Deloitte Legal ehf. > Kópavogur, Iceland > Firm Profile

Deloitte Legal ehf. Offices

Deloitte Legal ehf.
Dalvegi 30
201 Smaratorgi
Iceland
Visit website 354 580 3000 354 580 3001

Deloitte Legal ehf. > The Legal 500 Rankings

Iceland > Tax Tier 1

Deloitte Legal ehf. has a ‘high level of expertise’ in tax matters, including M&A, business, indirect, and international-related tax, as well as transfer pricing issues. Under the leadership of Guðbjörg Þorsteinsdóttir and Haraldur Ingi Birgisson, the practice provides a wide range of domestic and international clients with financial advisory and VAT knowledge. Þorsteinsdóttir handles buy-side and vendor due diligence projects on targets in various industries across both internal and cross-border transactions, while Birgisson focuses on transfer pricing issues, investments, tax incentives, and international tax mandates.

Practice head(s):

Guðbjörg Þorsteinsdóttir; Haraldur Ingi Birgisson

Other key lawyers:

Ólafur Evert Úlfsson

Testimonials

‘Deloitte has experience and knowledge in all the areas we need, as well as international experience and access to Deloitte’s experts around the world, which gives them and us better service, and comprehensive knowledge of the issues that are ongoing at any given time.’

‘Haraldur Ingi Birgisson was exceptional in assisting us with tax issues. He has a deep expertise on the matter and was able to provide great communication throughout the process. Client service outstanding, which was highly appreciated for such a stressful process within the company.’

‘The team that serves us at Deloitte is always willing to make time for us, gives us good advice and has superior knowledge of the issues that concern us at any given time.’

‘The Deloitte Iceland team is extremely responsive and practical. They understand the requests of clients and strive to find appropriate and practical solutions.’

‘Highly recommend Deloitte Legal ehf. Their assistance in helping us navigate transfer-pricing rules has been outstanding. They have a high level of expertise and are able to provide clear guidance for us on the matter. Outstanding client-service, clear communications and are able to make complex subjects easy to understand.’

‘Ólafur Evert Úlfsson has provided us with excellent support on our tax and legal issue. His prior working experience has proven immensely helpful, along with his expertise on the subject. He provided fast and clear communication, helping us understand complex subjects in an easy way.’

‘Skills of the team are good and they deliver excellent work. They know our company well.’

Key clients

Samherji hf.

Central Bank of Iceland

CCP hf.

deCode (Íslensk Erfðagreining) ehf.

Kerecis hf.

LBI ehf.

Carbfix hf.

Hampiðjan hf.

Efla hf.

Síldarvinnslan hf.

Samkaup hf.

Kaldalón hf.

Ölgerðin hf.

Rotovia hf.

Beryaja, Iceland Hotels

Beqom SA

Work highlights

  • Advised on a large cross-border voluntary takeover offer to shareholders of a large, listed company in Iceland.
  • Advised Kerecis hf. with various tax issues, in relation to Coloplast’s $1.2bn acquisition of Kerecis, both pre and post the acquisition.
  • Advised Kaldalón hf., a large and fast growing real estate company, in relation to listing on the Icelandic Nasdaq OMX stock exchange.

Iceland > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Deloitte Legal ehf., acting as a part of the firm’s global network, is renowned for its expertise in various legal and tax matters. Co-led by Símon Þór Jónsson and Pétur Steinn Guðmundsson, the practice is well-versed in disputes arising from domestic and cross-border corporate operations, acting for companies undergoing changes, restructurings and possible expansions. Jónsson has over 20 years of experience within the tax industry, while Guðmundsson brings experience in litigation relating to real estate law, inheritance law, and tourism.

Practice head(s):

Símon Þór Jónsson; Pétur Steinn Guðmundsson

Testimonials

‘Individuals of the team are well-matched and experienced co-workers. This results in effective communication and focused meetings.’

‘Deloitte Iceland is a good practice. The team works in collaboration, which helps bring the best solution for small and medium-sized companies. It has delivered good, personalised service.’

Key clients

Bru II Venture Capital Fund S.C.A., SICAR

Arctic Technologies ApS

Iceland > EEA and competition Tier 2

Iceland > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

Deloitte Legal ehf., part of the firm's broader global network, advises clients on corporate, commercial, and M&A matters. The practice is co-led by Þórdís Bjarnadóttir, who brings expertise in corporate law to sectors such as the real estate, retail, and finance spaces, and Guðbjörg Þorsteinsdóttir, who specialises in buy-side and vendor due diligence for targets in diverse industries, and handles international and cross-border transactions.

