From greater transparency and accountability to increased public scrutiny and technological sophistication, managing risk is becoming more complex across all sectors

Today organisations must balance an ever-widening list of priorities while managing risk and addressing regulatory and compliance requirements – all with fewer resources and less time. Organisations need a trusted advisor who can support them in addressing the full spectrum of risk, internal audit, governance, compliance and cybersecurity considerations in the context of industry, operations and culture.

Our governance, risk, compliance and cybersecurity practice helps organisations identify and manage risk, improve internal controls and strengthen operations to maximise performance. Baker Tilly collaborates with leaders across functions – and at all levels – to facilitate pragmatic solutions from an enterprise-wide perspective. Using an integrated approach, we ensure our clients’ focus remains on the strategic landscape of the organisation.

Our services include:

• Board and audit committee governance advisory services – providing governance, risk oversight and management advisory to boards, audit committees and management to strengthen organisations' governance frameworks
• Cybersecurity and information technology (IT) risk services – assisting organisations in improving their cybersecurity and IT infrastructures and implementing and assessing security and technology controls using proven tools and deep analysis by certified professionals
• Enterprise risk management services – providing guidance to management on the execution of a cross functional, data-driven approach to risk management and providing audit services to evaluate existing enterprise risk management programmes against global best practices
• Internal audit services – providing strategic sourcing to develop and execute risk-based audit plans that focus on the greatest issues organisations face in the achievement of their strategic objectives
• Privacy – assessing and developing privacy risk management programmes to address General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance and a host of other privacy regulations and requirements
• Regulatory compliance – assisting in compliance with country-specific, agency, industry and/or other regulations
• Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance – executing innovative and cost effective approaches to assist management with the assessment of internal controls over financial reporting.

We have consulted with boards, audit committees, CEOs, CFOs, CIOs and compliance and risk functions for a broad range of organisations around the world, ranging from Fortune 500 firms to private, middle-market companies.

As the world moves towards global accounting standards, many companies must deal with the issues raised by the need to convert their financial reporting systems to comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The complexities of converting to IFRS pose a considerable drain on time and resources for any financial department, requiring potentially hundreds of hours of work to deal effectively with all matters arising.

Using specialist teams, our member firms can provide training and assistance, managing the complete conversion process for their non-audit clients, ensuring that they have the resource they need, for the period that they need it.

Our members offer a four-stage process for clients requiring IFRS conversion, including:

• Preliminary fact assessment
• Detailed planning
• Implementation
• Post-implementation review

Whether it is describing the differences in reconciliations of published accounts or providing a clear audit trail for boards and auditors, our members' conversion tools and proven methodology can ensure a smooth and painless transition to IFRS.

The impact of the global recession is unprecedented, severely impacting the majority of the world's developed economies. Whether these economies are still in a state of turmoil or have entered a recovery phase, organisations around the world stay cautious in managing their debts, and credit on the whole remains tight.

When a multinational organisation or domestic company finds itself in difficulty, it faces a complex set of issues that require technical expertise in a number of areas.

We understand financial distress and all of its complexities and have extensive experience in the following areas:

• Advisory and restructuring
• Corporate insolvency and formal processes
• Fraud and special investigations
• Personal insolvency
• Pensions deficiency reviews.

The hallmarks of our service are expertise, technical excellence, comprehensive analysis and speed of delivery.

Our extensive experience, understanding of complex and sensitive scenarios and empathetic approach allow us to appreciate how a distressed situation can look from the standpoint of each stakeholder, and we tailor our approach accordingly. Across the global network we have the ability to mobilise our skilled resources to execute instructions in all major jurisdictions around the world, in support of local offices or cross-border cases.

We don’t subscribe to the stereotypical view that an audit is a box ticking, legal requirement and merely a formality.

We believe it is a highly valuable exercise to protect your business and encourage it to thrive. It provides a unique opportunity to review not only the finances of your business but also its systems, controls and operations.

Our audit approach is characterised by clear, timely communication and the pragmatic resolution of issues. You should expect an intelligent, robust audit by auditors who will challenge the status quo and give you constructive feedback and recommendations to enhance your business. We will also update you on relevant financial reporting and related legislative and technical changes.

We believe that an audit is an opportunity, not just an overhead. This attitude is shared by our clients, many of whom choose to have an audit performed by a Baker Tilly network member even where it is not a legal necessity.

