Laurent Grençon, for indirect tax, are both mentioned by their peers as leading practitioners.

The practice established a tax research team this year, which is led by Olivier Buscheman and contributes to the global firm's annual Total Tax Contribution study, where, in more than 100 jurisdictions around the world, member firms measure how much tax businesses pay, how many taxes they pay and how long they take to pay them. "We want to play in every market in which we can add value, we are certainly not a niche player" Buscheman said.

The international tax services team, led by Valéry Civilio, has grown impressively this year. The transfer pricing team in particular has expanded after the issuance of guidance by the Luxembourg authorities and the team now comprises 10 practitioners. More traditional areas such as M&A and real estate have also responded well after the recession. Fund structuring work is also increasing, under the leadership of Laurent de La Mettrie.

PwC's tax practice is headed by Neville Gatt who is viewed by his peers as a leading figure in the market. The team is large, consisting of about 75 tax professionals in total. Bernard Attard became a partner in July, the only such promotion this year. ... [more]

PwC's tax practice is headed by Neville Gatt who is viewed by his peers as a leading figure in the market. The team is large, consisting of about 75 tax professionals in total. Bernard Attard became a partner in July, the only such promotion this year. David Ferry is cited in the market as a key practitioner in indirect tax.

The practice provides a good mix of compliance and advisory services. Around 15% of the fee earners in the practice are lawyers; the rest are accountants. A number of their professionals have specialities in particular areas though the team is fairly fluid with professionals often contributing in other areas when necessary.

Nearly all areas of tax have grown this year with a particular increase in VAT work, which can be attributed to the relatively recent introduction of the tax in Malta, but also the investment the firm has placed in this area over the last few years, which one partner describes as "now bearing its fruits". Litigation work has increased this year too and the practice has recently carried out a number of international tax structurings.

Clients of the practice come from a broad area, though they are mostly from the EU. Financial services, in particular fund work, has grown this year. A number of their practitioners regularly lecture at the University of Malta and contribute to policy through the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners and other similar bodies.

PwC is seen as a dominant player in the Dutch market. "They are the best out of the Big Four in the Netherlands" said one partner. The practice provides a broad range of tax services including legal, M&A, transfer pricing, estate planning, VAT and customs.A ... [more]

PwC is seen as a dominant player in the Dutch market. "They are the best out of the Big Four in the Netherlands" said one partner. The practice provides a broad range of tax services including legal, M&A, transfer pricing, estate planning, VAT and customs.

A number of their professionals are also seen as leading figures in their fields within the market. Stef Van Weeghel is described as a "top professional" for corporate tax and Sicco Faber and Frank Engelen are both well regarded for corporate tax too.

Marc Diepstraten, Michel van der Breggen and Hugo Vollebregt score highly for transfer pricing, while Herman Van Kesteren is known for indirect tax work.

PwC's Norwegian tax practice is headed by Bård Ivar Koppang and provides tax services to multinational and domestic companies. The firm provides a full range of tax services in in Oslo and offices with tax capabilities in more than 20 othercities. Transfer ... [more]

PwC's Norwegian tax practice is headed by Bård Ivar Koppang and provides tax services to multinational and domestic companies. The firm provides a full range of tax services in in Oslo and offices with tax capabilities in more than 20 othercities. Transfer pricing is a particularly strong area for the firm and they offer complete a comprehensive service under team leader Morten Beck, including representation before the tax authorities. Beck is well respected by his peers and is singled out as one of the country's leading transfer pricing practitioners.

Jamie Esteves leads the Portuguese tax practice of PwC. The firm has expanded its tax practice despite the departure of 18 fee earners, as they have this year recruited 21 professionals. This brings the total number of fee earners to 148 working under ... [more]

Jamie Esteves leads the Portuguese tax practice of PwC. The firm has expanded its tax practice despite the departure of 18 fee earners, as they have this year recruited 21 professionals. This brings the total number of fee earners to 148 working under five partners in the department. The new fee earners have mostly been added to the firm's indirect tax and restructuring service lines since these have been busy areas for the firm recently and are expected to remain fruitful in the coming year. The tax practice advises on a full range of tax issues for clients active in Portugal, including Commerzbank, Petrobas, The Fladgate Partnership, Siemens and Unicer. The firm this year advised Portuguese company MSF – Engenharia on restructuring their African operations to facilitate investment in other parts of that continent. It advised the company on the tax implications of investments planned in Senegal, Mozambique and Libya and provided opinions on the most tax efficient structure to implement. The firm also assisted Grupo Caixa de Crédito Agrícola with its transfer pricing affairs, ensuring they complied with documentation requirements and analysing intra-group transfers between eight of the group's subsidiaries. The firm has a good reputation for such transfer pricing work and it is an area where Leendert Vershoor is identified by peers for his ability.

Magnus Johnsson, who peers rate highly for his work in M&A, leads the tax practice of PwC in Sweden. Its tax department has expanded this year and now comprises 33 partners and 291 other fee earners. Though the firm offers a full range of tax services, ... [more]

Magnus Johnsson, who peers rate highly for his work in M&A, leads the tax practice of PwC in Sweden. Its tax department has expanded this year and now comprises 33 partners and 291 other fee earners. Though the firm offers a full range of tax services, it has a particularly large capacity for transfer pricing as 20 practitioners within the department specialise in that area. The transfer pricing group has a good reputation too: Magnus Grive is said to be highly capable by his competitors. The private equity sector has been a good source of work in the last year. On projects for clients in this area the firm typically advises on tax structuring, which often includes cross-border issues, M&A tax, tax due diligence and banking and finance matters too. The department is capable in financial services matters as Lennart Staberg is singled out by his competitors for his strength in capital markets and financial products tax advice.

PwC's tax and legal service line in Switzerland is led by Andreas Staubli. Competitors recognise the firm as having the leading tax practice in the country. One tax adviser said of PwC: "They are the top competitor and lead the market here. They have ... [more]

PwC's tax and legal service line in Switzerland is led by Andreas Staubli. Competitors recognise the firm as having the leading tax practice in the country. One tax adviser said of PwC: "They are the top competitor and lead the market here. They have superior market penetration and we have a long way to go to overtake them." The practice provides clients with a full range of tax services and has some widely respected practitioners in its team. Markus Neuhaus, who is also the chief executive officer of PwC in Switzerland, is noted by several contemporaries for his ability in corporate tax, cross-border structuring and M&A matters and is one of the most prominent figures in the Swiss tax market. The firm has been involved in several cross-border tax planning and structuring matters recently, though the outstanding example is the advice provided to solar power company Suntech Europe on the relocation of its holding company from the UK to Switzerland. The company derives 80% of its business from countries in mainland Europe, France, Italy and Germany being where the company is especially strong. PwC assisted the company in relocating to Switzerland to provide a tax efficient way to ensure that the company is coordinated from a position close to its most important markets.