Ryan acquires French VAT boutique
Ryan has announced the acquisition of Paris-based VAT Systems, a tax specialty firm that serves as a one-stop shop for all international VAT compliance and recovery services.
VAT Systems bolsters Ryan’s European presence with expertise and deep client and policy-maker relationships across many of the regions key to Ryan’s client base. Leveraging the recently announced investment by private equity firm Onex Corporation, the strategic acquisition of VAT Systems serves as a platform to build the largest indirect tax practice in North America and Europe for a portfolio of corporate clients worldwide.
“Ryan’s growing base of multinational clients seeks our expertise to reduce the challenges faced in managing the complexity of international and multijurisdictional tax compliance and navigating the currents of global tax reforms. As a trusted advisor, we are constantly looking for opportunities to increase the value we bring to our clients,” said G. Brint Ryan, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Ryan. “VAT Systems has established a well-deserved reputation for its unparalleled expertise in VAT compliance, which is a critical aspect of the next phase of our growth. Together, the combined operations will be able to provide our expanded client roster with innovative solutions to improve efficiency and develop a more holistic approach to tax compliance.”
“This is the ideal time for VAT Systems to join Ryan to expand the range of services and add significant resources for our clients operating in this dynamic global regulatory environment,” said Andreas Kozanitis, chairman, CEO and founder of VAT Systems. “The strong values and deep expertise of our professionals have allowed VAT Systems to continuously drive positive outcomes for our clients. We look forward to our future together under the name Ryan VAT Systems and to providing enhanced offerings and new service lines for our valued clients as part of one of the fastest-growing tax services firms in the world.”
In accordance with French law, VAT Systems employees were given a 60-day notification of the pending transaction, which closed on December 11, 2018. Mr. Kozanitis will continue to lead Ryan VAT Systems and Ryan’s client growth in Europe.