Practice head(s):

Þórdís Bjarnadóttir; Guðbjörg Þorsteinsdóttir

Other key lawyers:

Sandra Lind Valsdóttir

Testimonials

‘The practice is in the forefront in Iceland when it comes to VAT and financial matters.’

‘The professionality of the staff and partners is outstanding and they are easily accessible. Their VAT expert, Sandra Lind Valsdóttir is the foremost expert on value added tax in the country and a great asset to them.’

Key clients

deCODE genetics

HS Orka hf.

Work highlights

  • Advised a listed Icelandic company on a legal restructuring in connection with a complex cross-border voluntary takeover offer to its shareholders, addressing significant legal and tax considerations.
  • Advised IS Haf fjárfestingar slhf., a private equity fund, on its investment in two Icelandic entities across separate transactions, including transactional advisory, deal structuring, drafting documentation, and legal buy-side due diligence.
  • Advised Kaldalón hf. on vendor legal due diligence for its listing on the Icelandic Nasdaq OMX stock exchange.

Deloitte Legal ehf. > Firm Profile

The firm: Deloitte Legal member firms* have a long standing reputation for helping clients to address complex, cross-border issues. Skilled and experienced Deloitte Legal lawyers work together with other Deloitte professionals in tax, consulting and financial advisory to guide their clients through projects in a co-ordinated way around the world.

Operating in more than 75 countries, Deloitte Legal practitioners work closely across borders, providing a strategic perspective to help companies meet local responsibilities and thrive in the global marketplace.

The interplay between the firm’s services offerings and of other Deloitte advisors enables it to provide clients with comprehensive solutions, setting the practice apart from other firms in Iceland. Its membership in the Deloitte Legal Network also provides the practice with access to extensive resources and has increased the knowledge and capability of its employees. Its membership also places obligations on the firm to fulfill numerous quality requirements and adhere to disciplined procedures, for the benefit of its clients.

Core areas of practice
Commercial law solutions: As experienced advisers with a practical focus Deloitte Legal* can help clients meet challenges relating to more rigorous regulations and enforcement by local authorities. Its experience and global reach allow Deloitte Legal to provide businesses facing complex legal regulations and challenges with tailor-made services.

Corporate and mergers and acquisitions services: Deloitte Legal provides a full range of corporate law services from complex advisory services related to major business life events (including advising in restructuring and mergers and acquisitions processes) through to post-merger integration and general secretarial services.

Competition Law: Deloitte Legal’s experienced team of advisors provide holistic services and support to clients throughout the full cycle of competition matters – from providing in-house support and awareness to diligent advocacy before competition authorities and courts.

Tax advisory and compliance: Tax is at the core of Deloitte Legal’s services, supporting clients in all key sectors and areas such as M&A tax, business tax, indirect taxes, international tax and transfer pricing.  Wide-ranging experience and global reach enable the firm to support its clients in complex cross-border advisory and compliance engagements.

*Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firm affiliates that provide legal services. For legal and regulatory reasons, not all member firms provide legal services.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing Partner, Tax Haraldur I. Birgisson [email protected] +354 580 3305
Tax, Corporate Saevar Thor Jonsson [email protected] +354 580 3440
Tax, Corporate, M&A and Financial Markets Gudbjorg Thorsteinsdottir [email protected] +354 580 3082
Corporate, M&A and Restructuring Thordis Bjarnadottir [email protected] +354 580 3454
Tax controversy, Employment and pensions Petur Steinn Gudmundsson [email protected] +354 580 3147
Tax, Employment and pensions Arnor Egill Hallsson [email protected] +354 580 3115
Tax, Indirect Tax Sandra Lind Valsdottir [email protected] +354 823 8833
Tax, Transfer Pricing Olafur Evert Ulfsson [email protected] +354 846 6949
Commerical, IP, Financial Markets Unnur Erla Jonsdottir [email protected] +354 856 6130

Staff Figures

Number of lawyers : 2,500+
at this office : 16

Languages

English
Icelandic

Memberships

Deloitte Legal worldwide network

Other

:

Diversity


 

At Deloitte, we understand that our diversity is a key driver of our effectiveness in the market. That’s why, in FY2018, we re-committed to progressing our already strong culture of inclusion and increasing gender representation at all levels across Deloitte.
Our deeply embedded, ongoing initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion at Deloitte have proven effective.

