Taxation of M&A Transactions

Module n° 2

Objectives ans work hypothesis

Globally, the value of M&A transactions reached USD 5.8 billion in 2021. Compared to the previous year, this corresponds to an increase of 64% in the number of transactions, rising by 24%. The development of M&A activity in Switzerland showed a similar growth (+24.6%), with an increase in local transactions. Hence, this is an ideal time to consider the topic and analyze its key tax aspects.

Therefore, during this seminar, students will have the opportunity to investigate a subject of major academic and practical interest. In small groups, students will work on real life case studies and find answers to questions such as: What types of restructuring exist in Swiss law? What are the tax risks of restructuring a partnership into a corporation and vice versa? Under which conditions is a company eligible for tax neutrality during a corporate restructuring? What are the consequences of non-compliance with these conditions? And many other questions.

After an introduction to most common M&A transactions (corporate merger; transformation of a company; transfer of assets; company demerger) and the applicable law, students will be introduced to the fundamental Swiss tax issues that arise in this context.

A presentation will be done by an external practitioner or an academic.

Students will be asked to prepare real life case studies and to deliver an oral presentation of their solution (in French or English, according to their preference).

Issues discussed

  • M&A transactions (corporate merger; transformation of a company; transfer of assets; company demerger).
  • Tax treatment of M&A transactions in Swiss tax law at the shareholder and company level (business/income tax, withholding tax, stamp tax, etc.).
  • Assessment of tax neutrality in the context of M&A and tax risks in the event of non-compliance with legal conditions.

Organisation

The module takes place from September 26 to October 16, 2022.

Each group of students will study a case law and analyse it from a taxation point of view.

Detailed time schedules, meeting places and other practical information will be communicated at a later stage.

Teaching languages are English and French.

 

Responsable du module

Obrist_Thierry-teaser.jpg

Prof. Thierry Obrist

Prérequis

General participation conditions must be fulfilled. In addition to the general conditions of participation, the following conditions must also be met:
 
- Swiss tax law exam (or equivalent) passed.
 
Participants are expected to be able to understand English (the seminar will be held in Frech and English; a passive understanding of English is therefore recommended).
 
Priority is given to students registered to the orientation "Business and Tax Law".

Module des orientations

  • Business & Tax Law