International Tax

List of top consulting firms 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:58:00 +0000

Following is a list of the top consulting firms around the world with such details as ranking, company name, website url, headquarters, year founded, approximate number of employees, male to female ratio, and other statistics. Being a top consulting firm do not means always prestige and do not bring quality and values automatically, but clients and job seekers of the consulting profession may be interested by these statistics.

Purpose: To summarize and provide beneficial statistical information about the consulting industry and provide quick access gateway to a list of the top consulting companies and websites.
Serving: Researchers, students, professionals, job seekers in the consulting industry and all who seek information about top consulting companies.

Disclaimer: We are not claiming any rights, responsibilites or ownership pertaining to creating, developing, designing, or programming any of the websites listed on this page. All websites listed on this page are publically available for viewing on the internet.

Rankings: Any ranking information regarding the listings above have been made by 3rd parties, organizations which make their ranking info available on public viewable pages free of charge. For this particular listing we have gathered inforamtion from various sources on the internet, including, cnn.com, vault.com, fortune.com and linkedin.com.

The 2011 Best Firms to Work For (according to Consulting Magazine):

The Best Consulting Firms to Work For 2011

Bain & Company
The Boston Consulting Group
North Highland
Point B
Deloitte Consulting
Slalom Consulting
McKinsey & Company
PwC
Booz Allen Hamilton
Huron Consulting Group
Ernst & Young
Accenture
Crowe Horwath
Monitor
A.T. Kearney

The Best Small Consulting Firms to Work For 2011

Stroud Consulting
Impact Advisors
Cask
Vynamic
Infinitive
Fitzgerald Analytics
Lenati
Jabian Consulting
PeopleFirm
HiSoft (formerly Nouveon)
Plus Consulting
Meridian Compensation Partners
Marakon
SEI
IBB Consulting Group

Rank	Consulting Firms	HQ	Industry	Type	# of employees	Year founded	Med age	Male	Fe- male
1	McKinsey & Company	Greater New York City Area	Management Consulting	Partnership	15000	1926	29	67%	33%
2	The Boston Consulting Group, Inc	Greater Boston Area	Management Consulting	Partnership	6000	1963	28	67%	33%
3	Bain & Company	Greater Boston Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	10000	1973	28	65%	35%
4	Booz & Company	Washington DC Metro Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	22000	1914	32	64%	36%
5	Deloitte Consulting LLP	Greater New York City Area	Financial Services	Partnership	168000	-	29	61%	39%
6	Monitor Group	Greater Boston Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	1500	1983	29	63%	37%
7	PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP	Greater New York City Area	Accounting	Partnership	17500	-	29	59%	41%
8	Mercer LLC	Greater New York City Area	Human Resources	Public	18000	1937	34	51%	49%
9	Ernst & Young LLP	Greater New York City Area	Accounting	Partnership	144000	-	29	59%	41%
10	Oliver Wyman	Greater New York City Area	Management Consulting	Public	1001	-	30	70%	30%
11	Accenture	Greater Chicago Area	Management Consulting	Public	177000	1989	30	67%	33%
12	IBM Global Business Services	Greater New York City Area	Information Technology and Services	Public	300000	1911	34	76%	24%
13	KPMG LLP	Amsterdam Area, Netherlands	Accounting	Partnership	137000	-	30	60%	40%
14	Towers Watson	Greater Philadelphia Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	6400	1934	34	52%	48%
15	AlixPartners, LLP	Greater Detroit Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	900	1981	35	77%	23%
16	A.T. Kearney	Greater Chicago Area	Management Consulting	Partnership	2700	1926	30	68%	32%
17	Braxton Consulting	Eurpe & Latin America	Management Consulting	Privately Held	250	1996	31	54%	46%
18	The Parthenon Group	Greater Boston Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	200	1999	28	62%	38%
19	Towers Watson	-	Financial Services	Public	14000	-	34	53%	47%
20	L.E.K. Consulting	London, UK	Management Consulting	Partnership	900	1983	28	70%	30%
21	FTI Consulting, Inc.	Washington DC Metro Area	Management Consulting	Public	3500	1982	32	71%	29%
22	Alvarez & Marsal	Greater New York City Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	1600	1983	33	73%	27%
23	NERA Economic Consulting	Greater New York City Area	Management Consulting	Public	600	1961	27	61%	39%
24	Capgemini	Paris Area, France	Information Technology and Services	Privately Held	91000	1967	32	77%	23%
25	Navigant Consulting, Inc.	Greater Chicago Area	Management Consulting	Public	2500	1983	32	62%	38%
26	Huron Consulting Group	Greater Chicago Area	Management Consulting	Public	2000	2002	30	61%	39%
27	Hewitt Associates	Greater Chicago Area	Outsourcing/Offshoring	Public	25000	1940	32	55%	45%
28	Roland Berger Strategy Consultants	-	Management Consulting	Partnership	2100	1967	28	72%	28%
29	ZS Associates	Greater Chicago Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	1400	1983	27	72%	28%
30	CRA International, Inc.	Greater Boston Area	Management Consulting	Public	800	1965	33	65%	35%
31	Arthur D. Little	Paris Area, France	Management Consulting	Privately Held	1000	-	30	75%	25%
32	Kurt Salmon Associates	Greater Atlanta Area	Management Consulting	Public	700	1935	33	63%	37%
33	LECG	San Francisco Bay Area	Management Consulting	Public	1200	1988	34	69%	31%
34	Gallup Consulting	District of Columbia	Management Consulting	Privately Held	2000	-	27	60%	40%
35	Aon Consulting Worldwide	Greater Chicago Area	Management Consulting	Public	6300	1983	36	52%	48%
36	BraxtonTechnology	Europe, Asia & Latin America	Technology Consulting & Services	Privately Held	219	2005	26	74%	26%
37	Cornerstone Research	San Francisco Bay Area	Legal Services	Privately Held	201	1989	27	61%	39%
38	Corporate Executive Board	Washington DC Metro Area	Management Consulting	Public	2000	1979	28	50%	50%
39	Hay Group	Greater Philadelphia Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	2600	1943	32	47%	53%
40	Analysis Group, Inc.	Greater Boston Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	500	1981	30	62%	38%
41	Milliman, Inc	Greater Seattle Area	Insurance	Privately Held	2000	1947	35	62%	38%
42	Zolfo Cooper	Greater New York City Area	Financial Services	Privately Held	75	-	31	67%	33%
43	Mars & Co	-	-	-	-	1979	-	-	-
44	The Advisory Board Company	Washington DC Metro Area	Hospital & Health Care	Public	1000	1979	28	43%	57%
45	Putnam Associates	Greater Boston Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	50	1988	26	64%	36%
46	First Manhattan Consulting Group	Greater New York City Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	51	1980	26	76%	24%
47	IMS Health Incorporated	Greater Philadelphia Area	Pharmaceuticals	Public	10000	1954	34	57%	43%
48	Buck Consultants	Greater New York City Area	Human Resources	Public	1900	1916	38	55%	45%
49	Giuliani Partners LLC	Greater New York City Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	11	2002	45	79%	21%
50	Archstone Consulting	Greater New York City Area	Management Consulting	Privately Held	250	2003	34	63%	37%

