Estonia

COBALT Estonia has a consistent team of five specialised tax lawyers, resulting in one of the market's largest tax practises among law firms. Partner Egon Talur leads the tax practise group and Tonu Kolts is counsel in charge of co-leading the tax department's tax advisory team.

During the research period, the firm defended client Otto Maja in a major VAT dispute in real estate development. After Karma Ventures' investment was closed, the team also advised CybExer Technologies on their complete business restructuring.

Client feedback

“Good quality and versatile team.”

“They approach topics professionally, but also are also thinking outside of box. They have been acting very professionally and convincingly in negotiations with matters with tax authorities.”

Deloitte's services include audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk management and tax. The team includes a growing group of roughly 55 employees to execute tax initiatives driven by business strategy rather than compliance. Kristīne Jarve is the managing partner.

During the research period, the company advised DoorDash on the acquisition of Wolt Enterprise. The team also aided one of Latvia's leading industrial businesses with transfer pricing research of financial transactions, including a detailed application of debt-capacity analysis.

Magnusson is an international law practice with offices throughout the Baltic States, Scandinavia, and Russia. Magnusson's tax practise is led by partner Elvira Tulvik. The firm offers a comprehensive range of advising services, including tax planning, tax risk management, market entry and domestic and cross-border restructuring.

During the research period, the firm advised Saint-Gobain Eesti on the sale of its subsidiary Baltiklaas's business. Additionally, the team is also assisting Estonian craft beer giant Phjala Brewery, which exports to over 30 countries worldwide, on how to set up its employee and management options plan.

Of counsel Svetlana Majerovitš joined the company in March 2023.

Sorainen's tax team is comprised of 26 professionals and is best known for its tax-related disputes, complex and compliant structuring, advance pricing agreements, and family estate planning, as well as assisting clients employing novel business models such as crypto and digital economy operators in understanding and adapting to the existing tax rules, TP documentation and tax compliance.

During the research period, the firm served as principal counsel to the INVL group in the signing of a deal with Šiaulių Bankas to merge their retail businesses. The team also provided tax and legal services to Indexo IPAS in the formulation and implementation of a share option plan for the company's management and employees.

Senior Associate Edgars Hercenbergs joined the firm during the research period, while senior associates Alisa Leškoviča and Rasa Rasa Mikutienė departed.

Client feedback

“Large tax team for Estonian standards, knowledgeable people.”

TGS's tax practice is led by competent attorneys who have years of practical experience in tax law and tax litigation. Helmut Pikmets, a tax partner and disputes specialist, is a significant figure at the firm and he is supported by senior partners Sergei Jegorov and Dmitri Deplõhh. It focuses on tax issues such as income tax, VAT, excise charges, customs, transfer pricing and tax disputes.

During the research period, the firm advised Serent Capital on a project in which Raintree Systems was invested. The team also represented Liam Holding in a Supreme Court case against the Tax and Customs Board.

Client feedback

“They are a competent and good advisor.”

“Experts in their field.”

The tax team at Walless is well recognised for offering a full range of tax-related services, including compliance, audit, tax disputes, litigation, international tax, tax structuring, M&A, customs and transfer pricing. Rolan Jankelevitsh, partner and head of tax, is a significant figure at the firm, who is assisted by Priit Raudsepp Counsel, attorney at law.

During the research period, the firm advised Mandatum Life Insurance on the tax consequences of selling its whole Baltic life insurance business to a Lithuanian buyer, Invalda group, and terminating its Estonian permanent establishment.

Client feedback

“To-the-point advice without unnecessary delays.”

“Responsiveness, time of reaction, insight and knowledge of the local business situation.”

“The team is always available, demonstrates exceptional knowledge of the area and broad attitude. They are trusted partners.”

“Diligent and wide approach, deep legal knowledge of the area concerned, availability and trusted partnership.”