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Unlocking Tax Solutions: Our Tax Department

Welcome to our Tax Department, where we are dedicated to providing tailored tax solutions for businesses and individuals navigating the complexities of tax laws. At CMS von Erlach Partners AG, we understand that the tax landscape demands expertise in tax matters, and our seasoned team is here to guide you.

What We Do:

  1. Strategic Tax Planning: Our experts work closely with clients to develop tax-efficient strategies that align with their business objectives, whether it's optimizing operations or minimizing tax exposure.
  2. Cross-Border Expertise: With a keen understanding of tax frameworks, we help clients navigate complex issues such as transfer pricing, double taxation treaties, and withholding tax to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
  3. M&A and Corporate Transactions: We specialize in structuring mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions with an eye on tax efficiency. Our goal is to maximize value and minimize tax liabilities.
  4. Tax Compliance: Our meticulous approach to tax compliance ensures clients meet their obligations accurately and on time, reducing the risk of audits and penalties.
  5. Tax Dispute Resolution: In the event of a tax dispute, our seasoned tax attorneys represent clients before tax authorities and in litigation, advocating for their best interests and negotiating settlements.
  6. Estate and Wealth Planning: For high-net-worth individuals and families, we offer comprehensive wealth preservation and succession planning services to optimize their financial legacy.
  7. Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation: We advise on tax-efficient employee benefit and executive compensation packages, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations.
  8. Tax Research and Monitoring: Our team conducts rigorous research to identify tax implications and opportunities, keeping clients informed about changes in tax laws and regulations that may impact their operations.

Why Choose Us:

  • Client-Centric Approach: Every client is unique, and we tailor our services to meet their specific needs and objectives.
  • Legal Excellence: Our tax attorneys are experts in their field, staying current with evolving tax laws and regulations to provide informed guidance.
  • Results-Driven: We are committed to delivering tangible results, whether it's tax savings, risk mitigation, or strategic tax planning.

CMS has consistently shown a very strong ability to tackle and handle sophisticated matters with Swiss tax implications.

Chambers & Partners, Global, Tax, Switzerland, 2024

The lawyers are experienced and very supportive.

Chambers & Partners, Global, Tax, Switzerland, 2024

Every lawyer from CMS has a remarkable knowledge of complex tax matters. The team have a lot of experience and bring innovative solutions with a holistic approach.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Tax, 2023

Top level in terms of know-how and experience in the field of taxation.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Tax, 2023