Getting to crazy

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:43:00 +0000

I would strongly recommend this article from the New York Times about the american debt and how we can face recession.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/15/opinion/15krugman.html

Hybrid Entities and Reverse Hybrid Entities

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:19:00 +0000

U.S. tax planners often refer to “hybrid entities” and “reverse hybrid entities.” This blog entry briefly discusses the meaning of these terms.

From a U.S. tax perspective, a hybrid entity is an entity that is “fiscally transparent” for U.S. tax purposes but not fiscally transparent for foreign tax purposes. In general, an entity is fiscally transparent if the entity’s current year profits are currently taxable to the owners of the entity, regardless of whether the entity made any distributions to its owners during that year. (See Treas. Reg. § 1.894-1(d)(3)(ii) and (iii) for a more extensive definition.)

Partnerships are typically fiscally transparent entities. Corporations are typically not fiscally transparent entities. Limited liability companies and various types of foreign entities may or may not be fiscally transparent.

A reverse hybrid entity is the “reverse” of a hybrid entity in that the entity is fiscally transparent for foreign tax purposes but not fiscally transparent for U.S. tax purposes. Entities that are treated the same for U.S. and foreign tax purposes are not “hybrid” entities.

Unfortunately, these terms ( Hybrid Entities and Reverse Hybrid Entities) are not intuitive. A hybrid entity is an entity that is “fiscally transparent” for U.S. tax purposes but not fiscally transparent for foreign tax purposes, and a reverse hybrid entity is the “reverse” of a hybrid entity in that the entity is fiscally transparent for foreign tax purposes but not fiscally transparent for U.S. tax purposes.

The I.R.S. recently published Notice 2010-62, which deals with Pre-2011 “splitter arrangements” under the new foreign tax credit splitter rules of Code § 909. Splitter arrangements can occur with reverse hybrid entity structures as well as with hybrid instruments.

New Hybrid Instrument Terminology

Interestingly, the Notice creates a new (to me, at least) terminology for hybrid instruments. The Notice refers to an instrument that is treated as equity for U.S. tax purposes and as debt for foreign tax purposes as a “US Equity Hybrid Instrument” (or a “US Equity HI”). Further, the Notice refers to an instrument that is treated as debt for U.S. tax purposes and as equity for foreign tax purposes as a “US Debt Hybrid Instrument” (or a “US Debt HI”).

I really like this new terminology. It is very intuitive. It is easy to remember that a US Debt HI is debt for U.S. tax purposes. If it is a hybrid, therefore, it must be treated as equity for foreign tax purposes. I commend the I.R.S. for this simple but helpful innovation.

Application to Entities

This terminology can also be applied to hybrid entities. For instance, a hybrid entity could be called a “US Fiscally Transparent Hybrid Entity” or “US FT HE” for short. Intuitively, if the entity is fiscally transparent for U.S. tax purposes, then it must be non-fiscally transparent for foreign tax purposes.

Similarly, a reverse hybrid entity could be called a “US Non-Fiscally Transparent Hybrid Entity” or “US NFT HE” for short. The Notice does discuss reverse hybrid entities, but unfortunately, the author of the Notice didn’t suggest the new terminology for entities.
For my charts, I use the triangle pointing upwards to represent a US FT HE and a triangle pointing downwards to represent a US NFT HE. I do not use ovals, as many tax practitioners do, to represent disregarded entities. My reason for avoiding ovals is that it is often unclear whether a nominee shareholder of a foreign entity should be treated as a separate owner, creating a partnership, or whether the nominee should be disregarded under substance principles, resulting in a disregarded entity (see e.g., Rev. Proc. 2010-32).

UK Perspective

Two recent cases have considered the availability of double taxation relief in the UK in circumstances involving US hybrid entities.

In Swift UK v HMRC1, the Tribunal considered whether a US LLC was an opaque or transparent entity for UK tax purposes and therefore whether a UK resident member of the LLC could obtain double tax relief for US tax paid on his share of the profits. The Tribunal held, contradicting HMRC's established practice, that the LLC was transparent for UK tax purposes as it is more akin to a partnership than a company. This will be a concern, for example, to UK taxpayers with direct or indirect interests in LLCs.

In Bayfine UK v HMRC2, a claim was successfully made to credit US taxes against a UK company's tax liability where such taxes arose on the same income in the company's US parent as a result of the UK company being treated as transparent for US tax purposes following a "check the box" election. The case looked at the analysis of the US tax treaty and unilateral tax relief under UK law for a circumstance which had not been envisaged by the treaty or UK legislation.

Swift

HMRC general practice follows the principles in Memec plc v CIR3. Pursuant to this case, in determining whether an entity is transparent or opaque and HMRC will follow the guidelines set out in its manuals and previous Tax Bulletins.

In particular, the following matters should be considered under the relevant local commercial law:

Does the foreign entity have a legal existence separate from that of the persons who have an interest in it?

Does the entity issue share capital or something else, which serves the same function as share capital?

