Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Tax

ADVANT Beiten focuses its tax advice on transactions as well as on tax compliance, VAT, tax-optimised corporate structures and restructurings. The team is led by Marcus Mische (transactions, restructurings) and, due to the ADVANT network, also covers cross-border issues.
Under the leadership of Oliver von Schweinitz, Schalast Law | Tax advises banks, private equity companies and private clients on transactions, fund structuring and tax compliance; in the latter segment, the group has a strong US focus.

Tax in Germany

Flick Gocke Schaumburg

Flick Gocke Schaumburg's tax practice continues to be at the forefront of the market, serving a broad client base of national and global companies, corporations, private clients, public sector players and non-profit organisations. Mainstays include compliance, transfer pricing, criminal tax law, restructuring and tax issues related to corporate succession, while the team is led by Thomas Rödder, who advises both corporations and family businesses. In January 2024, the partner level was expanded with the appointments of Christian Engelen (transfer pricing, international tax law), Christina Hildebrand (criminal tax law, international tax law), Christian Kahlenberg (international tax law, transaction support), Eva-Maria Kraus (corporate succession, foundation and association law), Carsten Quilitzsch (transfer pricing, international tax law), Tobias Schwan (transaction-related tax law) and Philipp Windeknecht (corporate succession, crypto assets). At the same time, Michael Puls (transfer pricing) joined PwC Legal (PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal AG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft), while Nadia Altenburg left the firm in July 2024 to found Bluebird Legal & Tax.

Praxisleiter:

Thomas Rödder


Referenzen

‘Professional; quick response time; very strong technical knowledge and personal competence.’

‘High partner involvement.’

‘High level of commitment. The team works thoughtfully, with foresight and anticipation.’

‘Client focused at the highest level.’

‘Effective and efficient.’

Excellent tax advice as part of a holistic support concept, both on all cross-border transfer pricing issues of international groups and on national tax matters, for example on questions of complex income tax structures.’

‘Outstanding expertise paired with a very focused and long-term client relationship.’

Linklaters

Linklaters focuses on transactional support and therefore routinely advises global companies, financial services industry players and corporations on tax issues related to M&A as well as restructuring and reorganisations, while transfer pricing and compliance as well as investment tax law and issues at the fund structuring interface represent other mainstays. On a contentious level, criminal tax law is a core competency; Jens Blumenberg, who is well versed in cum-ex and cum-cum issues, is one of the key contacts. This is complemented by experience in crisis management. The team is led by Oliver Rosenberg, who has experience in the energy sector and often advises on restructuring and reorganisations; a consulting focus that he shares with Julian Böhmer, who made partner in May 2024. Other key contacts include counsel Kirsten Placke (transaction tax law) and managing associate Alexander Zitzl (transactional support, VAT). Sebastian Benz, who is well versed in transaction-related tax issues, joined Seitz Rechtsanwaelte Steuerberater at the turn of the year 24/25.

Praxisleiter:

Oliver Rosenberg


Referenzen

‘Powerful team that covers all key areas of corporate tax law with extremely high levels of competence. Outstanding consultants. The firm understood early on that efficient advice today goes far beyond legal aspects. The use of modern technologies stands out in particular, for example the use of (protected) AI solutions for evaluating large amounts of data. Strong project and process management with a team specializing in this area.’

‘Oliver Rosenberg: Excellent in terms of expertise (especially M&A, restructuring, audits and mutual agreement procedures). Always available and extremely responsive. Able to explain complex issues in an understandable way. Provides practical risk assessments.’

‘Kirsten Placke: Strong expertise. Solution-oriented.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Tax advice on the reorganisation of the Aldi Nord group of companies, including the implementation of the new group and foundation structure as well as coordination with the tax authorities and the foundation supervisory authority.

  • Tax advice to Südwestkonsortium on the acquisition of 24.95% of shares in TransnetBW from EnBW, including tax and legal advice on the establishment of a fund KG (including feeder vehicle) for the investors.

  • Tax advice to Fosun International on the sale of private bank Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe to ABN AMRO Bank NV.