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14/03/2024
CMS Switzerland ranked in Chambers and Partners Europe Guide 2024
Awards & Rankings
22/02/2024
CMS advises Endeavor / On Location on strategic investment in event technology...
A cross-border team from CMS has advised On Location, the Endeavor-owned leader in premium experiences, hospitality, and travel, on its strategic investment in Wiz-Team, a leading event and data management technology solution. The investment will support integration of Wiz-Team’s technology and software across the On Location portfolio, with a focus on enhancing guest registration and communication, accreditation, accommodation, and access con­trol. Already, On Location has partnered with Wiz-Team to enhance guest management services across its marquee VIP experiences, travel, and hospitality offerings, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games (for which On Location is the official, exclusive hospitality provider through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games), Super Bowl, and the Aer Lingus Classic. A team of CMS Zurich and London, led by partner Dr Daniel Jenny and senior associate Florian Jung (both CMS Zurich) as well as partner Nick Crosbie and senior associate Lauren Wood (both CMS London) has advised Endeavor / On Location on this trans­ac­tion.  The team further consisted of Samuel Gang (senior associate; corporate), Alexander Salamon (attorney trainee; corporate), Christian Gersbach (partner; employment), Miryam Meile (senior associate; employment), Mark Cagienard (partner; tax), Dirk Spacek (partner; IP/IT), Michelle Lindenman (associate; real estate; all CMS Zurich); Tetyana Dovgan (partner; corporate), Mariana Saienko (senior associate; corporate); Ihor Pavliukov (associate; corporate; all CMS Kyiv), Marco Casasole (partner; corporate; corporate), Francesco Capasso (Counsel; corporate), Giusy Lauro (counsel; employment; all CMS Rome), David Prync (partner; corporate), and Ségolène Regout (senior associate; corporate; both CMS Brussels). CMS ZurichDr Daniel Jenny, Partner, Corporate/M&AFlorian Jung, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&ASamuel Gang, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&AAlexander Salamon, Attorney Trainee, Corporate/M&AChristian Gersbach, Partner, EmploymentMiryam Meile, Senior Associate, EmploymentMark Cagienard, Partner, TaxDirk Spacek, Partner, IP/ITMichelle Lindenmann, Associate, Real EstateCMS LondonNick Crosbie, Partner, Corporate/M&ALauren Wood, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&ACMS KyivTetyana Dovgan, Partner, Corporate/M&AMariana Saienko, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&AIhor Pavliukov, Associate, Corporate/M&ACMS RomeMarco Casasole, Partner, Corporate/M&AFrancesco Capasso, Counsel, Corporate/M&AGiusy Lauro, Counsel, Employment CMS Brussels David Prync, Partner, Corporate/M&ASégolène Regout, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&A
16/02/2024
CMS advises AEW on a participation in Partino Mobile Energie AG
AEW Energie AG has acquired a participation of 33% in Partino Mobile Energie AG and strengthens its powers in the area of e-mobility. The transaction announced in November 2023 has now been completed. Partino Mobile Energie AG, with registered office in Oberentfelden, is a renowned supplier of intelligent e-mobility solutions. Special focus is made on load management for charging points and the backend to operate charging points. In cooperation with Partino, AEW has fitted intelligent charging stations to several apartment buildings. AEW has built up comprehensive competences in the area of e-mobility and is a position to offer integrated solutions ranging from carsharing (Swiss E-Car) to mobility as a service. AEW Energie AG targets an active an leading role in the e-mobility sector and seeks to invest in integrated solutions and services. To that end, AEW has already been cooperating with Partino for some time. As a consequence of this successful collaboration, the parties have agreed to joining forces even closer. The participation in Partino rounds off AEW's portfolio in the area of e-mobility perfectly."The demand for innovative e-mobility solutions increase sharply. Thanks to the participation in partino, we can expand our competences and our offering in the area of e-mobility significantly. With Partino, we are in position to implement complex projects efficiently an to offer integrated dynamic load management systems, for example for apartment buildings", says Arian Rohs, Head Mobility Solutions at AEW.A team of CMS led by Alain Raemy and Florian Jung has advised AEW on all legal aspects of this transaction. CMS SwitzerlandAlain Raemy, Partner, CorporateFlorian Jung, Senior Associate, Cor­por­ateAl­ex­an­der Salamon, Attorney Trainee, CorporateMark Cagienard, Partner, TaxDavid Schuler, Senior Associate, TaxMiryam Meile, Senior Associate, EmploymentDirk Spacek, Partner, IP/IT