Modificacion LEC (4)

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:24:00 +0000

Modificacion LEC (4)
Artículo 2. Modificación del artículo 35 de la Ley 53/2002, de 30 de diciembre, de Medidas Fiscales, Administrativas y del Orden Social.
Uno. La letra a) del número 1 del apartado uno del artículo 35 queda redactada del siguiente modo:
«a) La interposición de la demanda en toda clase de procesos declarativos y de ejecución en el orden jurisdiccional civil, la formulación de reconvención y lapresentación inicial del procedimiento monitorio y del proceso monitorio europeo.»
Dos. En el número 1 del apartado tres del artículo 35 la actual letra b) pasa a ser letra c) y se añade una nueva letra b) con la siguiente redacción:
«b) La presentación de la demanda de juicio ordinario en caso de oposición del deudor, en los supuestos de procedimiento monitorio y proceso monitorio europeo por los que se haya satisfecho la tasa.»
Tres. En el número 1 del apartado cuatro del artículo 35 se añade una nueva letra f), cuya redacción es la que sigue:
«f) Presentación de la petición inicial del procedimiento monitorio y del proceso monitorio europeo.»
Disposición final primera. Título competencial.
Esta Ley se dicta al amparo de la competencia exclusiva del Estado en materia de legislación procesal, de acuerdo con lo dispuesto en el artículo 149.1.6.ª de la Constitución.
Disposición final segunda. Entrada en vigor.
La presente Ley entrará en vigor a los veinte días de su publicación en el «Boletín Oficial del Estado».
Por tanto,
Mando a todos los españoles, particulares y autoridades, que guarden y hagan guardar esta ley.

Modificacion LEC (3)

