September 20, 2005

Six months after its creation, the first global network of independent tax specialists welcomes firms from ten more countries.

Taxand, the first international network of independent tax firms, is doubling in size, thereby expanding to 19 countries, 6 months after its launch. This rapid expansion is the result of the growing demand among companies for networks of independent tax professionals who are free from the conflicts of interests plaguing the traditional tax consultancy networks.

"Taxand’s remarkable growth has exceeded our most optimistic estimates," said Frédéric Donnedieu de Vabres, who coordinates the Taxand network. “The doubling in size in only six months is a testament to the quality of the professionals in the alliance as well as a reflection of the market’s increasing reliance on international tax services provided by independent tax specialists.”

“Taxand is the only global network of independent tax firms able to offer high-level tax services to meet clients’ needs quickly and effectively” added Mr. Donnedieu de Vabres, who is also managing partner of Arsene, the member firm of Taxand for France.

“Taxand is a true alternative to traditional networks” he emphasized, “because it is not only a success with clients but also an opportunity for tax professionals who appreciate this new model, which is creating value and growth for its members”.

Taxand is a global tax network independent from any attest or legal practice and is organized as an alliance of independent tax specialists that brings in other experts when its clients’ needs require them.

Taxand is now present in 19 countries with more than 1,000 tax professionals including 174 partners.

The new member firms and their respective countries are: Bruchou, Fernandez Madero, Lombardi & Mitrani (Argentina); AB Partners Bvda (Belgium); Barbosa, Müssnich & Aragao, Advogados (Brazil); Avanzia Tax Advisors (Malta); Multiconsult Limited (Mauritius); PB & Co (Indonesia), Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes, S.C. (MACF) (Mexico); Accreo (Poland); Zaragoza & Alvarado LLP (Puerto Rico); and Chiltern PLC (United Kingdom).

The founding firms and their respective countries are: Arsene (France); Goutier & Partners (Germany); BMR & Associates (India); Fantozzi & Associati (Italy); Atoz (Luxembourg); Garrigues Tax Advisors (Spain); Skeppsbron Skatt AB (Sweden); Tax Partner AG (Switzerland) and Alvarez & Marsal Tax Advisory Services, LLC (United States).