Germany

Baker McKenzie has a strong presence in the German tax industry, with a team of professionals addressing all domestic and international taxation sectors, including private clients, VAT, transactional tax and tax controversy. Christoph Becker, who specialises in tax planning and M&A taxation, as well as tax disputes, has led the team since 2014. The transfer pricing practice is made up of 13 lawyers, tax advisers and economists, including three partners. Stephan Schnorberger and Florian Gimmler constitute key members of the transfer pricing team.

The firm recently delivered the review and redesign of the global transfer pricing model of a large chemical manufacturer. In addition, the team aided a leading global energy provider in restructuring the group's internal financing.

During the research period Ron Dorward, counsel, and Jörg Hanken, partner, joined the firm from PwC.

Client feedback

“Excellent expertise and service.”

“Top service and client support.”

“The team is very well-versed in the law, is excellent at providing risk analysis where the law is unclear and is very responsive.”

Bödecker Ernst & Partner is an independent German law firm explicitly focused on investment management by providing comprehensive tax and legal services in relation to the structuring, establishment, marketing and operation of investment funds and investment products. The firm also covers all aspects of cross-border taxation, from local German tax laws to double tax treaties. Carsten Bödecker and Carsten Ernst, two of the firm's founding members, are partners in its taxation division. The remainder of the team includes four further partners.

During the research period, the firm offered tax due diligence and structuring guidance for a German insurance group's investment in a Swedish insurer, which was structured through a Luxembourg transparent co-investment vehicle. The team also served as the tax, legal, and regulatory advisor for a Luxembourg pooling-fund of a German professional pension scheme.

Client feedback

“Memo was provided in a timely manner at very good quality and at a reasonable price. Very experienced in tax structuring and regulatory advice.”

“Results driven. Client focused.”

CMS provides comprehensive advice on all national and international tax issues, focusing on practice areas such as transactions, real estate, corporate tax, litigation, private client, investment tax, tax structuring, compliance and indirect tax. The team is comprised of 36 tax experts, including eleven partners, led by heads of practice Björn Demuth and Angelika Thies. Industry sector strengths of the tax team include energy, healthcare, biotechnology, telecommunications and IT.

The firm advised on the merger of ads-tec energy with a European sustainable growth acquisition corporation. The team also provided comprehensive tax guidance to AllianzGI in connection with its participation in the Capital Four debt fund.

Client feedback

“Clarity. Responsiveness. Dedication. Partner time.”

“Responsiveness, quality, clarity.”

“CMS is really client and solution oriented, always well analysed and explained.”

Deloitte’s German tax practice currently includes 80 tax partners and more than 400 certified German tax advisers, making it one of the largest tax departments in Germany. In addition, the firm is active in domestic corporate tax, indirect taxation, tax disputes and transfer pricing.

The group recently advised Advent on tax guidance during a public voluntary takeover offer, including tax due diligence and tax structuring assistance. The team also worked with Blackstone Real Estate Partners and Blackstone's Core+ strategy to recapitalise Mileway, a pan-European last mile logistics company.

Several new partners joined the business during the research period, including Susanne Hemme, Daniel Kai Fischer, Oliver Gunkel, Tillmann Pyszka and Wolfram Kubot. Timo Hillebrand also joined the team in 2023.

Dentons provides tax services throughout Europe, with the German branch of the European tax business accounting for the lion's share of revenue. With four offices across Germany, the team covers all taxes issues, both local and international. Michael Graf is a partner and co-head of the European tax practise in the Frankfurt office.

The firm recently assisted the French investment manager Advenis Real Estate Investment Management on the acquisition of the Offenbach office building and another in Düsseldorf for the Eurovalys Fund. In addition, the team advised Q-Energy Tax on five large wind farm purchases in Germany, including thorough tax due diligence and purchase agreements.

While partner Andreas Berberich and associate Konstatin Ecker joined the firm during the research period, senior associate Philipp Scharenberg also departed.

Client feedback

“They know and understand our needs and have international experience.”

“They have outstanding expertise in German tax law and are capable of providing commercial advice and explain very complex structures in easy words They are very responsive, very quick and flexible.”

“Always professional and high-level work results.”

“Down-to-earth approach, focus on practical solutions, provide short memos with focus on essential things, high-quality advice, great availability, fantastic firm.”

DLA Piper has continued to grow its reputation within the transactional tax sector, providing support for M&A deals and restructuring transactions. It offers deal due diligence as well as post-deal target integrations and structuring. It is led by co-managing partner Konrad Rohde, a tax specialist in transactions and corporate taxation. Ulf Andresen leads the transfer pricing team of seven employees. It is responsible for all aspects of transfer pricing, beginning with transfer pricing planning and including the reorganisation of transfer pricing systems.