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:24:00 +0000

Modificacion LEC (3)
Artículo 1. Modificación de la Ley 1/2000, de 7 de enero, de Enjuiciamiento Civil.
Uno. El número 1.º del apartado 2 del artículo 23 queda redactado de la siguiente forma:
«1.º En los juicios verbales cuya cuantía no exceda de 2.000 euros y para la petición inicial de los procedimientos monitorios, conforme a lo previsto en esta Ley.»
Dos. El número 1.º del apartado 2 del artículo 31 queda redactado como sigue:
«1.º Los juicios verbales cuya cuantía no exceda de 2.000 euros y la petición inicial de los procedimientos monitorios, conforme a lo previsto en esta Ley.»
Tres. El apartado 2 del artículo 437 queda redactado como sigue:
«2. En los juicios verbales en que se reclame una cantidad que no exceda de 2.000 euros, el demandante podrá formular su demanda cumplimentando unos impresos normalizados que, a tal efecto, se hallarán a su disposición en el tribunal correspondiente.»
Cuatro. El apartado 1 del artículo 539 queda redactado como sigue:
«1. El ejecutante y el ejecutado deberán estar dirigidos por letrado y representados por procurador, salvo que se trate de la ejecución de resoluciones dictadas en procesos en que no sea preceptiva la intervención de dichos profesionales.
Para la ejecución derivada de procesos monitorios en que no haya habido oposición, se requerirá la intervención de abogado y procurador siempre que la cantidad por la que se despache ejecución sea superior a 2.000 euros.»
Cinco. Se añade un último párrafo al artículo 813 con la siguiente redacción:
«Si, tras la realización de las correspondientes averiguaciones por el secretario Judicial sobre el domicilio o residencia, éstas son infructuosas o el deudor es localizado en otro partido judicial, el juez dictará auto dando por terminado el proceso, haciendo constar tal circunstancia y reservando al acreedor el derecho a instar de nuevo el proceso ante el Juzgado competente.»
Seis. Se añade un nuevo apartado 3 al artículo 815 con la siguiente redacción:
«3. Si de la documentación aportada con la petición se desprende que la cantidad reclamada no es correcta, el secretario judicial dará traslado al juez, quien, en su caso, mediante auto podrá plantear al peticionario aceptar o rechazar una propuesta de requerimiento de pago por el importe inferior al inicialmente solicitado que especifique.
En la propuesta, se deberá informar al peticionario de que, si en un plazo no superior a diez días no envía la respuesta o la misma es de rechazo, se le tendrá por desistido.» Siete. Se añade una nueva disposición final vigésima tercera con la siguiente redacción:
«Disposición final vigésima tercera. Medidas para facilitar la aplicación en España del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 12 de diciembre de 2006, por el que se establece un proceso monitorio europeo.
1. Corresponde al Juzgado de Primera Instancia, de forma exclusiva y excluyente, el conocimiento de la instancia del proceso monitorio europeo, regulado en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 12 de diciembre de 2006.
La competencia territorial se determinará con arreglo a lo dispuesto en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 44/2001 del Consejo, de 22 de diciembre de 2000, relativo a la competencia judicial, el reconocimiento y la ejecución de resoluciones judiciales en materia civil y mercantil, y, en lo no previsto, con arreglo a la legislación procesal española.
2. La petición de requerimiento europeo de pago se presentará a través del formulario A que figura en el anexo I del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006, sin necesidad de aportar documentación alguna, que en su caso será inadmitida.
3. Formulada una petición de requerimiento europeo de pago, el secretario judicial mediante decreto y en la forma prevista en el formulario B del anexo II del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006, podrá instar al demandante para que complete o rectifique su petición, salvo que ésta sea manifiestamente infundada o inadmisible, de acuerdo con lo dispuesto en el artículo 9 del citado Reglamento, en cuyo caso resolverá el juez mediante auto.
4. Si los requisitos establecidos en los artículos 2, 3, 4, 6 y 7 del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006 se dan únicamente respecto de una parte de la petición, el secretario judicial dará traslado al juez, quien, en su caso, mediante auto y en la forma prevista en el formulario C del anexo III planteará al demandante aceptar o rechazar una propuesta de requerimiento europeo de pago por el importe que especifique, de acuerdo con lo dispuesto en el artículo 10 del citado Reglamento.
En la propuesta se deberá informar al demandante de que, si no envía la respuesta o la misma es de rechazo, se desestimará íntegramente la petición del requerimiento europeo de pago, sin perjuicio de la posibilidad de formular la reclamación del crédito a través del juicio que corresponda con arreglo a las normas procesales nacionales o comunitarias.
El demandante responderá devolviendo el formulario C enviado en el plazo que se haya especificado. Si se acepta la propuesta de requerimiento europeo de pago parcial, la parte restante del crédito inicial podrá ser reclamada a través del juicio que corresponda con arreglo a las normas procesales nacionales o comunitarias.
5. La desestimación de la petición de requerimiento europeo de pago se adoptará mediante auto, de conformidad con el artículo 11. Igualmente, se informará al demandante de los motivos de la desestimación en la forma prevista en el formulario D del anexo IV del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006. Dicho auto no será susceptible de recurso.
6. La expedición de un requerimiento europeo de pago se adoptará mediante decreto en el plazo máximo de treinta días desde la fecha de presentación de la petición, y en la forma prevista en el formulario E del anexo V del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006, de conformidad con lo dispuesto en el artículo 12 del citado Reglamento.
El plazo de treinta días no comprenderá el tiempo empleado por el demandante para completar, rectificar o modificar la petición.
7. El demandado podrá presentar en el plazo de treinta días desde la notificación del requerimiento escrito de oposición, valiéndose del formulario F del anexo VI del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006 y con arreglo al artículo 16 del mismo. En la notificación del requerimiento se advertirá al demandado que el cómputo de los plazos se regirá por el Reglamento 1182/71 del Consejo, de 3 de junio de 1971, por el que se determinan las normas aplicables a los plazos, fechas y términos, sin que se excluyan los días inhábiles.
8. En el caso de que se presente escrito de oposición en el plazo señalado, el secretario judicial comunicará al demandante que ha de instar la continuación del asunto por el procedimiento que corresponda con arreglo a las normas procesales españolas ante el Juzgado de Primera Instancia, de lo Mercantil o de lo Social que corresponda, a menos que ya hubiera solicitado expresamente que, en dicho supuesto, se ponga fin al proceso.
En el caso de que en el plazo señalado no se haya formulado oposición o no se haya pagado la deuda, el secretario judicial pondrá fin al proceso monitorio declarando ejecutivo el requerimiento europeo de pago mediante decreto y en la forma prevista en el formulario G del anexo VII del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006, de conformidad con lo dispuesto en el artículo 18 del citado Reglamento.
El requerimiento europeo de pago se entregará al demandante debidamente testimoniado por el secretario judicial, bien sobre el original bien sobre la copia, haciendo constar esta circunstancia.
9. La competencia para la revisión de un requerimiento europeo de pago corresponde al órgano jurisdiccional que lo haya expedido. El procedimiento para la revisión de un requerimiento europeo de pago por las causas previstas en el artículo 20.1 del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006 se tramitará y resolverá de conformidad con lo previsto para la rescisión de sentencias firmes a instancia del litigante rebelde en los artículos 501 y concordantes de esta Ley.
La revisión prevista en el artículo 20.2 del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006 se tramitará por medio del incidente de nulidad de actos judiciales previsto en el artículo 241 de la Ley Orgánica 6/1985, de 1 de julio, del Poder Judicial.
10. Las notificaciones efectuadas por el tribunal con ocasión de la tramitación de un proceso monitorio europeo y de la expedición del requerimiento europeo de pago se llevarán a cabo con arreglo a lo dispuesto en esta Ley, siempre que se trate de medios de comunicación previstos en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006, prioritariamente por medios informáticos o telemáticos y, en su defecto, por cualquier otro medio que también permita tener constancia de la entrega al demandado del acto de comunicación.
11. Las cuestiones procesales no previstas en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006 para la expedición de un requerimiento europeo de pago se regirán por lo previsto en esta Ley para el proceso monitorio.
12. Los originales de los formularios contenidos en los anexos del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006 integrarán el procedimiento tanto en los casos en los que España sea Estado emisor del requerimiento europeo de pago como en los casos en los que España sea Estado de ejecución del mismo. A los efectos oportunos, se expedirán las copias testimoniadas que correspondan.
13. La competencia para la ejecución en España de un requerimiento europeo de pago que haya adquirido fuerza ejecutiva corresponde al Juzgado de Primera Instancia del domicilio del demandado.
Igualmente, le corresponderá la denegación de la ejecución del requerimiento europeo de pago, a instancia del demandado, así como la limitación de la ejecución, la constitución de garantía o la suspensión del procedimiento de ejecución a que se refieren los artículos 22 y 23 del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006.
14. Sin perjuicio de lo que dispongan las normas contenidas en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006, los procedimientos de ejecución en España de los requerimientos europeos de pago expedidos en otros Estados miembros se regirán por lo dispuesto en esta Ley. La tramitación de la denegación de la ejecución del requerimiento europeo de pago, así como la limitación de la ejecución, su suspensión o la constitución de garantía, se llevarán a cabo con arreglo a lo dispuesto en los artículos 556 y siguientes de esta Ley, y se resolverán mediante auto no susceptible de recurso.
15. Cuando deba ejecutarse en España un requerimiento europeo de pago, el demandante deberá presentar ante el Juzgado competente una traducción oficial al castellano o a la lengua oficial de la Comunidad Autónoma en cuyo territorio tengan lugar las actuaciones judiciales de dicho requerimiento, certificada en la forma prevista en el artículo 21 del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006.»
Ocho. Se añade una nueva disposición final vigésima cuarta con la siguiente redacción:
«Disposición final vigésima cuarta. Medidas para facilitar la aplicación en España del Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 11 de julio de 2007, por el que se establece un proceso europeo de escasa cuantía.
1. Corresponde al Juzgado de Primera Instancia o de lo Mercantil, en atención al objeto de la reclamación, el conocimiento en primera instancia del proceso europeo de escasa cuantía, regulado en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 11 de julio de 2007.
La competencia territorial se determinará con arreglo a lo dispuesto en el Reglamento CE 44/2001 del Consejo, de 22 de diciembre de 2000, relativo a la competencia judicial, el reconocimiento y la ejecución de resoluciones judiciales en materia civil y mercantil, y, en lo no previsto, con arreglo a la legislación procesal española.
2. El proceso europeo de escasa cuantía se iniciará y tramitará en la forma prevista en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007 y con arreglo a los formularios que figuran en los anexos del mismo.
Las cuestiones procesales no previstas en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007 se regirán por lo previsto en esta Ley para el juicio verbal.
El cómputo de los plazos se regirá por el Reglamento 1182/71 del Consejo, de 3 de junio de 1971, por el que se determinan las normas aplicables a los plazos, fechas y términos, sin que se excluyan los días inhábiles.
3. Las cuestiones a que se refieren los apartados 3 y 4 del artículo 4 del Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007 se decidirán mediante decreto del secretario judicial, salvo que implique la desestimación de la demanda, en cuyo caso resolverá el juez mediante auto. En ambos casos se concederá un plazo de diez días al demandante para que manifieste lo que a su derecho convenga en relación con dicho artículo.
4. Si el demandado adujese inadecuación del procedimiento por superar la reclamación de demanda no pecuniaria el valor establecido en el apartado 1 del artículo 2 del Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007, el juez decidirá por auto en el plazo de treinta días, contado desde que se diera traslado al demandante para que formule alegaciones, si la demanda ha de tramitarse por el presente procedimiento o bien transformarse en el procedimiento correspondiente conforme a las normas procesales españolas. Contra este auto no cabrá recurso alguno, sin perjuicio de reproducir su alegación en la apelación contra la sentencia dictada en otro procedimiento.
En caso de que se formule reconvención por el demandado y ésta supere el límite de la cuantía que se establece en el artículo 2.1 del Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007, el juez resolverá mediante auto que el asunto se tramite por el procedimiento que corresponda con arreglo a las normas procesales españolas.
5. Las notificaciones efectuadas con ocasión de la tramitación de un proceso europeo de escasa cuantía se llevarán a cabo con arreglo a lo dispuesto en esta Ley, siempre que se trate de medios de comunicación previstos en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007, prioritariamente por medios informáticos o telemáticos y, en su defecto, por cualquier otro medio que también permita tener constancia de la entrega al demandado del acto de comunicación.
6. Contra la sentencia que ponga fin al proceso europeo de escasa cuantía podrá interponerse el recurso que corresponda de acuerdo con esta Ley.
7. La competencia para la ejecución en España de una sentencia dictada en otro Estado miembro de la Unión Europea que ponga fin a un proceso europeo de escasa cuantía corresponde al Juzgado de Primera Instancia del domicilio del demandado.
Igualmente, le corresponderá la denegación de la ejecución de la sentencia, a instancia del demandado, así como la limitación de la ejecución, la constitución de garantía o la suspensión del procedimiento de ejecución a que se refieren los artículos 22 y 23 del Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007.
8. Los procedimientos de ejecución en España de las sentencias dictadas en otros Estados miembros de la Unión Europea que pongan fin a un proceso europeo de escasa cuantía se regirán por lo dispuesto en esta Ley.
La tramitación de la denegación de la ejecución de la sentencia, así como la limitación de la ejecución, su suspensión o la constitución de garantía, se llevarán a cabo con arreglo a lo dispuesto en los artículos 556 y siguientes de esta Ley, sin que en ningún caso la sentencia pueda ser objeto de revisión en cuanto al fondo, y se resolverán mediante auto no susceptible de recurso.
9. Cuando deba ejecutarse en España una sentencia dictada en otro Estado miembro de la Unión Europea que ponga fin a un proceso europeo de escasa cuantía, el demandante deberá presentar ante el Juzgado competente una traducción oficial al castellano o a la lengua oficial de la Comunidad Autónoma en cuyo territorio tengan lugar las actuaciones judiciales del certificado de dicha sentencia, certificada en la forma prevista en el apartado 2 del artículo 21 del Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007.
10. Los originales de los formularios contenidos en los anexos del Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007, integrarán los autos tanto en los casos en los que sea un tribunal español el que resuelva el proceso europeo de escasa cuantía como en los casos en los que España sea Estado de ejecución del mismo. A los efectos oportunos, se expedirán las copias testimoniadas que correspondan.»
Nueve. Se desplaza la actual disposición final vigésima quinta a vigésima sexta y se añade una nueva disposición final vigésima quinta, con la siguiente redacción:
«Disposición final vigésima quinta. Formularios de procesos o instrumentos procesales regulados en normas de la Unión Europea.
Las Administraciones Públicas competentes para la provisión de medios materiales al servicio de la Administración de Justicia proveerán la puesta a disposición de los órganos jurisdiccionales y del público de los formularios procesales contenidos en normas de la Unión Europea.»

