Within Tax, CHSH Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati is a second tier firm,
CHSH Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati’s tax work is led by Johannes Prinz and Clemens Hasenauer, and is supported by banking and corporate finance partner Peter Knobl. The team attracts some significant names, including Credit Suisse, which it regularly advises on the tax issues associated with structured finance transactions. Prominent work over the past year has included advising Germany-based Q-Cells on the fiscal implications of one of the first cross-border mergers in Austria.

This sextet of tax lawyers earns commendation for its emphasis on reliability and teamwork: “It is our preferred firm in Austria - we'd never think of looking elsewhere,” enthused one client. The Austrian capital markets powerhouse naturally dictates the trend for its tax team, although some work is also standalone advice. Transactional and financial instrument structuring and corporate restructuring are all handled here with skill, and the firm deftly applies its knowledge to double taxation and cross-border issues. The firm has recently advised Société Générale on the Austrian tax treatment of structured financial products and advised German solar energy companies Q-Cells and Solon on high-profile mergers into Austria. Although Clemens Hasenauer is better known as a corporate specialist, his expertise is viewed by many as a great asset in his line of tax work. His New York and London experience also does him much credit. “I was very impressed,” said a client; “he was very reliable and quick, and showed an exceptional understanding of the interest of the business.” Market commentators regard Johannes Prinz as the next leader of the tax team, and he comes highly recommended by clients for his “quality and timely delivery.” 

Recommended

• Clemens Hasenauer
  He concentrates on cross-border transactions and the tax aspects of structured and financial products. He also provides tax advice on real estate transactions.

• Johannes Prinz
  He has particular expertise in corporate and double taxation matters.