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman pursues a globally oriented full-service approach to tax advice and assists a client base primarily consisting of financial service providers, corporations, real estate companies and medium-sized players with corporate and transactional tax matters, compliance, the automation of tax processes and contentious issues, including litigation and out-of-court dispute resolution. For the latter, Chair of Global Tax and practice head Gottfried Breuninger is a key contact who is often instructed by financial institutions to assist with investigations and transaction-related tax audits. Other key contacts include Heike Weber, who regularly advises players from the financial services, insurance and real estate sectors on transactions, and Florian Lechner, who has experience in capital market tax law and cum-cum and cum-ex issues. The group's competence in tax structuring of investment funds was underlined with the partner promotion of Tim Drach in May 2024. Ellen Birkemeyer, who is experienced in tax risk management systems, joined WTS in November 2023.

Praxisleiter:

Gottfried Breuninger


Referenzen

‘Very good understanding of the complex structures of the German group and very good cooperation between individual legal departments of A&O Shearman (tax, corporate law, employment law). Stable team.’

‘Gottfried Breuninger offers many years of experience.’

‘Senior support of complex PE/VC issues in the German-international tax environment.’

‘Gottfried Breuninger: Very experienced tax partner (working in the PE/VC environment); very pleasant working style, high quality standards, highly recommended.’

‘Heike Weber: Outstanding tax lawyer. Great client support; you know you are in the right hands with her and get an all-round, worry-free program.’

‘The tax team provides an exceptional service. They are always responsive, client focused, reliable and have a high level of expertise and a solid understanding of market dynamics.’

‘Heike Weber and Tim Drach always respond promptly. They bring with them a wealth of experience and have a deep insight into real estate matters.’

Kernmandanten

Hamburger Gesellschaft für Vermögens- und Beteiligungsmanagement mbH (HGV)


SAP SE


Kühne Holding AG


Arthur J. Gallagher & Co


Aloys Wobben Stiftung


Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance's tax team advises domestic and foreign credit institutions, companies, institutional investors, fund and asset management companies on financial and corporate tax law, fund and asset management, as well as transactions and real estate tax matters. On contentious level, the team covers litigation, internal investigations and audits as well as cum-ex and cum-cum matters. Practice head Felix Mühlhäuser routinely acts in the restructuring and transaction context, such as in matters pertaining to structured financing and corporate structuring. Here, he is supported by Dominik Engl, among others. In January 2024, the group also welcomed Stefan Herr from PwC Legal (PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal AG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft), who is experienced in the tax structuring of investment funds.

Praxisleiter:

Felix Mühlhäuser


Referenzen

‘Clifford Chance advises us on tax issues on an ongoing basis. In particular, in complicated transactions involving transformation law, such as the spin-off of parts of a company. The law firm also conducts objection proceedings for us. We are very satisfied with the advice we receive. In addition to high-quality work, the team is easy to reach and absolutely punctual.’

‘Felix Mühlhäuser: Brilliant tax lawyer. Probably one of the best the country currently has to offer in the capital market.’

‘Olaf Mertgen: Extremely concise, quick and with the necessary sensitivity for tax risk assessment.’

Kernmandanten

ABN AMO Bank


BNP Paribas


Commerzbank


Eiffage


Egeria


Gaskraftwerk Leipheim


Harbour Energy


HQ Equita


ICIG


ING


KfW Capital / Universal Investment


Konsortium Amedes, OMERS Infrastructure, Goldman Sachs und AXA IM Alts


Mahle / Hella


Paragon Partners


Partners Group


Portigon AG (WestLB)


Sienna Real Estate


Société Générale


SOFIDY


The Bank of New York Mellon


Total Energies


UniCredit


UNITANK


Zoetis


Highlight-Mandate


  • Tax advice to Harbour Energy on the $11.2 billion acquisition of assets from Wintershall Dea.

  • Tax advice to KfW Capital and Universal Investment on the successful fundraising of the ‘Growth Fund Germany’ valued at over €1 billion.

Gleiss Lutz

Gleiss Lutz covers the entire spectrum of national and international tax law and is regularly instructed by private equity investors, corporations and companies to advise on compliance issues as well as in the context of group structuring and transactions - particularly in the real estate sector. Other key areas of expertise include criminal tax law, including litigation, as well as tax audits and tax issues relating to company succession, which are complemented by interface competencies in restructuring and insolvency tax law. The practice is headed by Stefan Mayer, who is well versed in providing tax advice on transactions as well as restructuring. In February 2025, criminal tax lawyer Enrico Farinato joined Feigen · Graf Rechtsanwälte.

Praxisleiter:

Stefan Mayer 


Referenzen

‘Very well-coordinated team of top lawyers, extremely fast in processing, very careful and clear, super pleasant collaboration.’

