Financial auditing

Financial auditing as a broad spectrum – from annual financial statement audits to M&A transactions.

Together with our cooperation partners, we cover the entire spectrum of financial auditing services, such as the "classic" annual financial statement audit, balance sheet analysis, business consultancy, all the way to support with M&A transactions. The focus of GKM Tax and Law lies particularly on the structuring, support and implementation of M&A transactions, which requires an interdisciplinary approach.

"Our Firm places special emphasis on expertise, professionalism, commitment, trust and teamwork to achieve the goals set with you. This includes giving you our time, keeping you informed of the status of any proceedings, and making our fee calculations transparent."

Guiding principle of our Firm

M&A transactions often begin with the need for thorough and objective company valuations. We will assist you with due diligence, drafting of contracts, and negotiations. Our expertise in commercial law allows us to represent your interests through clear contracts that appropriately reflect your interests. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary assurance to successfully conclude M&A transactions. Put trust in our expertise to efficiently achieve your business goals.

Our experienced team of auditors and valuation specialists is on hand to help you determine the value of your company. Our services include a comprehensive analysis of your company or potential acquisition targets. We employ proven methods of company valuation to create a solid foundation for your transaction decisions. Our partner, Prof Dr Jürgen Mertes, is frequently appointed by courts as an expert witness in matters of business valuation and, as such, he has extensive expertise in the field.

"An accurate company valuation is not only crucial in M&A transactions but also significant in the practical aspects of gifting or inheriting a company or a share in a business. A business valuation can never be detached from its purpose. Clarifying the purpose of the valuation is always of utmost importance."

Quote by Prof Dr Jürgen Mertes

We can also determine the value of your company for inheritance and gift tax purposes and prepare the necessary tax returns for tax-free succession, taking into account the tax exemptions for certain business assets under inheritance tax. We will work closely and confidently with your tax advisor, as they are best acquainted with the tax intricacies of your company.

We see special audits in your company as a challenge and will be happy to conduct them. The expertise of an external auditor regarding company figures can be helpful in cases of suspected fraud or shareholder disputes. Fraud investigations and creditworthiness checks are not unfamiliar to us. We will be happy to support you in any special audits that might be necessary.

As an expert witness, Prof Dr Jürgen Mertes also represents the valuation results in court. Drawing from his extensive experience as an expert witness, he has a great understanding of what courts and banks find helpful in a business valuation. Do not hesitate to take advantage of his expertise for your questions.

Are you simply looking for an auditor to certify your annual financial statements? We can certainly recommend a suitable auditor from our network! If necessary, we will also support you as an internal partner in ongoing audits and help you prepare the necessary facts and evidence. Feel free to contact us – we will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding financial auditing.

Your contact person

Prof Dr Jürgen Mertes, LL.M.
Auditor, Tax Advisor, Managing Director
Jonas Neef, LL.M.
Business Lawyer, Tax Advisor, Managing Director
  • Tax
  • Law
Tax consultancy

We understand tax consultancy as a holistic approach that encompasses comprehensive analysis, planning, and optimisation of tax matters for individuals, businesses, organisations and institutions. Ensuring compliance with tax obligations, from financial accounting to tax declarations, is also part of the tax consultancy services offered by GKM Tax and Law.

Tax structuring

As stated in a Federal Court of Justice ruling from as early as 1965: "Whoever has the duty to pay taxes also has the right to save on taxes." To achieve this, the lawyers and tax advisors here at GKM Tax and Law utilise their extensive knowledge to plan and structure your taxes with utmost care and in compliance with all legal regulations. Our goal? Minimise your tax burden transparently and efficiently.

Financial auditing

The area of financial auditing encompasses a huge variety of content. From the audit of the annual financial statements by our associated partners to financial advice matters or the support of M&A deals, GKM Tax and Law offers a whole range of consultancy services.

Private clients

Advising private clients is a specialised service of GKM Tax and Law that is tailored to the individual needs of high-net-worth individuals. It encompasses an extensive range of services aimed at protecting, managing, and optimising wealth.

Corporate law

Corporate law and tax law are inherently linked, as the legal structure of a company has direct implications for its taxes. Changes in the corporate structure can trigger tax consequences, and tax planning requires a thorough understanding of corporate legal frameworks. A holistic view of both legal areas is therefore crucial to reconcile legal and tax aspects and achieve optimal results.

Tax law

The combination of tax knowledge and legal expertise enables us to work out accurate solutions to complex matters. We consider the entirety of tax law and not just individual specialised regulations.

Legal representation

Successful representation in legal proceedings requires expertise, strategic planning, evidence-based argumentation, strong communication and negotiation skills, assertiveness, as well as effective teamwork and resource management. You will find all of this and more at GKM Tax and Law. Our team has an exceptionally high level of experience in the field of successful legal representation, whether in tax court proceedings or in civil and labour law cases.

Contract law and drafting of contracts

Contract law and drafting are essential components of structural tax planning. The goal here is to create clear and fair contracts that consider the interests of all parties and minimise legal risks. Our lawyers will help ensure that previously devised strategies are implemented in the most optimal way possible.

Civil law

Our lawyers will advise, represent, and support you in all civil law matters. This includes, for example, analysing legal matters, drafting legal documents such as complaint letters or contracts, representing clients in court and in out-of-court negotiations, and developing strategies to uphold our clients' interests.