08/02/2024
CMS advises shareholder on sale of PMJ-tec
Simpson Strong-Tie has acquired PMJ-tec, a Swiss roofing and facade fastener manufacturer specializing in A2, A4 and other high grade corrosion resistant stainless steel products. PMJ-tec, founded in 1975, has its main office and factory in Switzerland and warehouses as well as sales offices in Germany and the Netherlands. Its products, including bi-metal fasteners, carbon steel fasteners and drainage pipe couplers, are engineered with over 45 years of expertise in the construction fastener industry and manufactured in compliance with rigorous internal and external stand­ards.“PMJ-tec is known not only for its superior quality products, but also for its commitment to the clients and service as well as in­nov­a­tion-ori­ented culture, all of which makes it a perfect match for Simpson Strong-Tie. This acquisition introduces bi-metal fasteners to our product portfolio, which is of great strategic importance to us”, explains Fabio Di Clemente Fabio Di Clemente, Director EU Strategy at Simpson Strong-Tie. Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solu­tions-products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. A team of CMS led by Dr Daniel Jenny and Florian Jung has advised the seller on all legal aspects of this transaction. CMS SwitzerlandDr Daniel Jenny, Partner, Corporate/M&AFlorian Jung, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&ASamuel Gang, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&AMark Cagienard, Partner, TaxCMS Neth­er­land­sPi­eter van Duijvenvoorde, Partner, Corporate/M&A
06/02/2024
CMS advises Bruker on the agreement to acquire Chemspeed
Bruker Corporation, a NASDAQ-listed US tech company, entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Chemspeed Technologies AG, a Swiss provider of vendor-agnostic automated laboratory R&D and QC workflow solutions. Chemspeed is focused on modular automation and robotics solutions for chemical research, pharma drug formulation, materials research for cleantech and consumer applications. The Chemspeed acquisition accelerates Bruker’s entry into lab automation, digitalisation and scientific software solutions. Chemspeed offers modular automation to enhance productivity in R&D and QC departments to achieve more in less time and without additional staff. Chemspeed complements Bruker’s vendor-agnostic plat­form SciY™ for software automation and digital transformation of R&D labs in the life science, biopharma and cleantech industries. An international CMS team headed by Stefan Brunnschweiler and Andrea Relly (Switzerland), in collaboration with the US law firm Nixon Peabody LLP advised Bruker on all legal aspects of the transaction. CMS Switzer­land­Stefan Brunnschweiler, Lead Partner, Corporate / M&AAndrea Relly, Counsel, Corporate / M&ASamuel Gang, Senior Associate, Corporate / M&AAnna Mast, Associate, Corporate / M&AMarquard Christen, Partner, Competition and ComplianceJulia Haas, Senior Associate, Competition and Com­pli­ance­Bernhard Lötscher, Partner, ComplianceSophie Weber, Associate, ComplianceDr Dirk Spacek, Partner, Intellectual PropertyDr Simone Brauch­bar-Birkhäuser, Partner, Intellectual PropertyOlivia Zingg, Associate, Intellectual PropertyMark Cagienard, Partner, TaxJens Lehmann, Senior Associate, TaxMiryam Meile, Senior Associate, Em­ploy­mentSibylle Schnyder, Partner, Real EstateReto Hunsperger, Partner, Com­mer­cialAl­ex­an­der Salamon, Attorney Trainee, Corporate / M&ASophia Rovelli, Attorney Trainee, Corporate / M&AElisabeth Suter, Attorney Trainee, ComplianceCMS BelgiumKai Neuhaus, Partner, Brussel, CompetitionDavid Rappenglück, Associate, Brussel, CompetitionCMS UKRussel Hoare, Partner, Lon­don, Com­pet­i­tion­Claire Barraclough, Associate, Competition
11/01/2024
CMS advised on the sale of Argolite AG to SWISS KRONO Group
Zurich, January 2024 | A team of CMS Switzerland under the lead of Stefan Brunnschweiler and Samuel Felix Gang provided comprehensive advice to the sole shareholder on all legal aspects regarding the sale of Argolite AG to SWISS KRONO Group. The team further consisted of Sibylle Schnyder, David Hürlimann, Andrea Relly, Ferdinand Blezinger, Dominik Penkov and Alexander Salamon. Argolite AG, which was founded in 1937 and operates out of Willisau (Switzerland), has been producing laminates since 1953 and is the only Swiss manufacturer of HPL (High Pressure Laminate) in accordance with the EN438 quality standard, having around 80 employees. Founded in Menznau (Switzerland) in 1966, the SWISS KRONO Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of wood-based materials and stands for sustainable and innovative solutions in the Flooring, Interiors and Building Materials business. SWISS KRONO focuses on recyclable materials for living and working environments. As a preferred partner, SWISS KRONO enables its customers to grow with green building materials. Founded as a family business, the Group is wholly owned by Ines Kaindl-Benes. For the SWISS KRONO Group, the acquisition offers synergies and growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive market and also represents a clear commitment to the home market and the location in Switzerland. Despite the acquisition by the SWISS KRONO Group, Argolite AG will retain its legal independence, the Willisau site and the jobs there. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price of the transaction. CMS Switzer­land­Stefan Brunnschweiler, LL.M., Managing Partner, Head Corporate/M&ASamuel Felix Gang, LL.M., Senior Associate, Corporate/M&AAndrea Relly, Counsel, Corporate/M&ADr Ferdinand Blezinger, LL.M., Senior Associate, Corporate/M&AAlexander Salamon, Attorney Trainee, Corporate/M&ADr Sibylle Schnyder, LL.M., Partner, Real EstateDavid Hürlimann, Managing Partner, TaxDominik Penkov, Associate, Tax
27/12/2023
No white smoke on ATAD III proposal in 2023
As a reminder, on 22 December 2021, the European Commission issued its proposal for a directive to prevent the abuse of shell entities for tax purposes (ATAD III proposal). After several amendments, the...
22/12/2023
CMS advises Shareholders of Boldt AG on the sale of their shares to BPI
CMS advised the shareholders of BOLDT AG, Zurich, on the sale of their shares to Bully Pulpit Interactive (BPI). BOLDT is a senior-led European business strategy, public policy and communication consulting firm with more than 50 professionals and offices in Berlin, Brussels, Düsseldorf, London, Oslo as well as Zurich and advises some of the world's largest enterprises on their most critical issues. Boldt will keep its branding and become "BOLDT, a BPI Company". Boldt is focused on delivering business strategy, communications, and stakeholder engagement to transform organisations and performance. BPI is a US outcomes agency at the intersection of business, politics, and policy with offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC as well as two-time PRovoke Media Global Public Affairs Agency of the Year. In connection with the transaction, BPI will rebrand as Bully Pulpit International. With the acquisition of BOLDT, BPI enters into the European market and can offer to the customers of the combined enterprise transatlantic services. The combined company will have more than 250 employees in 10 offices in 6 countries. Against the background of pivotal elections in both the U.S. and Europe next year, the world’s most influential leaders and brands need a single best-in-class partner that can deliver a coherent bilateral strategy. With this investment, BPI introduces a bilateral public affairs, campaigning, and strategic communications offering to serve both American and European clients. As the pace of change increases, policy discussions evolve, and stakeholders demand engagement, brands require a cohesive approach across policy and corporate strategy in the U.S. and Europe. For Jeremy Galbraith, Managing Partner of BOLDT, it is an ideal time for BOLDT and BPI to join forces, given the political landscape and the pressures that businesses face to transform in Europe and in the U.S. BPI's and Boldt's service offering and culture are a natural fit. The introduction between BPI and BOLDT, which ultimately culminated in the acquisition of Boldt by BPI, was made by Jon Banner, Global Chief Impact Officer of McDonald's.A CMS team led by Daniel Jenny provided comprehensive legal advice to the shareholders of BOLDT AG in connection with the transaction. CMS ZurichDr Daniel Jenny, Partner, Corporate / M&AMark Cagienard, Partner, TaxChristian Gersbach, Partner, EmploymentDr Ferdinand Blezinger, Senior Associate, Corporate / M&ADr David Schuler, Senior Associate, TaxRafael Gruber, Attorney TraineeCMS LondonJohn Finnemore, Partner, Corporate / M&A
24/11/2023
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism transition in effect since 1 October...
On 1 October 2023, a two-year transitional period began for implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/956, which introduces the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). CBAM levies punitive CO2 charges...
06/11/2023
CMS advised Float on the Issuance of a Tokenized Debt Instrument