The firm advised South Korean asset manager Kiwoom Asset Management and KGAL on the tax ramifications of the sale of Deutsche Telekom's global headquarters in Bonn. The team also advised Borosil Renewables, an Indian solar glass maker, on the tax implications of its acquisition of Interfloat Group, Europe's largest solar glass producer.

Client feedback

“Great communication, excellent technical skills, cost efficient.”

“Availability and support of deal.”

“Good experience; close listeners; to-the-point analysis; excellent tax knowledge.”

“Thoughtful, enquiring, logical approach.Pleasant to work with.”

“Strong in litigation with tax audit, well-prepared tactics for TP applications.”

Flick Gocke Schaumburg is a leading tax-focused law firm in Germany. It offers a variety of practice areas but has a significant focus on its tax practice, specialising in transactions, M&A, due diligence, compliance, tax planning, criminal tax law, private client, litigation and transfer pricing. It has more than 60 equity partners focused on tax, with over 250 professional tax specialists operating across six German offices. Partner and corporate tax specialist Thomas Rödder is a key individual at the firm.

The firm advised zooplus on special guidance for VAT concerns, such as cross-border distribution and supply structures, tax rates, tax-CMS implementation, among others. The team also advised European Healthcare Acquisition & Growth Company on the tax structure and tax issues of the contractual agreement relating to the proposed merger with Croma-Pharma.

As new associates, the firm welcomed Oliver Felix Faclamm from WTS Deutschland, Jasmin Steinhart from Pwc, Susann Sturm from Rödl & Partner, and Justina Fischer from WIRTGEN GROUP during the research period. Bastian Biermann and Corina Hackbarth both departed the firm, to work for BASF and EY respectively.

Client feedback

“FGS as a lot of experience in transfer pricing.”

“Outstanding experts in their field.”

“Thought leaders, excellent reputation, good network, good relationship with tax authorities.”

“Very commercial.”

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's German tax team consists of ten partners, six counsel and 26 associates. The tax advice is focused mainly on transactions and structuring, particularly in complex cross-jurisdictional cases. Tax strategies, tax-risk management and the impact of legal and political developments, disputes, investigations and criminal tax law, restructuring and insolvencies, and succession planning for families and high-net-worth individuals are all significant areas beyond transactions and structuring. It is increasingly advising US clients as its US presence has grown significantly. The close network of worldwide offices enables them to give clients cross-jurisdictional counsel. Georg Roderburg and Tanja Walter-Yadegardjam are prominent figures at the firm.

During the research period, the company advised Siemens Energy on all tax issues connected to the (planned) tender offer for all outstanding shares in Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, with the objective of delisting and integrating the business. In addition, the team assisted finance start-up Penta and its shareholders on the acquisition by French fintech Qonto.

Gleiss Lutz operates within a network of leading independent European law firms to provide a broad range of international and domestic tax advice. The practice operates within transactional and indirect taxes, corporate tax structuring, private client, compliance and tax disputes. It is led by partner Stefan Mayer, who is recognised as a leader in transactional tax and corporate restructuring. He is supported by a further five partners as well as counsels and associates across six German offices.

During the research period, the firm assisted Deutsche Telekom on the sale of a majority 51% ownership in its GD Towers business to a bidding consortium comprised of Canadian asset manager Brookfield and US infrastructure investment firm DigitalBridge. Infineon Technologies was also advised by the team on the acquisition of 100% of the shares in the Berlin-based AI start-up Industrial Analytics.

Axel Schilder, who oversees King & Spalding's tax practises in Germany, has extensive knowledge in real estate and investment tax law. The team advises clients on all tax aspects of fund formation and structuring, tax-efficient structuring of inbound and outbound investments, real estate and corporate transactions including project developments, cross-border financings and tax optimisation and tax audits and tax court proceedings. The practice is integrated into the firm's worldwide corporate, finance, and investments practice, which spans offices and continents and routinely collaborates with K&S tax professionals from London, Paris, Switzerland, and across the United States on cross-border concerns.

The business recently represented Circular Resources on the finance package for the purchase of 100% of the interests in DSD - Duales System Holding and the group of companies with Der Grüne Punkt.

During the research period counsel Martin Wolff joined the firm from Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle.

Kirkland & Ellis is among the most prominent firms in the M&A practice area. Daniel Hiemer is a key professional at the firm. It also works on corporate reorganisations and restructuring. The Munich team is renowned for its experience in complex tax structuring work in connection with private equity and M&A transactions.