‘Johann Wagner: Excellent lawyer and advisor who always has everything in view and the right solution ready. Really great! His experience and forward-looking advice are top class.’

‘Fantastic team in every respect!’

‘Johann Wagner: Excellent client focus, case focus, result focus, which achieves excellent results for the client. Uncomplicated communication. Great partner to work with.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Tax advice to Telefónica on the public acquisition offer and the public delisting acquisition offer to all shareholders of Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG.

  • Tax advice to Infineon, Robert Bosch and NXP Semiconductors on a joint investment in joint venture European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company GmbH (ESMC) for semiconductor production in Dresden.

  • Tax advice to STEAG Group and municipal investment company KSBG on the group-wide transformation and the sales process of STEAG.

Hengeler Mueller

Hengeler Mueller's team impresses with expertise in transaction and group tax law, private client-advice and tax disputes, including associated investigations. The client portfolio includes high-profile players from the real estate, finance and private equity sectors as well as medium-sized family businesses; the latter group is frequently being advised on company succession and restructuring. Key contacts include Matthias Scheifele, Gunther Wagner and Markus Ernst (also tax audits and contentious proceedings), who are experienced in transactional support, as well as counsels Sebastian Heinrichs and Marius Marx. Stefanie Beinert (restructuring, succession) retired in January 2024.

Kernmandanten

Armira


Bundesverband Deutsche Start-ups e.V.


EQT


Fresenius SE


Inflexion


Littelfuse


Familie Mathiesen


Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd


One Hotels & Resorts


Ørsted


Siemens


Software AG


Trill Impact


VGP


Vitesco Technologies Group


Waterland Private Equity


Milbank

Milbank's tax team advises national and international companies, corporations, private equity investors and wealthy private individuals on the development and implementation of cross-border acquisition and financing structures, for which Rolf Füger and Norbert Rieger, who are experienced in the private equity sector, are the key contacts. Both jointly lead the practice with Thomas Kleinheisterkamp and Matthias Schell, who are well versed in corporate tax law and in restructuring-related tax issues; Schell also assists with tax disputes. This advisory portfolio is complemented by capacities in tax audits and company succession, including gift and inheritance tax.

Referenzen

‘Legal precision at the highest level paired with pragmatic reason and brilliant detailed knowledge – a great team!’

‘Matthias Schell: Outstanding in tax issues in the national and international transaction context.’

‘Thomas Kleinheisterkamp: Very fast response times, very good understanding of the problem, very good communication in the project, very good preparation of work results, transparent billing.’

Kernmandanten

About You


Advent International


Allianz X


Ardian


AUTO1 Group


Bilfinger SE


Conrad Electronics SE


Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG)


Deutsche Invest Capital Management


ECM Equity Capital Management


EMH Digital Growth Fund GmbH & Co. KG


EMZ


EQT Partners AB


H.C. Starck Group


H.I.G. European Capital Partners


INNIO Group


KAEFER Isoliertechnik GmbH & Co. KG


LEA Partners


Otto Group


PAI Partners


ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE


Sartorius AG


The Carlyle Group


Zalando SE


Highlight-Mandate


  • Tax advice to General Atlantic on the planned merger of Deutsche Börse companies Qontigo and ISS.

  • Tax advice to Advent International on the acquisition of a majority stake in ZIMMERMANN.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie's expertise includes corporate tax planning, group tax law and transactional support, resulting in regular national and cross-border instructions. Practice heads Thomas Schänzle and Christoph Becker are also dedicated to these themes, while Schänzle is additionally well versed in tax disputes and tax audits and Becker further assists with restructurings. This is complemented by expertise in transfer pricing and sales tax. In June 2024, the firm lost Jörg Hanken (transfer pricing) to WTS and in November of the same year Philipp Klinker, who is experienced in sales tax law, to PwC Legal (PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal AG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft).

Referenzen

‘Baker McKenzie has been our law firm of choice for many years when it comes to particularly complex and important tax issues. I find the firm to be extremely committed and competent. The results of their work have generally been of a particularly professional quality. In addition to tax matters, we also value the interdisciplinary support (e.g. in civil or regulatory matters).’

‘Our contact for many years is Stephan Behnes. He is a passionate tax expert with very high quality standards and is always easy to reach. His work results are generally characterised by very good quality and a particularly high level of detail.’