Zurich,  Novem­ber 2023A team of CMS Switzerland and CMS Luxembourg, lead by partner Matthias Kuert, advised Float Finance AB, Stockholm, Sweden, on legal and tax aspects of a tokenized debt instrument issued under Swiss law by a Luxembourg Special Purpose Vehicle. The instrument labelled FLOAT1 is one of Europe's first private debt asset tokens, and a great example of a tokenized financial instrument issued under the landmark Swiss DLT legal framework. The FLOAT1 token offers investors access to a diversified portfolio of private SME loans to European SaaS and technology businesses. Float worked together with banking partner Sygnum Bank AG, Zurich, Switzerland, and senior lender, Fasanara Capital Ltd, London, England (one of Europe's largest FinTech credit funds), to tokenize and issue the debt instrument within a fully regulated environment. By way of the FLOAT1 token, Float brings illiquid real-world financial assets onto the Polygon Labs blockchain to make them accessible to investors and tradeable. Float, Sygnum Bank, Fasanara Capital and CMS closely collaborated to make the issuance of the FLOAT1 token happen. The CMS team consisted of the following professionals: CMS SwitzerlandDr Matthias Kuert, Lead Partner, Capital Markets / Fintech & BlockchainTina Balzli, Partner, Fintech & BlockchainDr Ferdinand Blezinger, Senior Associate, Corporate / M&AAlina Fancelli, Associate, Capital MarketsMark Cagienard, Partner, TaxDr David Schuler, Senior Associate, TaxCMS Lux­em­bour­gAuréli­en Hollard, Partner, Investment FundsGeorgios Kortesis, Managing Associate, Capital Markets & BlockchainJosé Juan Ocaña, Senior Associate, Capital Markets & Block­chain­Stamat­ina Stylianopoulou, Associate, Capital Markets & Block­chain­Frédéric Feyten, Managing Partner and Partner, TaxAlejandro Domínguez Becerra, Senior Counsel, TaxSarah Lemaire, Managing Associate, TaxVicente Chapa, Associate, Tax
31/10/2023
CMS advises Renaissance on the acquisition of the business operations of...
On 31 October 2023, Renais­sance, to­geth­er with industry expert Daniel Lippuner and the management of Heberlein AG, acquired the entire business operations of Heberlein AG. The acquired business will continue to operate unchanged at its current location in Wattwil with the existing management and all employees under the name Heberlein Technology AG. Heberlein was founded in 1835 and has established itself as a leading provider of nozzles for synthetic continuous yarns worldwide, developing, manufacturing, and distributing key components for the chemical fiber industry, with approximately 80 employees. Renais­sance, based in Lausanne, was founded by pension funds for pension funds and has been investing in unlisted Swiss SMEs for over 20 years.A team from CMS, led by Alain Raemy, provided comprehensive legal and tax advice to Renaissance in this transaction. CMS SwitzerlandAlain Raemy, Partner, Corporate / M&AAndrea Relly, Counsel, Corporate / M&AMark Cagienard, Partner, TaxDominik Penkov, Associate, Tax Dr. Simone Brauchbar Birkhäuser, Partner, IP / ITPhilipp Dickenmann, Partner, Dispute ResolutionReto Hunsperger, Partner, RestructuringDr. Marjolaine Jakob, Partner, Re­struc­turin­gOlivia Zingg, Associate, IP / ITHelena Loretan, Associate, Real EstateKatja Bertsche, Senior Associate, Real EstateDr. Miryam Meile, Senior Associate, Employment Anna Mast, Associate, Corporate / M&AAlexander Salamon, Lawyer Trainee, Corporate / M&A
31/10/2023
CMS advised Druz Family in 55% stake sale of VMD Group to Corticeira Amorim
CMS Switzerland advised the Druz family, the owners of VMD Group, in the sale of a majority (55%) stake in the Group to the Portugal-based Corticeira Amorim, S.G.P.S., S.A., acting through its subsidiary Amorim Cork S.A. VMD Group, comprising Chaillot Bouchons SA, Suboeno SA and PM Œnologie Consulting Sàrl, is Switzerland's leader in the production of cork stoppers and the distribution of oenological products. The Group, established in the late 19th Century as a family business, is led by Vanessa Druz – a fourth generation family member. Amorim group is the world’s largest cork producer and one of the most dynamic Portuguese multinationals with almost 150 years of experience in the industry and presence in hundreds of countries around the globe. The synergies created through this transaction will allow VMD to further its development goals, combining technology, know-how and tradition to produce top-quality products and solutions tailored to the needs of its customers. The CMS Tax and Corporate / M&A team led by Andrio Orler and Pascal Favre, comprised Kevin Marcato, Julien Witzig, Maëlle Imloul and David Müller. CMS worked side by side with RSM Switzerland's Corporate Finance team led by Daniel Rochat and Jean-Yves Bonvin, and comprising Elizabette Carreiras and Benjamin Gibello. CMS Switzer­landAndrio Orler, Partner, TaxPascal Favre, Partner, Corporate / M&AKevin Marcato, Associate, Corporate / M&AJulien Witzig, Counsel, TaxMaëlle Imloul, Paralegal, TaxDavid Müller, Attorney Trainee, Corporate / M&ARSM Switzerland Corporate Finance Team Daniel RochatJean-Yves BonvinElizabette Car­reir­as­Ben­jamin Gibello