Modificacion LEC (2)

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 09:23:00 +0000

Modificacion LEC (2)
Al objeto de facilitar la aplicación en España de estos dos nuevos procesos europeos monitorio y de escasa cuantía y a la espera de que se aborde la aprobación de la ley de cooperación jurídica internacional que prevé nuestra Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil, se introducen en esta última norma tres nuevas disposiciones finales.

El objeto de estos preceptos se limita a precisar aquellas disposiciones de las normas de la Unión Europea que lo requieren y, en concreto, los temas de competencia judicial, tipo de resoluciones a adoptar por el juez o el secretario judicial y su enlace con el formulario de los Reglamentos europeos que corresponda al trámite de que se trate, los recursos procedentes con arreglo a nuestro Derecho, y normas procesales supletorias en cada caso. Normas necesarias que, en todo caso, permiten la plena aplicación del Reglamento comunitario por los tribunales españoles y que aclaran la tramitación de estos nuevos procedimientos judiciales caracterizados por el uso de formularios y reservados exclusivamente para litigios transfronterizos. Este uso de formularios justifica que una de las nuevas disposiciones finales de la Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil establezca la obligación de las Administraciones públicas competentes de poner a disposición tanto de los tribunales como del público los formularios que se puedan prever en cualquiera de las normas que integran ese Derecho procesal europeo.

