Esche Schümann Commichau

With around 106 professionals in the fields of law, tax advisory and auditing, supported by a further 170 specialist staff, ESCHE is one of the leading professional services firms in Hamburg and among the largest multidisciplinary law firms in Germany.

Key Facts

• • Managing Partner: Dr. Andreas von Criegern / Dr. Philipp Engelhoven
  • Number of partners: 39 (of which non equity: 18)
  • Associated partner: 11
  • Associates: 55
  • Of counsel: 3

ESCHE advises companies, merchant families, internationally active mid-sized enterprises, multinational corporations and private clients, with a particular focus on tax matters, asset succession and estate planning. Lawyers, tax advisors and auditors work closely together in interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive, integrated advice from a single source.

The firm’s lean structures ensure efficient communication and cost-effective services. Through its membership in international networks, ESCHE regularly supports cross-border mandates. All partners are personally involved in client matters and pursue a holistic advisory approach focused on the long-term economic success of clients rather than individual interests.

Legal Services

ESCHE advises companies, shareholders, partners and private individuals across the full spectrum of business and private law. The firm also represents clients before courts, arbitral tribunals and public authorities.

Key areas of expertise include employment law, corporate and M&A, intellectual property, commercial and banking law, real estate, construction and public procurement, insolvency and restructuring, capital markets, and public commercial law.

Tax

ESCHE’s tax advice is based on a well-established combination of legal and tax expertise, supported by extensive commercial experience. The firm develops tailored solutions for complex national and international tax matters.

Particular strengths include tax advice in connection with corporate restructurings and transactions, business succession planning, cross-border investments and the structuring of family assets. ESCHE also advises large family offices, assists with the establishment of family companies and foundations, and supports clients in the preparation of annual financial statements and tax returns. Representation in tax audits, appeals and fiscal court proceedings forms an integral part of the practice.

Auditing Services

ESCHE offers extensive experience in auditing services. Its work includes statutory audits of single-entity and consolidated financial statements under national and international accounting standards, as well as special-purpose audits.

Additional areas of focus comprise corporate structuring and transactions, financing and succession planning, business valuations and general commercial advice. ESCHE professionals are frequently appointed as experts in court proceedings.

ESCHE advises foreign investors on their activities in Germany and supports domestic clients in cross-border matters. The firm’s membership in Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW), comprising around 100 independent law firms in more than 50 countries, and DFK International, with approximately 430 offices in over 90 countries, ensures seamless and effective international support.

Legal Services

Advertising and unfair competition law; Antitrust law; Banking, stock exchange and capital market law; Commercial and sales law; Corporate law and M&A; Data privacy and IT law; Environmental and energy law; Foundation law; Inheritance and family law; Asset structuring; Insolvency law and restructurings; Intellectual property; Labour and employment law; Litigation and arbitration; Manager liability and D&O insurance; Patent law; Pharma and life sciences; Plant construction; Press and publishing law; Public procurement law; Public commercial law; Real estate and construction law; Trademark law and design protection.

Tax Consultancy

Company reorganisations; Corporate transactions; Cross-border investments; External tax audits; Foundation law; International tax law; Legal remedies and tax court proceedings; Property tax law; Subsequent tax declarations; Structuring of family assets; Taxation of capital investments; Value added tax (VAT).

Auditing Services

Annual and consolidated financial statement audits; Audit-related services; Business valuation; Mass data analysis; National and international accounting; Restructuring services; Strategy and organisation; Transaction services.

ESCHE SCHÜMANN COMMICHAU Rechtsanwälte Wirtschaftsprüfer Steuerberater Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB Am Sandtorkai 44 | 20457 Hamburg Tel +49 40 36805-0 Fax +49 40 36805-333 [email protected] | www.esche.de