  • Deloitte member firms have adopted progressively advanced talent initiatives—including workplace flexibility, and family leave and return-to-work policies—that attract women, parents and employees of all generations.
  • Many Deloitte member firms offer their people opportunities through global business resource groups (BRGs) to connect and build networks with others who share affinity indicators such as gender, race, religion and sexual orientation. Some member firms have also established councils that bridge gaps between single-identity workplace groups.
  • Deloitte leaders in Australia, Canada, UK, US and other countries have been recognized externally for inclusion efforts and/or serve on boards of organizations that promote inclusion.
  • Globally, Deloitte creates a safe work environment for all people through its strong policies against misconduct, inappropriate behavior or sexual harassment.

These are some of the significant reasons why Deloitte is recognized as a desirable workplace by organizations that include
Great Place to Work, LinkedIn, National Association of Female Executives (US), The Times (UK), Glassdoor.

While we are proud of the accolades we have earned and the policies and programs we have implemented, we understand that we must change as the market and world around us change. To lead in the areas of inclusion and diversity, we must achieve more. That is why we are focusing many of our current efforts on gender representation and why we will continue to seek and hire qualified women, provide ample developmental and promotional and leadership opportunities, and remain committed to fair pay for all.

 

Interviews

Haraldur I. Birgisson, Managing Partner

Haraldur I. Birgisson, managing partner at Deloitte Legal in Iceland discusses the firm’s focus and future ambition.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Deloitte Legal from your competitors?

There are three factors which differentiate Deloitte Legal in the market. First is the Deloitte Legal global network which extends to over 80 countries and entails over 2.000 lawyers and attorneys, who collaborate across countries in serving our clients. Second is our wide-ranging experience in tax, which is interconnected with all legal aspects of business and investment decisions both locally and globally. Lastly it is our collaboration with other Deloitte businesses, which include financial advisory, consulting, risk advisory and audit. Our local Deloitte Legal capabilities coupled global multidisciplinary service allows us to offer clients of all sizes a single point of contact with wide-ranging and in-depth advisory experience and pragmatic solutions which suits their market and strategy.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We will continue to grow in international tax and M&A legal related services. We are also building up new capabilities within EEA, competition and TMT, which suit well given the market dynamics in Iceland and supplement our current offerings within legal M&A. An emphasis on technology law furthermore fits well with increased capabilities within Deloitte’s Consulting tech offerings where subject matter experts are amongst others supporting companies in their digital transformation journey. Those journeys have a wide-range of touch points with various legislative aspects. Another driver behind this approach is the current positive economic outlook which has expedited various investments locally and across borders.

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

Broadening our service offerings into EEA, competition and TMT is a significant change which will benefit our clients, both in stand-alone competition related challenges in a small market such as Iceland and coupled with legal M&A services, whereas competition aspects are always interconnected. The other notable change is our emphasis on technology, which Deloitte Legal Globally has invested substantially in recent years. We are looking into implementing a few of these solutions which we believe will benefit our clients in the long-run.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

We definitely see an increased focus from clients on LegalTech solutions, where the objective is to optimize processes, mitigate risk factors and increase efficiency. One tech solution which we are looking into implementing is an artificial intelligence tool which aims to change the way lawyers do legal research. That would definitely provide us with value-adding insights to share with clients and leverage in client cases. We have also created a free fully automated tax and legal newsletter where a robot gathers intel from around 40 public pages on proposed bills, committee motions, new law and court rulings and shares with clients and all those who have signed up. In this age of massive information flow, sometimes easy solutions are the best.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

I want to mention two examples. One being a resent listing of our client at the First North Growth Market here in Iceland where we supported them with a wide range of services leading up to the IPO, being the first gaming company in Iceland to go public with a quadruple oversubscription of shares. Second would be a client of ours in the high-tech manufacturing sector, which for a number of years we have supported with corporate structuring and various other elements in order to align the group up for sale, which recently took place.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Definitely, law firms are expected to bring stability and direction to the table, as well as solutions, where they utilize their expertise and insights on the legislative framework along with their clients’ circumstances and ambitions. Business and law are interconnected as neither essentially thrives without the other. Sound, long-term business decisions are not made in a legal vacuum and lawyers wouldn’t have much to do if there were no entrepreneurs and executives to make those decisions. Deloitte Legal reflects this interplay and we will slowly but steady continue to grow within the fields of corporate law.



Comparative Guides

    Top Tier Firm Rankings

  • Tax