German Tax Lawyer to lead global tax practice at Freshfields

[private]International law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has appointed Cologne-based tax partner Stephan Eilers to succeed Murray Clayson as the head of the firm’s global tax practice. The appointment will take effect from 1 May 2009.

Stephan, who previously co-led the practice with former partner Roger Berner between 2002 and 2005, will hold the post for four years while also continuing to practise. He specialises in the structuring and financing of national and international M&A transactions, reorganisations, leveraged buyouts and private equity transactions. He also advises on national and international tax law relating to capital markets (see profile below).

Commenting on the appointment, Guy Morton, joint senior partner at Freshfields, said: ‘Our thanks go to Murray Clayson who has done a sterling job in leading the tax practice over the past few years. Stephan’s unsurpassed knowledge of tax law and his experience and success in having previously led the tax group make him an outstanding candidate for the role’.

Commenting on his new role, Stephan said: ‘I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead the firm’s international tax group once more. In these challenging times, I am confident that we will continue to use our vast expertise and experience to deliver innovative work of the highest quality for our clients, and re-affirm our reputation as market leaders.’

Profile:

Stephan Eilers

Stephan Eilers was born in 1959. He completed his legal education at the universities of Bonn, Geneva and New York. Stephan joined Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in 1992, becoming a partner in 1994, and is based in the firm’s Cologne office.

Stephan specialises in the structuring and financing of national and international M&A transactions, in reorganisations, leveraged buyouts, private equity transactions and in national and international tax law relating to capital markets. He is a member of the International tax group at Freshfields, having previously co-led the team from 2002 to 2005.

Stephan is a member of the Fachinstitut der Steuerberater (Institute of Tax Advisors in Germany) and of the tax committee of the DAV (German Bar Association). He is the author of numerous publications relating to international and national tax issues and the editor of two recent benchmark publications on Private equity and Corporate financing (both in German).[/private]