Modificacion LEC (1)

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:23:00 +0000

Modificacion LEC (1)
La protección del crédito ha acaparado una importancia creciente en los últimos años y tuvo un hito especialmente relevante en el Derecho español con la regulación del proceso monitorio en la Ley 1/2000, de 7 de enero, de Enjuiciamiento Civil. El éxito de este instrumento procedimentalmente breve que permite, con cierta facilidad, obtener un auto de ejecución de un derecho de crédito con ciertas características, se ha traducido en el incremento de su importancia cuantitativa, que lo ha situado en la actualidad como procedimiento previo de más de una tercera parte del total de las ejecuciones del orden civil.

La reciente aprobación de la Ley 13/2009, de 3 de noviembre, de reforma de la legislación procesal para la implantación de la nueva oficina judicial, ha tenido en cuenta la necesidad de fomentar esta vía procesal y ha aumentado la cantidad máxima que se puede reclamar a través del proceso monitorio, que ha pasado de 30.000 a 250.000 euros, junto a otras modificaciones que resuelven dudas interpretativas. Esta misma ley también ha actualizado la cuantía máxima de las reclamaciones que se tramitarán por el cauce del juicio verbal, que ha pasado de 3.000 a 6.000 euros.

II

Estas reformas, aparte de actualizar esos procesos y facilitar tramitaciones simplificadas que permitan agilizar la justicia, suponen también una aproximación a los instrumentos que, con igual propósito de tutelar los créditos, se han ido implantando por la Unión Europea estos últimos años a través de lo que la doctrina califica como un Derecho procesal europeo.

Precisamente los dos últimos pasos en este camino han tenido lugar con la aprobación del Reglamento (CE) n.º 1896/2006 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 12 de diciembre de 2006, por el que se establece un proceso monitorio europeo, y el Reglamento (CE) n.º 861/2007 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 11 de julio de 2007, por el que se establece un proceso europeo de escasa cuantía.

El proceso monitorio europeo aparece como una vía de reclamación transfronteriza de créditos pecuniarios no impugnados, mientras que el proceso europeo de escasa cuantía permite cualquier tipo de demanda cuando su valor, excluidos los intereses, gastos y costas, no rebase los 2.000 euros. Ambos procesos comprenden reclamaciones en asuntos civiles y mercantiles, conceptos que deben interpretarse de acuerdo con las normas de la Unión Europea. En el caso del proceso monitorio, no así en el procedimiento europeo de escasa cuantía, se incluyen en su ámbito supuestos como el contrato de trabajo, que en el Derecho español no constituye instituto propio del Derecho civil o mercantil y que, sin embargo, ha de tener cabida en este proceso.

En ambos casos, el instrumento normativo empleado por la Unión Europea supone la aplicación directa de sus disposiciones, lo que no exime al legislador español de aprobar las normas precisas para engarzar esos dos nuevos procesos con nuestras leyes procesales y, en especial, con nuestra Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil, y colmar así las lagunas de tales Reglamentos.

Growth Motives.

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Growth Motives.

Growth opportunities associated with international markets were identified as a key driver of firm internationalization in several recent studies. Orser et al. (2008), for example, reports say that after allowing for the impacts of firm size and sector, Canadian legal firms whose owners had expressed growth intentions were more than twice as likely to export, than those whose owners did not indicate growth ambitions. Firms‟ overseas venturing decision also seems to be motivated by a need for business growth, profits, an increased market size, a stronger market position, and to reduce dependence on a single or smaller number of markets. The possibility of growth in other markets and increased profit opportunities from international expansion were highlighted as key stimuli for exporting among the Australian, British, Spanish, Swedish, and US firms investigated in recent studies.

Media Marketing Online expands operations in Asia Pacific with a company in Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 11:34:00 +0000

Media Marketing Online expands operations in Asia Pacific with a company in Hong Kong

We are excited to say that we have expanded our operations in the Asia Pacific region. Through our new regional company in Hong Kong, our local team will support MMO’s customers – advertisers, agencies, publishers and bloggers – in connecting with the growing number of consumers across the region that are accessing blogs, news and mobile web sites.
Outside of Europe and Latin America, Asia is the MMO’s largest markets today. We’ve seen iPhone usage explode in advanced markets such as Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Our team in Hong Kong is already starting to work closely with customers throughout the region to open new online magazines and to break down the barriers to doing business on mobile. Our goal is to develop the global magazine online marketplace and make mobile work for advertisers who want to engage with a targeted audience of consumers and for mobile publishers who need to effectively monetize their business. In addition, our localized sites for English, Bahasa or Chinese delivers the rich functionality, detailed targeting options, scalable ad units and robust self-serve capabilities the Asia Pacific market needs.
We are looking forward to the challenge of continuing to grow Media Marketing Online’s leadership position in online magazine and mobile advertising in Asia Pacific.
For more information, visit www.media-marketing-online.com

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:28:00 +0000

This Blog/Web Site ("Blog") does not to provide specific legal advice, it is for educational purposes only. This Blog is made available by the international adviser, lawyer or law firm for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. The Blog does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney in your state. Any comment posted on the Blog can be read by any Blog visitor; do not post confidential or sensitive information. Any links from another site to the Blog are beyond the control of us. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional adviser or lawyer in your country.Our firm and do not convey their approval, support or any relationship to any site or organization. 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European Union Direct Taxes

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:01:00 +0000

Permanent Establishment is a vital concept in international taxation. While for direct taxes, it is mainly defined by the OECD Model Convention, the European VAT Directive and its implementing Regulation provide an EU-wide approach for VAT.
Difficulties arise as terminology and definitions in indirect and direct tax diverge. Moreover, countries have implemented and interpreted the EU and OECD rules in a different way, impacting on issues like cross-border reorganisations, transfer pricing, taxation of dividends and interest and royalties, tax residence, temporary and permanent transfer of assets, place of supply and VAT liability.
In both direct and indirect tax, the concept of Permanent Establishment has undergone very recent changes: The 2010 changes to the OECD Model Convention and Commentary, and in particular the new Art. 7, will be adopted in national law, as speakers from the Netherlands and Germany will report. The effect of the new definition on treaties with other countries will also be considered.
Some of this topic is addressed in the new book "European Union Direct Taxes", by the International Tax Professor Salvador Trinxet Llorca.
In indirect tax, the current more important issue is the practical consequences of the adoption of the Regulation implementing the EU VAT Directive in January 2011.