‘The team offers the right qualifications for the right task.’

Kernmandanten

Aurelius Group


Arbonia


Knorr-Bremse AG


M&G Real Estate


Sika AG


Highlight-Mandate


  • Tax advice to Knorr-Bremse AG on the sale of an 85% stake in Kiepe Electric GmbH.

  • Tax advice to building supplier Arbonia on the sale of its air conditioning division to Midea Electrics Netherlands BV, a company of the Midea Group, for €760 million.

  • Advising various real estate funds managed by M&G Real Estate on tax-relevant issues for German investors and conducting structural analyses in relation to the funds.

Noerr

Noerr focuses its tax advisory services on corporate and fund tax law, transactional support and tax disputes, while also being experienced in transfer pricing and audit support. In this regard, it advises groups, companies, investment funds and wealthy private individuals, with the latter also regularly drawing on the team's expertise in corporate and asset succession. This is complemented by skills in related corporate, banking and capital market issues, which benefits from its cross-practice cooperation. The team is led by Carsten Heinz and Georg Edelmann; while Heinz excels in supporting group reorganisations and family businesses in special tax situations, Edelmann is particularly well versed in transactional matters and advising companies in crisis situations. In August 2024, Tim Löper (transactional tax law, international tax law) joined as an associated partner from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.

Referenzen

‘Excellent know-how of fund law and investment structures in Germany and Luxembourg. Practical solutions for law, taxes and accounting. The team around Martin Haisch knows the client, is solution-oriented and keeps an eye on economic goals.’

‘Georg Edelmann and Carsten Heinz are recommendable. I really enjoy working with them. They are very capable tax lawyers who are very persistent in achieving the best result for their clients – I really like that.’

‘Very high level of technical competence; fast and very sound feedback; high level of interaction within the team without loss of knowledge; optimal solutions are developed and recorded taking all possible aspects into account; open and very friendly communication.’

‘Martin Haisch: In-depth know-how on taxes and investment law as well as M&A. Fast and convincing in documentation, assessment and practical implementation of solutions.’

‘Elmar Bindl: Very good know-how, always solution-oriented.’

‘Carsten Heinz has very in-depth and detailed knowledge in many tax areas, coupled with legal knowledge and economic understanding. He is always approachable, helpful and very committed to finding effective solutions in the interests of his clients.’

‘Noerr’s tax team specialises in complex international tax structures and tax disputes. It recognises (commercial) tax risks and challenges in transactions and creates a balance between sound, practical advice and the inherent complexity of German tax law.’

‘Working with Andre Happel is a real pleasure as he is very responsive and timely to our needs.’

Kernmandanten

Alcmene


AllPure Group


Cisalfa Sport S.p.A.


Daimler Truck AG


Deka Immobilien


DEMIRE


Fresenius Medical Care


Hardke Stiftung


IBM Corp.


Koehler Invest GmbH


LHI Leasing


LVM


MGG Investment Gruppe


Omnicom


SAF Holland Group


Schwarz-Gruppe


Summit Partners


thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG


WiD


Highlight-Mandate


  • Tax advice to Alcmene Group on the acquisition of a 25% stake in MIRO Mineralölraffinerie Oberrhein from ESSO.

  • Tax advice to a company of the Schwarz Group as part of a Series B financing round of Heidelberg start-up Aleph Alpha.

  • Advice on the conversion of FMC’s legal form from a partnership limited by shares to a stock corporation and resulting tax issues. The unbundling of the two billion-dollar DAX corporations (FMC and Fresenius) was carried out by changing the legal form.

POELLATH

POELLATH's strength lies in transactional tax law and asset management, whereby it routinely supports the design of tax-optimised PE buy-out structures and advises on investment fund structuring and transactions, particularly those in the real estate sector. It is instructed by investors, wealthy private individuals and family businesses. The team is jointly led by Michael Best (transactions and private equity) and Hardy Fischer, who is well versed in real estate-related tax issues. André Fest, who is experienced in the implementation of tax compliance systems, made partner in January 2024.

Referenzen

‘We recommend Michael Best.’