The firm recently advised an ad hoc committee of noteholders on Löwen Play committee's financial reorganisation. The team also assisted Ingenio, ,an Alpine Investors portfolio firm, on the purchase of the adviqo Group .

During the research period Michael Ehret, a partner from Allen & Overy, joined the firm.

Client feedback

“Strong technical and commercial advice. Proactive.”

KMLZ is a boutique law firm that specialises in VAT, customs, and excises. Founded in 2006, its Munich and Düsseldorf offices now handle both national and international issues. Aside from that, it established KMLZ Innovative Tax Solutions a few years ago to accelerate VAT-related digitisation in both guidance, particularly for SAP and the provision of custom software solutions. It includes 12 partners, one managing associate, nine counsel, 10 senior associates and 18 associates.

The firm recently filed a model action in front of the fiscal court on behalf of a significant German association on the subject of whether the Racing Betting and Lottery Act is in accordance with constitutional and union legislation. The team also assisted Deutsche Post in a VAT exemption dispute concerning universal postal services.

Client feedback

“Highly committed, professionally highly competent and forward-looking.”

LW TAX Lemaitre Wittkowski is a tax boutique with 18 specialists that specialises in M&A tax services for small and medium-sized private equity firms, renewable energy enterprises and private organisations. It also offers its clients continuous tax advice, including tax audit services. Claus Lemaitre and Ansas Wittkowski founded the firm.

The team recently advised a mid-sized internet professional and IT services provider organisation on the sale of its real estate and the establishment of a 100% remote -home office connection for all employees. The team also advised a large, international energy supplier group client on all relevant tax and financial reporting problems throughout the acquisition of a group of companies by a German division, including the acquisition of a Spanish company with purchasing competitors as part of a buy-and-build strategy.

Client feedback

“Highly competent, good availability, hands-on, nice to work with.”

Mayer Brown uses its vast global reach to provide its clients with access to specialised tax professionals all around the world. The firm's German tax department is fully linked with its global tax experts, and as such, it focuses on international tax structuring and all elements of cross-border transactions from numerous industries. Volker Junge, a specialist in international transaction structuring, leads the German tax team.

During the research period, the company recently advised DBAG Fund VII on its acquisition of akquinet, a German IT service provider, and DBAG on the acquisition of two data processing centres in Hamburg in a parallel transaction. The team also represented Dow in Hanseatic Energy Hub, the project company for the proposed LNG terminal at Stade industrial park (Lower Saxony, Germany), near the port of Hamburg.

Client feedback

“Great service level and trusted advisor; outstanding experience and pragmatic approach.”

Mazars is a global advisory firm that offers clients a full suite of tax services worldwide. The German practice has tax experts across 12 national offices. The team excels in practice areas, including corporate income tax, international tax, VAT and indirect tax, transactions, private clients, transfer pricing and real estate. Partner and global tax specialist Marcus von Goldacker is a key individual at the firm.

The company recently assisted REHAU Industries on the structuring and implementation of the reverse carve-out of its automotive unit. The team also advised Triodos Management on cross-border investment through a fund by purchasing a minority position in EINHUNDERT ENERGIE, a start-up in the renewable energy industry and forming a joint venture to finance solar installations.

The firm welcomed several new directors and partners during the research period, including director Ingo Heldt, who joined the firm from KPMG. Director Tobias Radloffdeparted the firm to Deloitte in the same period.

McDermott's tax team has offices in Frankfurt and Munich. It is well-known for its tax conflict practice (German Federal Tax Court, European Court of Justice), which includes transfer pricing issues (competent authority cases, EU arbitration convention). The team is led by Dirk Pohl, Gero Burwitz and Annette Keller. Kian Tauser, Heiko Kermer, Florian Schiefer and Nina Siewert lead the team in M&A transactions, restructurings and the fund sector, with a particular emphasis on real estate.

During the research period, the firm successfully represented a multinational before the German Supreme Tax Court, which determined that security loans in kind cannot be considered interest added to the tax base for trade tax. The team also advised HIG on the structuring of European fund platforms, as well as on all problems pertaining to German investors.

NERA Economic Consulting is a global firm of professionals specialising in the application of economic, finance and mathematical ideas to tough commercial and legal issues. Led by Philip de Homont, it has been involved in resolving valuation concerns and has been able to model the uncertainty associated with sanction regimes and their impact on asset market value.

The team recently determined the fair market value of an outstanding loan made by a West-European group to its Russian subsidiary. The team also assisted a German sports group with its global transfer pricing issues by conducting a deal-by-deal review of the profit split method's use.