Internationalization

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:31:00 +0000

internationalization and international entrepreneurship among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has remained a topic of considerable contemporary relevance, principally owing to the observed growth effects of cross-border venturing, and the demonstrated capacity of SMEs to drive economic development at national, regional, and global levels (European Commission, 2007). This realisation was at the heart of the 2007 OECD-APEC study on Removing Barriers to SME Access to International Markets, which provided general findings on the major barriers to SME internationalization as perceived by SMEs and policymakers in OECD and APEC member economies.1 The need to obtain a greater depth of understanding and an updated view of the issues raised by the OECD-APEC study provided a raison d'être for this follow-up project. Other value adding features include the additional focus on motivations for SME internationalization ; the coverage of recently available documentation from economies involved in the OECD enlargement (Chile, Estonia, Israel, Russia, and Slovenia) and enhanced engagement process (Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and South Africa); and the sub-national and sectoral insights offered on SME internationalization barriers, motivations and support programs.

The specific objectives of OCDE report about SME Internationalisation

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:42:00 +0000

i. To analyse in-depth the most significant barriers to SME internationalisation identified from the 2007 OECD-APEC sponsored research on this theme, with a view to uncovering new insights into the nature of these top barriers;

ii. To review recent work pertaining to factors that drive or motivate the internationalisation of SMEs; and

iii. To develop a deeper understanding of the current programs for SME internationalisation, particularly the specific measures aimed at addressing the top barriers identified.

To ensure a greater depth of understanding on SME internationalisation barriers, this study focused on the top four barriers identified by the OECD-APEC study as being by far and away the most serious impediments to SME internationalisation (see Table 1). These include 1) Shortage of working capital to finance exports; 2) Identifying foreign business opportunities; 3) Limited information to locate/analyse markets; and 4) Inability to contact potential overseas customers. A fifth barrier, „lack of managerial time, skills and knowledge‟, is additionally examined. The reasoning is threefold: one, this reflects the importance of this barrier in the Member Economy survey (see Table 2); two, the consistently highlighted primacy of managerial factors in previous relevant global surveys; and three, the widely acknowledged importance of skilled human resources in all areas of economic activity, including market innovation.

To provide an updated appreciation of pertinent aspects of SME internationalisation, the report reviewed the post OECD-APEC survey evidence on the top barriers, drivers and support programs across OECD and APEC member economies and other economies involved in the OECD enlargement and enhanced engagement processes. This has yielded important longitudinal insights, thereby indicating that support programs are appropriately focused on the most resilient and enduring of the factors affecting SME internationalisation.

An opinion from one of our readers commenting the news from Yahoo

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:13:00 +0000

What difference would it make to our standard of living if EVERYONE paid an increase in taxes?. Several people are tired of the argument over tax the rich but not the middle class. Social Security recipients have given up the COLA for two years. Who else in the country has already given up that much? Why not let the Bush tax cuts expire for everyone? Returning taxes to the Clinton era levels might return us to the Clinton era prosperity levels. It is worth a try since nothing we have done since the Clinton era has worked. America has been in decline since he left office.

Another blog where you'll find International Tax information is International Tax Spain

Proposta da Comissão

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:33:00 +0000

O objectivo da proposta consiste em estabelecer um procedimento que permita à Comunidade avaliar se existe um interesse comunitário suficiente para concluir acordos bilaterais propostos com países terceiros e, na ausência do mesmo, autorizar os Estados-Membros a concluírem estes acordos com países terceiros em certos domínios da cooperação judiciária em materia civil e comercial que são da competência exclusiva da Comunidade.

Uma vez que a autorização concedida aos Estados-Membros constitui uma derrogação à regra segundo a qual a Comunidade tem competência exclusiva para concluir acordos internacionais sobre estas matérias, o procedimento deve ser considerado uma medida excepcional e ter um âmbito de aplicação e uma duração limitados.

Propõe-se limitar o procedimento em causa às questões sectoriais relacionadas com as matérias matrimoniais, a responsabilidade parental e de obrigações de alimentos, por um lado, e com a lei aplicável às obrigações contratuais e extracontratuais, por outro. A proposta em anexo diz respeito ao segundo domínio.

A Comissão propõe as garantias a seguir descritas com o objectivo de preservar o acervo comunitário, incluindo a integridade do sistema comunitário no domínio em causa.

O procedimento baseia-se na notificação prévia do projecto de acordo pelos Estados-Membros que pretendem obter uma autorização para renegociar e concluir um acordó com um país terceiro com base em condições específicas a avaliar caso a caso.

More about international lawyers on International Lawyers

Behavioral marketing by International Lawyers

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:27:00 +0000

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS BELONG TOGETHER

When Starting a business behavioral marketing also fosters a worldwide exchange of information internally as experienced by International Lawyers. Knowledge of global events and issues is only useful to customers if it is available around the world. When it comes to efficient marketing, Freshfields combines specialization with the advantages inherent in a large-scale company. For example, one of its objectives is to represent clients who were acquired in the finance or corporate sectors in the labor law area, too. Cross-selling is also used as a marketing support tool—if cases span sectors, Freshfields will offer a price discount. Clear positioning is necessary and becomes all the more difficult as more companies seek it. And this dictum applies to Freshfields and its competitors as it does to every service industry. "There's no sense in sprucing up a commercial if you're putting out the same message as your competitors," says Kotler. In other words, "focus" will be the buzzword in future, particularly within the service sector. Looking at seemingly straightforward services, two-way communications (preferably demand-oriented) with the customer are becoming more significant, and that extends all the way to complaint management. The Pizza Hut franchise chain, for example, prints its hotline number on every pizza box to take calls from unsatisfied customers. The franchise manager then has 48 hours to resolve the problem. The luxury-hotel chain Hyatt is also known for its fast response times to customer complaints— you can even send them to management using the in-room television and its remote control.

DOES DEMARKETING CREATE A NEW SENSE OF TRUST?

