Tax
Global Guide 2024 : UK
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44 20 7367 3000Chambers Review
CMS represents an impressive roster of high-profile clients spanning a broad array of industries. It has an enviable breadth of sector expertise, with particular strength in real estate, media, technology and private equity. The tax group regularly advises on both domestic and international transactional and tax structuring matters.
Work Highlights
- CMS acted for BP on the creation of a USD14 billion joint venture with Eni which saw the two combine their upstream LNG businesses in Angola.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team is pragmatic and responsive in relation to complex transactions across a range of taxes."
"Service levels were excellent. Urgent work was dealt with immediately and less urgent work in agreed timescales. When staff were on leave, there was good and knowledgeable cover."
"The CMS team are extremely sophisticated in not just technical terms but also the commercial nature of their advice. Their advice is legally accurate and very insightful."
"Tax is rarely black and white, but CMS are able to provide complex technical advice and then help us to apply it in practice using a risk-based approach to our commercial situation."
"The team is pragmatic and responsive in relation to complex transactions across a range of taxes."
"Service levels were excellent. Urgent work was dealt with immediately and less urgent work in agreed timescales. When staff were on leave, there was good and knowledgeable cover."
"The CMS team are extremely sophisticated in not just technical terms but also the commercial nature of their advice. Their advice is legally accurate and very insightful."
"Tax is rarely black and white, but CMS are able to provide complex technical advice and then help us to apply it in practice using a risk-based approach to our commercial situation."
Notable Practitioners
Philip Anderson has notable expertise in providing real estate-related tax advice including counselling property clients on investment fund, REIT and joint venture tax structuring.
"He is pragmatic and sensible, Phil brings experience to the table and seeks to achieve commercial outcomes. He does not get hung up on esoteric technical points."
"I find Phil to be a very knowledgeable adviser who can balance the technical aspects of tax with the commercial aspects."
Aaron Fairhurst is co-head of tax at CMS. He is recommended for his knowledge of the tax issues faced by energy sector clients. He has further experience advising insurance companies on W&I-related tax matters.
"Aaron's ability to deliver commercial advice in respect of complex tax matters that are often opaque to the layperson is unrivalled."
Mark Joscelyne primarily works with technology and media clients, providing assistance with transactions and general tax structuring and planning. He comes recommended for his ability to advise on a range of transactions including mergers, demergers and acquisitions.
"Mark's advice and guidance on tax matters has been invaluable."
"Mark is an expert within tax law and he's extremely responsive."