International Business- Current Key Issues- Winter – January 2012

The publication of the 2012 draft Finance Bill serves to reinforce the need for international groups to re-evaluate their global tax strategy. In this winter edition we provide a brief reminder of some of the opportunities this offers for multinationals operating in the UK.

We take a closer look at the benefits it brings if multinationals are thinking of simplifying their corporate structures and reduce compliance obligations.

The move towards a headline 23% tax rate, the new patent box, a generous interest deductibility culture and less prohibitive Controlled Foreign Companies restrictions are attractive propositions for companies investing in the UK.

Also in this edition: - Do you have investment decisions to make or is your current investment approach delivering maximum shareholder returns? Are you able to clearly articulate a robust business case to Group? We discuss how you could achieve a consistent and best in class framework for assessing the risks and returns of your investments.

This publication also considers:

  • International M&A – are you in the game?
  • Asset backed solutions for managing pension scheme deficits
  • Transforming the performance of support functions
  • Proposals to remove the statutory audit requirement for qualifying subsidiaries in the UK
  • VAT – managing your international indirect tax risks
  • Cyber Crime – are you cyber-savvy?
  • GAAR – does it create uncertainty?

We welcome your feedback on this publication and your suggestions for what you would like us to cover in future editions.