Through use of the latest audit tools, techniques, resources and procedures, we deliver robust audit services, adhering to the highest standards of independence, ethics and professional objectivity whilst applying technical excellence. As part of our strategy and commitment to continuous improvement, the quality of audit performance and delivery to clients is regularly assessed through the Baker Tilly International Quality Improvement Programme.

As well as financial audit services, we provide a range of additional assurance services including internal audit, information systems and controls assurance, cyber-security, forensic audit and investigation, reviews of historical financial information, compilation of financial statements and a wide range of engagements based on agreed-upon procedures.

Baker Tilly firms have built a reputation for working closely with their clients to achieve their vision and maximise wealth for all stakeholders.

Every transaction, no matter what its size, is key to the growth or succession of a business. But a successful transaction is one based on making the right decision – from ensuring the end result is always kept in sight, be it growth, higher profitability, improved market share or competitive edge, through to minimising the risks inherent in any transaction.

Individually, or collectively, Baker Tilly firms offer the characteristics of an entrepreneurial local firm, combined with the expertise, strength and resources of a global network, for the benefit of our clients.

Our corporate finance services drive value through innovative, tailored solutions and customised services; deal advisory, valuations, and transaction advisory.

Our services

• Deal advisory
• Transaction advisory
• Valuations

Our dispute resolution lawyers are ideally positioned to advise national and international businesses in cross-border litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters.

Dealing with judicial disputes can mean uncertainty and complexity. Our professionals have a deep understanding, based on practical experience, of how best to approach resolving large, complex legal disputes, including multi-jurisdictional cases.

We recognise that litigation is just one part of our clients’ business strategy. We always evaluate options for out-of-court settlements or other alternative dispute resolutions to avoid unnecessary litigation and minimise costs, always offering the best solutions for your long-term interests.

Our team comprises specialised lawyers and academics that serve the legal needs of our clients across a broad spectrum of issues and practice areas, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. Our litigation practice covers intense, high profile matters such as:

• Injunctive relief (pre-judgement attachment proceedings)
• Corporate and governance litigation
• Complex commercial disputes
• IP enforcement protection 
• Unfair competition
• Debt collection
• Regulatory and consumer law
• Enforcement of foreign judgements and extrajudicial titles

From initial non-disclosure agreements to post-closing restructuring and reorganisation – the field of work of our specialised transaction lawyers covers the full spectrum of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity transactions. Our consulting teams advise national and international clients on inbound and outbound transactions around the globe. We have interdisciplinary teams working alongside auditors, tax and management consultants - whichever combination suits our client's requirements.

Our longstanding expertise comes from advising on hundreds of transactions of every size. Our economic understanding and entrepreneurial, goal-oriented approach is valued by organisations of all sizes: we work with large multinational organisations, medium-sized entities, financial investors and publicly listed companies, as well as start-ups.

We have an interdisciplinary approach that provides legal security and optimised tax structures while simultaneously advising on accounting and financial issues that arise. All findings and results are assembled by our transaction lawyers, introduced into deal negotiations and transformed into sound contract language. Working with specialists from different disciplines on a day-to-day basis, we are accustomed to co-ordinating not only our own interdisciplinary services, but with external experts' such as notaries, environmental experts and patent attorneys.

Once a deal is completed we provide customised legal and tax consultancy services for you and the target organisation, exploiting the knowledge acquired during the transaction process and thereby ensuring a smooth transition.

Our transaction consultancy services focus on:

• Term sheets/Letter of intent (LOI) and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
• Legal due diligence
• Sale and purchase agreements
• Acquisition financing
• Private equity and venture capital transactions, including management buyouts (MBO), management buy-ins (MBI) and leveraged buyouts (LBO)
• Management participation
• Formation of joint ventures including the preparation and negotiation of shareholders’ agreements
• Carve-out measures
• Distressed M&A
• External corporate succession by sale
• Legal post-closing integration

Personal data and Intellectual property represent tangible assets to protect in the Information Society. The key to taking full advantage of new opportunities and developing more efficient and profitable work dynamics and relationships is continuous innovation followed by constant compliance with the law.

Our goal is to provide clients with these necessary instruments offering the flexibility that comes with experience. Our understanding of the client’s needs comes from our longstanding expertise in advising national and international clients of all sizes that operate in different business fields. 