Consultant Fabian Peters left the company to join FTI Consulting during the research period.

Client feedback

“High quality, especially in valuation.”

“In their specific domain (economic analysis), they are top notch.”

“Always very professional and fast support.”

Oppenhoff & Partner primarily advises clients on restructuring and planning related to M&A transactions and transfer pricing, as well as tax disputes. Furthermore, the tax department concentrates on German cross-border taxation and advises several US multinational corporations. Axel Bödefeld and Gunnar Knorr are equity partners on the tax team. Bödefeld is also a co-founder of the firm. The team consists of four partners, one junior partner and two associates.

The firm recently assisted tesa on the tesa Labtec transaction. The team also represented multiple international pharmaceutical corporations in the field of transfer pricing, including difficulties relating to the inclusion of parallel imports in global pharmaceutical groups' transfer prices.

Junior partner Elmar Krüsmann, departed the firm during the research period to join Winheller, while associate Daniel Gellrich and partner Jan Mohrmann joined the team.

Poellath is a full-service law company with a substantial tax department that focuses on tax planning and structuring for international corporate and financial sector customers. The staff is also well-versed in M&A, asset management and real estate. The tax team of POELLATH consists of 22 partners, three associated partners, 14 counsels and 48 associates. Partner Michael Best is a key member of the firm.

The firm aided DPE Deutsche Private Equity in successfully obtaining funds and completing the largest GP-led secondary deal in Germany to date. The team also supported Inflexion Private Equity Partners in acquiring a minority share in Proteros Biostructures.

During the research period Christian Palm, Counsel, joined the team.

Client feedback

“Hands-on, responsive, client focused, excellent knowledge.”

“Detailed and practical tax advice to work with the different jurisdictional and client requirements.”

The PwC transfer pricing team in Germany consists of more than 170 dedicated transfer pricing specialists located in strong regional teams in all major cities such as Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Leipzig, Mannheim, Munich, Nuremberg, Osnabrück and Stuttgart. Axel Eigelshoven, a transfer pricing partner with more than 20 years of experience in tax and transfer pricing consulting, leads the practice. In 2022, senior advisor Rolf Schreiber joined the team from the German Tax Authorities.

During the research period, the firm recommended an automotive supplier that had a subsidiary that had been losing money for more than 10 years while the parent company was profitable to claim a tax credit for depreciation and production support payments.

Client feedback

“PwC has a lot of experience in transfer pricing.”

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom has a highly regarded German tax practice, best known for specialising in practice areas such as M&A transactions, corporate tax, real estate, cross-border restructuring, international tax and audit. Tax partner and practice leader Johannes Frey is a key individual at the firm.

The firm advised Trimble on the acquisition of Transporeon from private equity investor Hg during the research phase. The team also assisted Thai-listed Gulf Energy Development Group on the sale of 50.01% of its investment in Borkum Riffgrund 2 offshore wind farm to a joint venture of Singapore-based Keppel Infrastructure Trust and Keppel Corporation.

In 2022, Helge Wiechmann Associate joined the team.

The tax practice at White & Case assists domestic and international clients with transactions, advisory and controversy work. It handles corporate tax issues such as structured and asset finance, funds and multi-jurisdictional M&A, tax planning and efficiency, risk reduction and tax controversy avoidance. The practice's partners include Alexandre Ippolito, Will Smith, Bodo Bender, Jessica Kemp, Estelle Philippi and Tim Bracksiek.

The firm recently advised Eurazeo on its investment in Sevetys, one of France's major veterinary clinics with more than 200 clinics. The team also advised Barclays and Angelo Gordon as lenders on the refinancing of Technicolor subsidiary renamed Vantiva's existing debt via a €250 million senior and a €125 million second lien deal.

During the research period partner Christopher Lacaria joined the team from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and partner Jessica Kemp joined from Travers Smith. Partner Laura Hoyland left in in the same period.

WTS is a global tax consultancy that purposefully avoids performing audits. The group's German business now has 1,500 specialists operating in 13 locations, capable of covering all aspects of local and international taxation, as well as transfer pricing. Fritz Esterer and Franz Prinz zu Hohenlohe lead the team.

The firm recently advised a multinational pharmaceutical company on VAT. In addition, the team aided a number of significant German-owned enterprises with an early impact analysis to digital implementation as a result of the managed service concept for Pillar Two.

During the research period additional partners and directors joined the business, including directors Kerstin Kind from KPMG and Sebastian Kratz from PwC.

Client feedback

“Great and timely feedback always showing clear legal positions but having a mentality to actively search for solutions instead of leaving the client with the decision.”