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Proposed changes to Austrian real estate transfer tax could impact M&A transactions
On 2 May 2025, the Austrian Ministry of Finance published a draft bill of the Budget Accompanying Act proposing significant amendments to the Austrian Real Estate Transfer Tax Act with potential far-reaching implications for M&A transactions. The proposed changes to the Real Estate Transfer Tax Act would tighten the tax treatment of so-called “share deals”—transactions where shares in corporations or partnerships owning real estate are transferred instead of the real estate itself. These changes, aligned with the Austrian government’s 2025–2029 program, aim to close any existing loopholes that have enabled the avoidance of real estate transfer tax in real estate transactions. Reduction of the ownership
Kinstellar strengthens Vienna office with the appointment of Markus Taufner as Partner
Kinstellar is pleased to announce that Markus Taufner has joined its recently launched Vienna office as a Partner. Markus is a well-respected dispute resolution lawyer with strong expertise in commercial and corporate litigation. His addition enhances Kinstellar’s full-service capabilities in Austria and contributes to the Firm's continued growth across the CEE region. Markus has over a decade of experience in complex corporate and commercial disputes. He specialises in corporate litigation with a focus on shareholder claims, liability of board members, dismissal of managing directors, D&O insurance disputes, and M&A litigation. He also has substantial experience representing clients in internal investigations
Customs duties in transition: Why companies should review their customs valuations and transfer pricing policies now
Historically, customs duties are considered to be the origin of taxation. Today, looking specifically at the current U.S. administration, customs duties—better known as tariffs—are primarily used as tools of trade policy. Rising customs duties are creating uncertainties for multinational companies and supply chains. With the ongoing increases in customs duties, the question arises: How can multinational companies adequately address new tariff regulations from the tax law perspective? Customs valuation review Rising customs duties can significantly impact the cost structure of imported/exported goods and, thus, disrupt carefully planned transfer pricing arrangements and related intercompany agreements between
EU CSRD and CSDDD – Significance of the postponement of the application date
On 14 April 2025, the Council of the EU gave its final green light on the so-called "Stop‑the‑clock Directive" postponing the application dates of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU) 2022/2464 ("CSRD") and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU) 2024/1760 (“CSDDD”). Who will benefit from this and what does this actually mean for the affected companies? The CSRD entered into force on 5 January 2023 and aims to ensure that investors have the information they need to understand and manage the risks to which investee companies are exposed from climate change and other sustainability issues. It also aims to ensure that investors and other stakeholders have the information they
Kinstellar welcomes Maja Mayrhuber, a leading Austrian tax lawyer, as Partner in Vienna
Kinstellar is delighted to announce that Maja Mayrhuber, a reputable tax lawyer, has joined our newly launched Vienna office as a Partner. Maja’s arrival marks an important step in building our tax capabilities in Austria and driving the growth of this service line across the wider C/SEE region. Maja Mayrhuber specialises in national and international tax law, with a focus on corporate taxation, tax planning, and tax advice related to international restructurings, M&A, corporate finance, and real estate transactions. Maja regularly advises both international companies and private clients on a broad spectrum of tax issues, including VAT, tax audits, transfer pricing, and fiscal criminal law. She also represents clients
Hartwig Kienast, a leading Austrian M&A lawyer, joins Kinstellar as Partner in Vienna
Kinstellar is delighted to announce that Hartwig Kienast, a highly regarded M&A lawyer, has joined our newly launched Vienna office as a Partner. His arrival further strengthens our M&A and private equity capabilities in Austria and across the wider CEE region, reaffirming our commitment to delivering top-tier legal advice in this key market. Hartwig Kienast specialises in mergers & acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital transactions, as well as corporate reorganisations. He has been actively involved in large cross-border M&A transactions and restructurings, advising both international corporations and investors. His experience spans a wide range of sectors, including: infrastructure & energy
Harald Strahberger, a leading regulatory lawyer, joins Kinstellar as Partner in Vienna
Kinstellar is delighted to announce that Harald Strahberger has joined our newly launched Vienna office as a Partner. His addition strengthens our public law and regulatory capabilities, further enhancing the firm’s expertise in Austria and across the wider Central and Eastern European region. With extensive experience advising national and international clients across all aspects of public law, Harald specialises in environmental law (including facility, waste, and water regulations), energy law, trade law, data protection, and state aid law. He also has a strong background representing clients in administrative proceedings and before Administrative Courts, the Supreme Administrative Court, the Austrian Constitutional
Philipp Kapl, new Kinstellar partner in Vienna, advises Limestone Capital on strategic investment in LOISIUM Wine & SPA Hotels
Philipp Kapl, Partner in Kinstellar’s newly launched Vienna office, successfully advised LC Hospitality Holding AG, a subsidiary of Limestone Capital AG, on the acquisition of a 60% majority stake in Loisium Wine & SPA Holding GmbH, through a share deal. The transaction, which closed on 4 February 2025, marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the LOISIUM brand, renowned for its seamless blend of premium wine experiences and luxury spa retreats. This strategic investment reinforces the LOISIUM Group’s position in the hospitality sector, unlocking new opportunities for growth in prime wine regions. With Limestone Capital as a key investor, LOISIUM will continue to enhance its unique concept, integrating
Kinstellar continues to strengthen its Vienna Office with the addition of Philipp Kapl as Partner
Kinstellar is pleased to announce that distinguished M&A lawyer Philipp Kapl has joined the Firm as a Partner, further enhancing Kinstellar's corporate and transactional capabilities in Vienna. Philipp brings over a decade of experience advising on high-profile M&A transactions, private equity, joint ventures, growth capital investments, divestitures, infrastructure investments and shareholder arrangements. Prior to joining Kinstellar, Philipp was with a leading Austrian law firm. His career includes a secondment with Cravath, Swaine & Moore in London and extensive experience at top-tier Austrian firms. Earlier in his career, he gained valuable insights into investment banking at Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan
Kinstellar launches Vienna office
Kinstellar is delighted to announce the launch of its office in Vienna. This is a significant milestone in strengthening our presence across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Southeast Europe (SEE). The Vienna office is a greenfield development, spearheaded by Horst Ebhardt, a renowned Corporate M&A lawyer and one of the most respected names in the CEE market. Horst brings 25 years of experience in private practice, specialising in complex cross-border M&A, privatisations, and restructuring transactions across Austria and the CEE/SEE region. He provides strategic advice to companies across various sectors, with a strong focus on financial institutions, life sciences, and private equity. Over the past 12 years