Our specialised professionals periodically conduct and participate in studies, research and conferences on new legal developments and trends on Intellectual Property Rights, Information Technology and Data Protection. Thanks to that and our consolidated methods, we can provide our clients with tailor-made solutions with the least impact on the work processes and always in step with the time.

Our range of services on Data protection includes:

• Comprehensive assistance about Data Protection and Data Security Compliance, also in a cross-border perspective and with New Technologies, such as:
• Advice and road-maps for achieving GDPR compliance
• Preparation and revision of compliance documentation (information on data protection; joint controllers’ agreement; data processing agreements, etc.)
• Revision/preparation of Risk Analysis and DPIA
• Assistance in preventing and managing data security incidents
• Assistance and solutions about IT topics like encryption, data backup, logging, UserID operations, and non-IT ones like physical security and document lifecycle
• Management of requests from the data subjects
• Solutions for international data transfer
• Prior consultation, communications and complaint with the Supervisory Authorities
• Training activities to the Companies' personnel
• Activities as Data Protection Officer

Our range of services on Intellectual Property includes:

• Comprehensive assistance with Patent, Design, Trademark and Passing Off, Know-How, Copyright, Unfair Competition, Advertising, such as:
• Litigation and transactional service
• Anti-counterfeiting and piracy activities
• Custom surveillance in Italy and the EU Community
• Filing procedures assistance
• Estimate of IP portfolios (IP law support for M&As)
• IP agreements

Managing a business' global tax charge efficiently requires an experienced team of global corporate tax specialists.

Our specialists bring together a unique mix of relationships and responsiveness to service our clients in areas including:

• Efficient tax compliance requirements
• Negotiating with tax authorities regarding rulings and disputes
• Supporting claims for tax incentives
• Advising on the structuring of transactions
• Carrying out due diligence into the tax affairs of acquisition targets
• Advising on public flotations

Today's global businesses demand effective management of their worldwide tax position.

We can assist with establishing the right structure, formulating global funding arrangements, planning for the repatriation of profits and evaluating the impact of double tax treaties in relation to withholding taxes on cross border currency flows.

Our worldwide tax experts understand how domestic and overseas tax systems interact, thus managing clients' worldwide tax affairs. Some key areas include advising on:

• Setting up the right entity for your business
• Efficient international structuring
• Structuring loan financing
• Protecting intellectual property rights
• Cross border mergers and acquisitions

Transfer pricing compliance requirements, country by country reporting and an ever changing landscape, makes transfer pricing one of the most fundamental tax issues facing multinational businesses, as demonstrated by our International Tax Survey.

Transfer pricing refers to the pricing policies adopted by groups of companies for transactions between companies in the group, such as the sale of goods, the provision of services, or the licensing and use of technology and intangible assets.

Many countries now have transfer pricing legislation empowering their tax authorities to tackled pricing perceived not to be at ‘arm’s length’.

All groups trading internationally can expect to be the subject of transfer pricing enquiries across the globe.

Our worldwide transfer pricing specialists collaborate efficiently to deliver global solutions for our clients that protect against the challenges posed by transfer pricing rules and interpretations.

International groups which have staff working on assignment overseas will understand the benefits to be gained from supporting their employees whilst in their temporary working location and ensuring they are free to concentrate on their work.

Support in relation to expatriate taxes and social security requirements is key and careful planning can minimise the burden for both employees and employers.

We provide international groups with a full spectrum of global mobility services. Some of the ways in which we can help include:

• Entry interviews to familiarise newly arrived expatriates with the tax and social security systems
• The preparation of tax returns for expatriates for the duration of their secondment
• Dealing with any other filings with which they will need to comply during their stay
• Exit interviews at the end of the secondment, to tidy up any loose ends.
• Preparing letters of assignment for employees moving abroad
• Adjusting stock option plans so as to reflect periods of foreign service
• Adjusting company pension plans as required
• Payroll implications of employees moving abroad
• Dealing with immigration requirements.

Protecting legacies for high net wealth individuals can be complex, especially for families living across the globe.

Our specialists, based around the world, can help you to protect your wealth, plan for your future and resolve the complexities raised by global taxes requirements, providing solutions tailored to your particular situation: 

• Cross border estate planning and wealth preservation
• Dealing with global tax filing requirements
• Managing international taxes
• The formation of trusts or private foundations
• Retirement and business succession planning
• Tax-efficient philanthropy and charitable giving.

