DLA Cologne hires Heinz Zimmermann from Hogan & Hartson Raue and signals intent for further senior tax hires

DLA Piper has appointed Heinz Zimmermann to establish a tax advisory practice in its Cologne office.  Heinz moves to DLA Piper from Hogan & Hartson Raue in Berlin.

Heinz has many years of experience as a tax adviser, auditor and lawyer.  His practice is focused on international and domestic tax matters, including VAT issues, tax aspects of M&As, restructurings, customs, and tax litigation.  In addition he also covers capital market issues and the establishment of film funds structures.

Dr Ulrich Jüngst, DLA Piper Regional Managing Partner in Germany, said: “Heinz Zimmermann is a renowned and experienced tax lawyer.  His knowledge and experience will be essential to the development of our tax practice in Cologne.”

Roderik Bouwman, EMEA Head of Tax at DLA Piper added: “We are expanding the tax practice all over Europe to respond to our clients’ need for integrated, consistent quality which dovetails the business issues they are facing across the region.  Germany is a key market and I very much welcome Heinz to the team.”

“I am looking forward to the challenge of building an effective team in my home town for such a dynamic legal services organisation as DLA Piper”, says Heinz commenting on his appointment.

DLA Piper’s German Tax practice advises companies on all national and international tax issues.  The practice will have further strength in the coming months, with the expansion of the teams in Frankfurt and Hamburg and the establishment of a full team in Cologne.

Heinz will officially join DLA Piper on 1 December 2008.