Tax | Europe

Bär & Karrer retains its leading position in the market with particular strength in tax issues related to M&A transactions, acting on both the buy and sell sides alongside colleagues from the firm's market-leading corporate team. Lawyers in the firm's Geneva and Zürich offices also assist clients with VAT matters before the Swiss tax authorities, mutual agreement procedures and social security proceedings. The team additionally advises clients on the tax aspects of financing matters and internal reorganisations.

Homburger frequently acts for domestic and international companies on tax structuring aspects of high-value and cross-border M&A transactions, often working alongside the firm's esteemed corporate team. The law firm is also highly regarded for representing clients before the Swiss authorities. Team members further assist clients with the tax aspects of capital markets and banking mandates, as well as acting on the tax neutrality of internal reorganisations and relocations to Switzerland.

Lenz & Staehelin is highly regarded for advising clients on tax structuring in relation to high-value corporate and capital markets transactions. The law firm also represents clients in contentious tax law matters before the Swiss Supreme Court, as well as providing advice on reforms to tax legislation. The team has additional notable experience in issues concerning withholding tax, double tax treaties and disclosures. Lenz & Staehelin boasts clients from a range of sectors including retail, pharmaceuticals and financial services, and it is often involved in cross-border mandates.

Niederer Kraft Frey's tax team has a strong focus on assisting clients with the tax structuring of transactions, frequently working alongside the firm's capital markets department. The law firm also advises on the tax consequences of corporate and investment fund transactions. Team members have additional experience acting for high net worth individuals.

Schellenberg Wittmer often acts for clients before the Swiss and other international tax authorities. The law firm has experience in taxation treaty matters and tax exemptions for charitable organisations. In addition, the tax team collaborates closely with the firm's corporate and capital markets teams to advise on the tax aspects of transactions. Team members also assist with the tax consequences of internal reorganisations.

Walder Wyss' tax team often collaborates with its corporate and capital markets colleagues to assist clients with the tax structuring of transactions. The law firm also advises clients on tax allocation and the tax issues pertaining to business relocations. Team members additionally act for clients on tax disputes.

ADB Altorfer Duss & Beilstein advises clients on both contentious and non-contentious tax matters. The law firm has experience representing clients in disputes concerning dividends and VAT. In addition, it assists clients with mutual agreement procedures, double tax treaties and disclosure matters. Team members also act for clients on the tax consequences of corporate transactions.

Baker McKenzie assists clients with contentious and non-contentious matters involving transfer pricing and VAT topics. The law firm also advises clients on the tax aspects of employee incentive schemes and corporate transactions. The team works closely with the firm's global network of offices to assist with multi-jurisdictional matters.

CMS often assists clients with the tax consequences of transactions, restructurings and financing matters. Team members have further experience in income tax mandates, tax exemption queries and tax audits.

Loyens & Loeff often assists clients with the tax structuring aspects of corporate transactions and reorganisations. The law firm also has experience in matters such as the taxation of employee incentive schemes, VAT, stamp duty and transfer pricing mandates. The team regularly works closely with the law firm's offices in the Benelux region.

Bratschi enters the tax rankings this year following strong recognition for its prowess and activity in the market. The team advises on the tax aspects of corporate transactions as well as tax planning pertaining to relocations and restructurings. The lawyers have further experience in representing clients in tax litigation.

Ludwig + Partner is a recognised Basel outfit with a particular focus on the tax aspects of corporate transactions. The law firm also advises on tax exemption for foundations and tax audits. Team members act on withholding tax mandates and the taxation of dividends.

MLL Legal assists clients with issues regarding withholding tax, VAT and tax reductions for R&D projects. In addition, team members advise on the tax aspects of M&A and capital markets transactions. The law firm has particular experience advising clients on disclosure obligations under international treaties.

Pestalozzi acts on tax structuring aspects of cross-border acquisitions and restructurings. The law firm represents financial institutions, as well as clients from the telecoms and pharmaceutical sectors. The team also advises clients on transfer pricing and tax allocation questions. Team members have experience in contentious matters and in assisting with compliance questions.

Tax Partner is a Zürich-based specialist tax boutique that is well placed to assist clients with contentious matters before the Swiss authorities, including alleged tax evasion. The law firm advises clients on mutual agreement procedures, withholding tax, transfer pricing and the tax aspects of corporate restructurings.

VISCHER is particularly active in corporate tax matters, advising on the tax aspects of M&A transactions. The law firm also has a broad practice assisting with issues relating to VAT, transfer pricing, stamp duty, income tax and withholding tax. Team members additionally act on tax matters involving social security and employee share option plans.