Kernmandanten

Eigentümerfamilie Kreke


Egeria


DPE Deutsche Private Equity


Liberta Partners


Maxburg Capital


HPE Growth


Douglas Management


Main Capital Partners


Argos Wityu


Generali


Quantum Immobilien


Ferdinand Piëch Holding


Union Investment


Elvaston Gruppe


EOS Partners GmbH


EQT


Klingel medical metal group


EQT Growth


Highlight-Mandate


  • Tax advice to the Kreke family of owners in connection with the Douglas IPO on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

  • Advising EQT on the structuring of new fund EQT Healthcare Grows.

  • Tax advice to Generali on the acquisition of PEP shopping center.

Dentons

As an integral part of its international network, Dentons often assists German and global companies across locations and covers a wide range of tax issues. Main areas of activity include group tax law and transactional support as well as tax disputes and transfer pricing, while the practice is particularly experienced in the financial services, energy, real estate and logistics sectors. Michael Graf heads the German team and also co-heads the European tax practice; he frequently handles group tax matters. With the arrival of Joachim Kayser in February 2024 from Goodwin Procter, the firm was able to expand its advisory capacity in fund tax law.

Praxisleiter:

Michael Graf


Referenzen

‘Dentons has an outstanding and well-integrated international network of tax experts who work together at the highest level. There is also a high degree of specialisation among the tax partners.’

‘Andreas Berberich is characterised by his very pragmatic and fast way of working. Andreas thinks entrepreneurially and acts pragmatically. I particularly like the fact that he thinks exceptionally well strategically. I recommend him as a top tax expert in Germany. An exceptionally good man.

‘Dentons has never disappointed me in terms of the quality of advice, availability and support. I will continue to use and recommend Dentons’ tax advice for our German tax matters.’

Kernmandanten

AIG


ATAI Lifesciences NV


Aeroground Munich Airport


ADVENIS


Berliner Wasserbetriebe


BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management GmbH


BVV Versicherungsverein des Bankgewerbes a. G.


Cube Green Energy


Deka Erwerbsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG


Gesellschafter der DekaBank AöR


Deutsche Vermögensberatung AG


Deutscher Sparkassen und Giroverband


Franger Investment GmbH & Co. KGaA


Geodis S.A.


Google


Landesbank Berlin


LFPI


Qualitas Energy


Ruby Hotels GmbH


SAF-Holland SE


S Broker AG & Co KG


S-Kreditpartner GmbH


TELUS International & TELUS Health


Vonovia SE


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Qualitas Energy on the sale of a portfolio consisting of 19 companies in the energy sector.

  • Advising Enbridge Inc. on the €625m acquisition of a 24.45% stake in Hohe See and Albatros offshore wind farms from CPP Investments.

  • Advising German Savings Banks and Giro Association on the establishment of a supplementary fund for all savings banks, state banks and state building societies to protect institutions in addition to the deposit protection fund under the Deposit Protection Act with a volume of approximately €5-6bn.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

With a sectoral focus on automotive, finance, real estate and life sciences, Hogan Lovells International LLP advises a correspondingly broad client base on compliance, transfer pricing and transactional tax matters; in the latter area, particular attention is paid to private equity transactions. Ingmar Dörr, who is particularly experienced in tax compliance and associated investigations, heads the practice, which lost Nico Keukam to Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in April 2024; he is experienced in the finance and technology sectors.

Praxisleiter:

Ingmar Dörr


Kernmandanten

Armira Growth


Chubu


Commerzbank


Dürr


Equitix


Everphone


Flaxtec


H&Z Unternehmensberatung


Hansainvest Real Assets


HIH Invest


Ib Vogt


Lennox


NRW.Bank


Patrizia


Rhenus


Rigsave


Rolls-Royce Power Systems


Scalable Capital


va-Q-tec


Volkswagen Financial Services


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Equitix Investment Management Limited on the majority acquisition of a sustainability portfolio from Enpal BV.

  • Advising Volkswagen Financial Services on the sale of significant parts of its global financial services business.

  • Advising Stuttgart-based mechanical and plant engineering company Dürr AG on the takeover of BBS Automation Group.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Thanks to its integration into the international network, the German tax practice of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP handles not only national but also cross-border matters, with a main focus on transactional tax issues and on assisting with restructuring and tax disputes, including audits and appeal proceedings. Sectoral emphasis is placed on financial services, pharmaceuticals and technology. This thematic and sectorial range also mirrors practice head Johannes Frey's focus, who is supported by European counsel Frank-M. Schwarz, among others.

Praxisleiter:

Johannes Frey


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Frank-M. Schwarz


Referenzen

‘Skadden’s deal-oriented tax practice is unique in its efficiency and practical thinking. The quick turnaround guarantees a smooth deal flow.’

