Burness Paull LLP fields a team of tax experts which effectively aligns with the firm's M&A group to advise on complex, high-value transactions, handling the tax aspects of framework agreements, share incentive schemes, loan balances, employment arrangements, and property issues. Private equity outfits are a growing part of the firm’s diverse roster of clients, as well as private individuals interested in offshore trusts, inheritance tax, and capital gains tax expertise. Team head Ronnie Brown is frequently sought out for his private equity transaction expertise, particularly by real estate-focused clients. The ‘excellent’ Christine Yuill has the ability to ’explain complex tax issues in a user friendly way’, and Claire Macpherson specialises in inheritance and capital gains tax issues. Nicola Williams‘ broad practice sees her handle private equity transactions and share incentives. Karolina Rosochowska is also a key name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Christine Yuill is excellent to deal with, she is able to explain complex tax issues in a user friendly way and is extremely approachable.'
- 'Christine Yuill is excellent. She manages to strike the perfect balance between technical and commercial. She is clearly extremely knowledgeable about tax legislation and share plan rules, and ensures the structure and drafting of document are accurate and provides the necessary protection. Her advice is straight up and easy to understand and apply.'
- 'Christine Yuill is able to bring her market knowledge that is so valuable in this field which is the extract overlay needed from external advisers. Christine has a perfect blend of technical expertise and market knowledge, which is brought to the next level by her practical application, down-to-earth support and charming nature.'
Key clients
- Chesnara plc
- Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited
- The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society
- West Burton Energy
- STV plc
- Highland Spring
- Archer Limited
- Zoetis Netherland 3 B.V.
- Access UK Ltd
- Lonsdale Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advising Chesnara plc on the tax aspects of its acquisition of several thousand policies from Canada Life UK.
- Advising Sony Interactive Entertainment on the tax aspects of its acquisition of iSIZE.
- Advising Lees of Scotland on the tax aspects on the sale of its entire share capital to Finsbury Food Group plc.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ronnie Brown