Tax
Transactional tax matters are at the heart of Baker McKenzie's practice and also represent the focus of both practice heads Thomas Schänzle and Christoph Becker. The group is therefore regularly entrusted by multinational companies and strategic investors in the mid-cap and large-cap segments to advise on issues relating to M&A transactions and restructuring; however, the team also assists with corporate and international tax planning, transfer pricing, VAT and tax disputes. Jana Fischer is a key contact for the latter area, while the practice's VAT capacities were strengthened with the arrival of Philipp Klinker from Flick Gocke Schaumburg in October 2022.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Strong tax team growth, now with a significant presence to manage large tax matters in Germany too. Very competent team with pragmatic and client-oriented solutions, not a one-size-fits-all solution.'
'Thomas Schänzle is a technically excellent partner with a great overview and deep understanding of client needs.'
'Pragmatic, cooperative action with the client. The specialisation and (in)depth nature of tax law means that several professionals with different tax focuses are (have to) be assigned to a complex project by the law firm. This was pointed out proactively and in advance. So from a transparency perspective there were no surprises.'
'Christian Port is down-to-earth, personable and pragmatic with an eye for essentials.'
- 'Florian Gimmler has a wealth of experience, especially in dealing with tax authorities, so that its advice is targeted and enables the client to make decisions with a clear conscience.'
'International network, industry expertise, very experienced consultants.'
'Stephan Behnes provides capital market expertise, clear reasoning and many years of experience.'
'The tax team has strong technical skills, excellent expertise and a good understanding of our situation, which enables them to provide appropriate and meaningful advice in a cost-effective manner.'
Key clients
- Sika
- Trane Technologies
- Aurelius-Gruppe
- Nikkiso
- Rakuten
- Kerry Group
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Ingenics AG
Work highlights
- Tax advice to Sika, the global Swiss construction chemicals group, on the successful €5.3 billion acquisition of the Master Builder Construction Chemicals (MBCC) group from Lone Star.
- Advising private equity group AURELIUS on tax aspects of the takeover of LSG Group from Deutsche Lufthansa AG.
- Advising Trane Technologies, a global company for innovative air conditioning technology, on tax aspects of the acquisition of AL-KO Air Technology, a division of AL-KO SE.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Thomas Schänzle, Christoph Becker