‘I mainly work with Frank-M. Schwarz and Johannes Frey. Both are quick, creative and knowledgeable. In addition, they are pleasant working partners.’

‘Very strong international team; close to the market; commercial advice.’

Kernmandanten

Amazon


Amgen


Apple


Backcountry


Biogen


COMMERZBANK


Deutsche Bank


DRI Healthcare Trust


Gilead


Hillenbrand


HSBC


IBM


Liberty Global


Morgan Stanley


MorphoSys


Netflix


Nike


ROSEN Group


SEDA


The Coca-Cola Company


TSG Consumer Partners


UBS


UniCredit


Viking Cruises


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising several multinational companies on issues relating to German law on withholding tax on royalties paid for rights registered as intellectual property in Germany.

  • Advising MorphoSys AG on the €2.7bn sale to and acquisition by Novartis.

  • Tax advice to SDCL Edge Acquisition Corporation on its merger with Cunova GmbH.

CMS

CMS' consulting portfolio ranges from transactional tax issues, corporate and group tax law to tax compliance as well as succession and asset planning, while in the contentious area, core competencies span company audits and tax disputes; this also includes criminal tax issues. The practice is often instructed by players from the automotive, life sciences, real estate and PE sectors; in addition to companies and groups, however, the group also advises wealthy private individuals. Since Jörg Schrade (cross-border tax planning) joined YPOG in January 2025, Thomas Gerdel, who is experienced in tax compliance and tax disputes, has been leading the team alone.

Praxisleiter:

Thomas Gerdel


Referenzen

‘Offers advice at a high professional level.’

‘The collaboration between legal and tax teams was really good, so that the client only had to explain the request once and only when necessary in a single conversation. Both teams were very competent.’

‘Pleasant, knowledgeable and responsive people who take immediate (proactive) action when needed.’

‘Very high level of competence, very good accessibility and response.’

DLA Piper

DLA Piper's tax expertise is often called upon by family offices, funds, investors and players in the financial services industry and includes transactional tax matters, particularly in the real estate sector, as well as tax compliance, corporate tax, transfer pricing, customs duties and tax disputes. Typical contentious matters range from tax audits to litigation. The practice is headed by Marie-Theres Rämer, who often handles tax issues that arise in connection with structured financing, leasing transactions and real estate investments.

Praxisleiter:

Marie-Theres Rämer


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ulf Andresen; Björn Enders; Konrad Rohde 


Referenzen

‘Marie-Theres Rämer impresses with her comprehensive knowledge of tax law and precise problem solving. She stands out through her analytical thinking and proactive advice. I particularly value her client orientation and empathetic approach to advice.’

‘Very good cooperation, very well positioned in terms of expertise. Partner and team are very harmonious, goal-oriented, practical, always up to date.’

‘Björn Enders: Great at structuring cross-border transactions.’

‘Extremely competent partners with a lot of experience who deal with issues in the respective legal area in a targeted manner, precisely and comprehensively, and who handle the matter excellently. Very fast response times and processing. The experience also means that problems that lie beyond the case and that could have potential consequences are also taken into account.’

‘Konrad Rohde has an excellent ability to structure complex issues and identify essential questions for which targeted and practical solutions are then presented. Even in critical situations, he maintains an overview and the calm to drive things forward in a solution-oriented manner.’

‘Availability and commitment, technical skills, efficiency, transparency.’

‘Ulf Andresen: Pragmatic, solution-oriented, excellent knowledge of tax law (including administrative practice).’

‘DLA Piper’s tax law practice is characterised by excellent expertise and a solution-oriented approach. The team is known, not only in Frankfurt, but also throughout Germany, for its in-depth knowledge of tax law. The collaboration is always harmonious.’

Kernmandanten

Eaton Gruppe


NIO Europe


Olympus


VATit Gruppe


VATit TecEx


Zee


Highlight-Mandate


  • Ongoing advice to a company in the consumer goods sector on tax and transfer pricing issues, including support and defense in an external audit with Austria, conducting legal remedies and litigation in Germany, mutual agreement procedures between Germany and Austria, tax restructuring and ongoing tax advice in connection with permanent establishments in various European countries.

  • Advising a company in the adhesives industry on corporate restructuring, including an audit in connection with an offshore trust. Also advising on tax compliance measures.

