KPMG loses FS Tax Partner, Dr. Stephan Behnes, to Baker & Mckenzie Frankfurt
Baker & McKenzie has further expanded its tax team in Germany with a new partner. Dr. Stephan Georg Behnes joins Baker & McKenzie on July 1, 2015 after 15 years with KPMG. He will work from the firm’s Frankfurt office.
Dr. Stephan Behnes specializes in assisting with reorganization, group taxation, corporate acquisitions and cross-border financings for German and international companies as well ascompanies in the banking and financial services sector. One of Behnes’ key practice areas isinvestment structuring, including real estate investments. He is particularly focused on the interaction of regulatory and tax law in regulated industries, particularly concerning banks and investment funds. Stephan and his team have assisted in many major projects in recent years, including the reorganization of the WestLB AG and the establishment of Portigon AG.
“Dr. Stephan Behnes is a highly sought-after expert in the field of corporate tax law and international tax planning. With his experience in advising internationally operating companies, he complements our focus on global mandates and clients perfectly. Moreover, his concentration on German companies, in particular on the banking and financial services industry, is in line with our strategy to penetrate the German tax market even further,” says Nicole Looks, Baker & McKenzie Head of Tax Practice in Germany.
“Baker & McKenzie offers a unique global platform with an exceptionally broad approach to tax law.The firm offers both national and international classic tax legal advice in addition to large, with highly competent teams in the field of transfer pricing, indirect taxes and customs duties. Next to tax law, the firm covers the entire spectrum of business law, offering high-end advice for national and international clients,” comments Dr. Stephan Behnes, adding:” These are ideal conditions for the further development of my practice”.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Stephan Behnes to the team. With Dr. Stephan Behnes wefurther strengthen our reputable tax law practice and have won a colleague who fits perfectly intothe overall strategic direction of our firm. This will further strengthen Baker & McKenzie‘s position in the targeted market,” adds Dr. Constanze Ulmer–Eilfort, Managing Partner of Baker & McKenzie inGermany.