US companies entering the German market

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Services

Audit & Assurance

Auditing increases the reliability of your company information for all decision-makers – thereby building credibility and trust.

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Advisory

Business consulting that works

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Operational Advisory
Solidifying and supporting transformation
Deal Advisory
We’ll advise you on national and international transactions
Valuation & economic and dispute advisory
We’ll value your business fairly and realistically
Public sector
Digitalisation, processes & projects
Debt advisory & treasury services
Funding and treasury consulting to the client’s advantage

Tax

Regardless of whether you run a business, an institution or represent a family office, top-quality tax advice is more important for success than ever. We offer...

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Tax for businesses
Because your business – national or international – deserves better tax advice.
Tax for financial institutions
Financial services tax – for banks, asset managers and insurance companies
Global mobility services
Avoid double taxation – and minimise costs

Legal

Legal cover for you and your company

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Employment law
Representation for businesses
Commercial & distribution
Making purchasing and distribution legally water-tight.
Financial Services | Legal
Your Growth, Our Commitment.
Business legal
Doing business successfully by optimally structuring companies
Real estate law
We cover everything on the real estate sector, the hotel industry, and the law governing construction and architects, condominium ownership, and letting and renting.
IT, IP and data protection
IT security and digital innovations
Mergers & acquisitions (M&A)
Your one-stop service provider focusing on M&A transactions

Our sustainability/ESG services

Sustainable transformation for your business.

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Sustainability strategy
Laying the cornerstone for sustainability.
Sustainability management
Managing the change to sustainability.
Legal aspects of sustainability
Legal aspects of sustainability
Sustainability reporting
Communicating sustainability performance and ensuring compliance.
Sustainable finance
Integrating sustainability into investment decisions.
Grant Thornton B2B ESG-Study
Grant Thornton B2B ESG-Study

International expertise

Rooted locally, connected globally.

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International business
Our country expertise
Entering the German market
Your reliable partners.

Industries

Automotive

You think in global terms of innovation and flexibility. So do we – and beyond.

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Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals

Your industry is at the forefront. Together, we’ll forge ahead with new ideas.

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Energy & natural resources

Your industry is governed by standards and regulations. We deliver solutions.

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Financial services

Regulatory changes, pressure on cost management, the need to grow, and increased investments in technology and data are dominating the financial services...

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Healthcare

Your market is growing. With our efficient strategies, you can grow with it.

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Maritime

Digital transformation is only one of the many challenges your industry is facing. We’ll steer you through them.

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Mechanical & plant engineering

Research and development drive your industry forward. Across borders, we’re at your side.

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Private Equity

We continue to see the German private equity market on the rise. Private equity investors currently possess substantial capital resources. Here the German...

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Public sector

Demands on the public sector are increasing. Our solutions are sustainable.

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Real estate

Your partner – even in challenging times.

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Retail & consumer products

Your industry demands flexibility and speed. Our clear strategy delivers both.

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Technology/Media/Telecom

Your branch is defined by dynamic innovation. We’re your partners on an equal footing.

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Transport & logistics

Growth and innovation are the subjects you’re interested in. Reach the goal with our smart solutions.

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Travel/Tourism/Leisure

You’re planning new projects, restructuring and transactions We’re at your side. Personally.

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Germany – a market made for US companies

Germany is the EU country with the strongest economy, and the ideal entry point into the European economic area. Germany’s central location, good connections and outstanding infrastructure make it the ideal stepping-stone into Europe for US investors. You also gain access to the neighbouring markets, like France, the Netherlands and Eastern Europe.

Key points in brief

Companies from the USA need extensive tax advice in Germany from day one.
German employment legislation is complex – employees have many rights and often enjoy special protection from dismissal.
Companies in Germany are obligated to cover their employees’ social security. We’ll answer all your questions on these topics.
Selecting a legal form for your establishment in Germany will have an effect on all the areas of the business and decisions for the future.

Employment law and social insurance – the two most major differences

Particular differences exist between Germany and the USA in administration, bureaucracy and the social system. Selecting a legal form is already a crucial decision because different business structures have different requirements, and this will have different effects on how the business is run and on questions of liability. In Germany, social security contributions have to be paid for each employee. These have to be calculated correctly, even when the business is growing quickly. We’ll be glad to be at your side with all our expertise.

Challenges and solutions

Shaped by domestic and EU directives, regulation in Germany is extensive – from health and safety to data protection to compliance. With our knowledge of the legal aspects of all areas of business, we’ll assist you in getting established in Germany quickly.

We’re there when you need us and provide advisory in the following areas:

Business acquisitions, founding companies and restructuring
All tax and legal topics in all areas of business law
Compliance services
Subsidies – from Germany or the EU
Questions about EU legislation (e.g. the General Data Protection Regulation)
Audits (German and international) and
Outsourcing of services (bookkeeping, and much more) and
Worldwide with our international Grant Thornton network.

Get in touch without any commitment.

Are you an American company looking to do business in Germany? Are you looking for advice from understanding, native speakers to allow you to enter the German market as smoothly as possible? Our contacts, Christina Busch, Carsten Carstens, Norbert Miethe and Frank Schmid help American companies get the best start into the German market. Take advantage of their expertise and feel free to contact them with your questions without any commitment.

The US Desk – services exactly as needed.

Audit & Assurance

Compliance services for the German legal system
SOX 404 compliance services
CSR reporting
Assurance according to IDW, AICPA and PCAOB standards
Outsourcing (bookkeeping, reporting, internal audits, internal management)
Financial management
Post merger integration (GAAP conversion, reporting, training)
IT security management and tests

Tax

Designing tax-optimised investment structures
Post merger integration
Tax compliance services
DAC-6 reporting
Obtaining tax benefits under the double taxation agreement
Out-from-under planning
Tax reporting (deferred and current taxation, FIN48 support)

Transaction advisory

Buy-side/sell-side financial, operational and commercial due diligence
Exit readiness and carve-out assistance
Transaction accounting
SPA financial advisory
Post-merger integration assistance
Business valuations

Our awards

We’re proud of the awards we’ve won. And we’re just as happy that our clients give us top ratings! We’re working hard to keep it that way. And that’s a promise!