  • Customs law advice to the Eaton Group as part of an ongoing customs audit as well as VAT and customs compliance advice with implementation of a customs CMS.

YPOG

YPOG impresses with its expertise in transaction- and investment-related tax matters as well as in corporate planning and contentious issues, including tax audits and criminal tax matters. This service is primarily called upon by family businesses, corporations, fund managers, investors and wealthy private individuals, while these clients also benefit from the practice's expertise in the digital field: here, tax issues related to crypto assets and blockchain-based products are of particular importance. Malte Bergmann, who is experienced in transactional support, heads the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Malte Bergmann


Referenzen

‘Professional, very well informed about technical tax issues and advice is given on time.’

‘We can only recommend Florian Oppel.’

‘Very good team. Experienced, commercial and available at short notice.’

Kernmandanten

La Famiglia


HV Capital


DBAG


Golding Capital


European Investment Fund


KfW


GSK Stockmann

GSK Stockmann focuses on real estate and often handles tax issues relating to industry-specific projects, transactions and restructurings, although the group is also well versed in venture capital and private equity and recently also handled issues pertaining to ESG and green tax as well as renewable energies. The practice is further experienced in contentious proceedings and tax audits and frequently act across borders in cooperation with offices in London and Luxembourg. Practice heads Petra Eckl and Dirk Koch often advise on transaction and real estate taxes as well as tax compliance.

Praxisleiter:

Petra Eckl; Dirk Koch 


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Dominik Berka; Stefan Schmidt


Referenzen

‘Very easy to reach, quick comprehension, presentations were prepared quickly.’

‘Empathetic; competent; reliable.’

‘I really enjoy working with Dirk Koch (GSK Munich) and Petra Eckl (GSK Frankfurt) in the tax area.’

Kernmandanten

Competo & W2 Development


IMAXXAM Asset Management


Assembilfy GmbH


Real I. S.


Cancom SE


Fay Projects


InnoEnergy


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Assemblify on the tax structuring of transactions and advising on special topics in a cross-border M&A deal to a US PE investor.

  • Advice to Real IS on the tax structuring of transactions.

  • Tax advice to listed Cancom SE on internal group restructuring.

Heuking

Heuking focuses on transaction and restructuring-related tax advice. This expertise is often sought by investors, corporations and family businesses, while the latter also draws on the practice's experience in company and asset succession. Marion Sangen-Emden (transaction-related tax law, company succession) and Marc Scheunemann (tax-optimised financing and structuring) jointly head the practice. Sarah Slavik-Schulz (transaction tax law) left the team in December 2023 for an in-house role.

Weitere Kernanwälte:

Peter Schäffler; Henrik Lay; Fabian Gaffron


Kantenwein Zimmermann Spatscheck & Partner

Kantenwein Zimmermann Spatscheck & Partner's competencies span transactions, restructuring and tax compliance as well as asset and company succession issues, tax disputes and related criminal tax matters. Here, the group frequently advises clients from the real estate, private equity and gastronomy sectors. Rainer Spatschek (tax audits, litigation) and Gerhard Widmayer (group structuring, restructuring, international tax law) jointly lead the team and Michel Hannwacker (company succession) made salary partner in the summer of 2023. In January 2024, Laura Fussek, who is experienced in tax disputes, also made salary partner. At the same time, Lea Wimmer, who is experienced in tax compliance and criminal tax law, joined Pfordte Bosbach Rechtsanwälte.

Referenzen

‘Gerhard Widmayer: Always polite, hard-working and competent.’

‘The team offers comprehensive tax advice from declaration to complex and long-term tax planning advice. All team members have a high level of file knowledge.’

‘Rainer Spatscheck: Criminal defense attorney in commercial matters, who also has a very good grasp of tax law. In many cases, he saves the need for an additional tax advisor. He deals successfully with courts and public prosecutors, whether in dispute or in a “deal”.’

‘Gerhard Widmayer: Excellent tax advisor. He deals with clients individually and thinks beyond tax law.’

‘Very high level of expertise in tax matters. Particularly in restructuring and other complex issues.’

‘Kantenwein is a full-service law firm that is characterised by excellent professional advice and comprehensive support, particularly for medium-sised companies and private clients, and achieves outstanding results.’

‘Annett Kuhli-Spatscheck: Lawyer and tax advisor who really covers both areas excellently and is also an excellent arbitrator. Precise, creative, successful in dealing with authorities and extremely reliable.’