Against a dynamic backdrop of global economic volatility, enhanced competition, uncertainty of global public equity markets and location specific financial challenges, the role of private equity across the world has become more complex and challenging. Based on these factors, private equity funds are constantly adjusting their strategies to ensure their value-creation models repeat and prosper.

In these demanding economic times, private equity firms need advisors they can trust and rely on to stay ahead of global trends and anticipate operational and financial opportunities and challenges that may impact their deal flow and fund performance. Our Global Private Equity Group has the experience, knowledge and talent to help private equity clients succeed in these interesting times.

With a global service footprint covering more than 140 locations, we have more than 500 senior-level professionals that are focused on serving the unique needs of hundreds of private equity clients in the areas of global capital structuring, audit, global due diligence and transaction advisory, international tax consulting and global tax structuring, cyber security and IT assurance.

Our network of more than 120 member firms provides a unique combination of local, location-specific knowledge, expertise and relationships along with a deep and broad resource platform that can advise private equity clients through the full life-cycle of advisory and compliance needs. Global private equity firms require proactive expertise to help them administer their funds, improve portfolio company performance, manage regulations and execute efficient transactions. Our Global Private Equity Group has all the resources to meet these demands.

With a significant number of private equity relationships across our global footprint, we understand the benefit of specialisation and building sector specific operational and financial expertise and knowledge. We have extensive experience all global industries.

You, as a player in the global government and not-for-profit industry, are constantly challenged to manoeuvre between what is possible and what is not with limited resources. The continuing transition of old economies into new emerging ones it is a double challenge.

At Baker Tilly we understand the important role played by the government and not-for-profit sector at both a national and international level.

Improving performance, accountability and transparency is important to organisations of all kinds. Development agencies are increasingly using beneficiary structures to dispense aid through budget support and sectorial aid. This decentralised management requires service providers to have knowledge and experience of both local market conditions and each donors' individual requirements and priorities.

Our globally located member firms are experienced in working with international institutions including the European Union, global donors (including the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and non-governmental organisations. We have carried out numerous (grant) audits and consulting projects.

Our strength lies in combining expert knowledge of local business environments and cultures, with global awareness, presence and industry know-how.

Our services include:

• Compliance audits or verification missions of public funds and grants
• Monitoring and evaluation of public policies and programmes
• Audit of government and not-for-profit sector and non-governmental organisations
• System and technical audits
• Performance and non-financial reporting audit.

Our proven track record in working with government and not-for-profit institutions, co-operation agencies and governments gives us genuine insight into and an understanding of the sector’s operating environment. Coupled with our knowledge of the sensitive mix of legal, economic, political and public relations issues faced by governments, governmental bodies and regulators, we are uniquely placed to advise you.

By combining local knowledge with international expertise, we deliver the highest standards, service and quality.

Shaping your real estate future

Our real estate experts combine financial management, performance management and know-how with specific tax and legal expertise. We provide our clients with interdisciplinary consultancy services covering the full life cycle of their real estate investment.

As the real estate market becomes more complex and global, the question is: how can you build a solid basis for successful decision-making? Our answer: with a partner who offers you all the services needed from one single source.

Our 360° financial services in the real estate sector

In every phase of the real estate and property cycle we are committed to offering you the best service, helping you to achieve your goals.

We support you with:

• Audit
• Financial accounting and reporting
• Tax compliance and risk management
• Transaction advisory 
• Corporate secretarial
• Advisory
• Valuations
• Legal advice

Our holistic approach

Depending on the consultancy project, we build a team from across the network to include auditors, tax advisors, legal experts, valuation experts and management consultants. We believe in an integrative approach utilising the knowledge of many experts to deliver the appropriately tailored solution, maximising our clients' chances of achieving optimum results. Through our network, we provide extensive consultancy services around the world.

Our clients

Our experts in the real estate group support active market participants such as private and institutional investors, commercial and mortgage banks, project developers, asset managers and fund initiators, as well as construction companies. We also advise public authorities, listed corporations and small and medium-sized businesses from a broad range of sectors.

Perhaps you are considering restructuring your property portfolio or pursuing certain real estate transactions? Maybe you want to build, buy, sell, use, lease or rent out a property or properties? Whatever your requirements, we look forward to hearing about them in our exploratory talks with you.