‘Gerhard Widmayer: Specialist in transformation tax law, which he learned from scratch and with his extensive experience he also finds a good solution for complex restructurings.’

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH demonstrates expertise in corporate taxes, funds structuring and investments as well as in transactional support, which includes M&A as well as real estate. The group primarily advises family businesses, investors, private clients and players from the financial services industry. Bela Jansen, who is experienced in tax and regulatory asset planning, leads the team that lost Joachim Reichenberger (asset planning, restructuring) to ADVANT Beiten in November 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Bela Jansen


Referenzen

‘Best firm for investment tax law.’

‘Bela Jansen: His solutions are always of the highest standard, tailor-made and up-to-date.’

‘We found the team at Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft to be very client-oriented and very patient. Many other law firms can easily give the impression that you don’t necessarily have to understand the facts yourself – especially in ​​tax. The team at Luther explains things in detail and in a language that is understandable for laypeople. Regardless of this, the solutions offered are very good.’

‘Zacharias-Alexis Schneider deserves special mention here. Always available, very focused in his work, effective solutions.’

‘High level of competence, very good market knowledge (real estate sector, fund sector).’

‘Bela Jansen and Felix Shill: High quality of work and response speed.’

Kernmandanten

Imerys


Calderys


Ursa


Tokyo Electron


Halder Beteiligungsberatung


Indus Holding GmbH


Douglas


Kienast Holding GmbH & Co. KG


Eneco B.V.


LichtBlick SE


LipoClinic Dr. Heck GmbH


AEW Invest GmbH


Zurich Deutscher Herold Lebensversicherung AG


Ärzteversorgung Niedersachsen


Land Berlin


Highlight-Mandate


  • Tax advice to LichtBlick SE on the acquisition of all shares in solar project developer Solargrün with a solar portfolio of over 100 projects and a total output of almost 3 GW peak.

  • Tax advice to the district of Merzig-Wadern in connection with the restructuring of Klinikum Merzig gGmbH under self-administration and the district’s participation in the clinic.

  • Tax advice to Transavia Flugbetriebsgesellschaft mbH on the restructuring of the flight operating company and the sale of shares as a basis for the continued operation of the existing aviation company.

Oppenhoff

Oppenhoff advises national and global companies and corporations on restructuring- and transaction-related tax matters and also routinely handles day-to-day tax issues. Transfer pricing, tax audits and company succession planning, including inheritance-related matters, represent other areas of expertise. Axel Bödefeld heads the practice and focuses on transfer pricing and transaction-related tax matters.

Praxisleiter:

Axel Bödefeld


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Marc Krischer; Gunnar Knorr; Jan Mohrmann


Referenzen

‘High level of competence; practice-oriented; easily accessible.’

‘Small team that delivers direct, to-the-point answers.’

‘Axel Bödefeld supported us in a fantastic way.’

Kernmandanten

Benckiser Holding / JAB


Johnson & Johnson


Sebastian Vettel


Merck Sharp & Dohme


Bristol-Myers Squibb Inc.


VHV Versicherungsgruppe


Compagnie de Saint-Gobain Zweigniederlassung Deutschland GmbH


Ford-Werke GmbH


DuMont Mediengruppe GmbH & Co. KG


Shop Apotheke Europe N.V.


Ecolog Deutschland GmbH


Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP handles day-to-day tax issues as well as those related to transactions and restructurings, and complements this with expertise in tax disputes. In the transactional arena, the team particularly focuses on M&A and private equity and regularly assists with carve-outs and the structuring of closed-end funds and asset deals, including due diligence and post-transaction audits. Tobias Geerling has similar priorities and heads the practice, which lost Benjamin Rapp (transactional tax support) to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in spring 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Tobias Geerling


Kernmandanten

NRDC Equity Partners


Elevate Brands


Oaktree Capital


CFGI


Shareholders of Swibox Holding AG


Elevion


Superior Industries International, Inc.


Advent International


Imker Capital Partners


Highlight-Mandate


  • Tax advice to NRDC Equity Partners on the acquisition of Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof.

  • Legal and tax advice to Advent International on the sale of Aareon to TPG and CDPQ.

  • Legal and tax advice to family office Imker Capital Partners on the acquisition of a majority stake in Berlin-based communications specialist and FRITZ!Box manufacturer AVM.