For Kotler, such trust-enhancing measures are just a small part of the imminent marketing revolution. "We want to develop methods that will actually reduce an otherwise continually increasing demand," is Kotler's position, which is surprising from a marketing perspective. The essence of this approach is to perceive "demarketing" as a source of trust. According to this notion, keeping certain types of customers away from your product may actually be a positive marketing approach. One might be inclined to think that this attitude is naïve. But that's not necessarily so, says Kotler, although it does have to be grasped properly in-house. "First, one has to identify values. And then one has to hire people who believe in these values and embody them." Crises always represent crucial tests for Kotler's value-based marketing. For example, in difficult times, how do companies deal with clients that are late with payments? John Deere, the US-based agricultural equipment manufacturer, may serve as a role model, he says. "John Deere helped farmers, while rival International Harvester unceremoniously seized its machines." John Deere's level of generosity is rarely found among service providers, even though times of crisis are a perfect opportunity to create new customer loyalty. Kotler recommends to banks and insurance companies in particular that they fully understand the acute problems some of their customers may be facing. He also thinks that their advertising requires a different tone. "The financial crisis compelled many service providers to rethink their marketing and advertising strategies." Solidarity is the new mantra, he says. For example, Morgan Stanley's European advertisements promote their high equity ratio compared with other banks. "They're probably doing the right thing," Kotler explains "Especially if other banks have to address some rather uncomfortable questions on this point."

IT'S EASIER TO SEPARATE THE GOOD GUYS FROM THE BAD GUYS

These questions are certainly being asked, not just in the industry but publicly as well when starting a business. The growth of social media makes companies an ongoing subject of debate. Internet portals where consumers can discuss their experiences make it "easy these days to differentiate the good guys from the bad guys." From a marketing perspective, turbulent times are actually good times, according to the tenor of Kotler's new book Chaotics. "Ryanair is an example that says a few things about seizing an opportunity that arose from the crisis," he states. During the crisis, Ryanair ran a massive advertising campaign and thereby tapped customers' magnified price consciousness. The outcome was a substantial gain in market share.

KOTLER'S "KEY" POINTERS FOR SERVICE MARKETING MANAGERS. "QUALITY IS KING"

Nowadays, customers have precise expectations of services they utilize. Social media platforms such as Facebook increase transparency, which means customers now define quality.

"BUILDING THE MARKETING ORGANIZATION"

Building up long-term customer relationships is more difficult today than ever before. Customers are fickle. Marketing must quickly adjust to new situations and therefore needs to have, first and foremost, a very flexible organization.

"THE FIRM CAN'T BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE"

Opportunities for service companies to differentiate themselves from one another are on the rise. They can be socially oriented or maintain higher environmental standards than their competitors. It's all about accessibility. The physical presence remains irreplaceable. For example, online banks in Europe are currently setting up "finance lounges" in major cities.

More about the International Lawyers that you will need to start a business on International Lawyers to start a business

“All muscle and no fat”

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:01:00 +0000

"All muscle and no fat"

Marketing is becoming more important in the professional services industry and the legal consultants . But how does one market non-visible products such as the International Lawyers? According to expert Philip Kotler an international lawyer, you use credibility. Revealing a previously unseen socially conscious side, he recommends combining sustainability and smart communications.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes are the conscience of the investment industry. Companies identified as "supersector leaders" not only receive the blessing of critical customers, they will also be among the favored billion-euro funds that focus on ethical conduct. As a result, sustainability has become a firm part of the marketing strategy of global companies. This used to apply especially to manufacturers of consumer goods—until now, at least.

Now, high-end service providers might want to rethink the situation. At least, that's what marketing guru Philip Kotler is urging. In a meeting with think:act, he recommends that service companies change their way of thinking because what they really do is deliver trust. However, they first need to earn that trust via responsible conduct. Kotler is at the forefront of the reform movement, even though he previously represented more traditional marketing approaches. In his book Corporate Social Responsibility, he examines how companies perceive the obligation of giving back to society. When American Express promotes education and tourism projects in developing countries, or when IBM participates in social issues, these actions contribute to the companies' authenticity, he says. "It's always better if a company draws attention to itself through its philanthropic projects," rather than by means of traditional product advertising. In principle, long-term service marketing begins with a company's core processes. The public will see right through any "greenwash."

Consumers and customers are no longer passive participants in the marketing process: people will find out if a European logistics company is marketing itself as green while at the same time running poorly maintained, pollution-spewing trucks in its transportation operations. On the other hand, a substantial social commitment offers more than just external gains. It makes companies smarter by creating dialogue platforms. They increase inhouse expertise and ensure that management understands not just financial markets but also social trends. However, the desire to hold a long-term position is crucial, especially in this competition for dialogue platforms. And this is where marketing, which often pursues short-term effects, needs to rethink its game, as exemplified by promoting social initiatives. Kotler warns about reducing socially oriented commitments too quickly in turbulent times: "Management does save money in the short term, but will lose it again in the long term once the situation improves." Companies that abandoned community organizations when these needed support most desperately will see interest groups and customers losing trust in them. Kotler is convinced that services require at least as much marketing substance as tangible products. In fact, the latter are fairly easy to advertise. Things get a little more complicated when it comes to corporate consulting or internationally active commercial law firms, like the Lovells and Linklaters of the world. For them, close personal relations with clients are crucial. This skill can be acquired and it goes by the name of "behavioral marketing." Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is one law firm that demonstrates how the concept works in practice. It draws clients by having teams that specialize in various industry sectors. Team members must not only be right up-to-date with the latest legal news developments, they must also be proactive in keeping the client informed. Thus, in a broader sense, every good international attorney also serves as the client's counsel.

Expatriates Moving to countries which are not prescribed territories for expatriates

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:19:00 +0000

Expatriates can move to countries which are not prescribed territories

According to the savings directive, you do not need to make a report if a UK passport holder moves permanently to a country which is not a prescribed territory, although the payment may be reportable under S17 or S18.

However, if an individual falling under the general rules and living in the UK (or in another Member State) and who has a passport or ID card issued by a Member State other than the UK moves to a country not covered by the scheme and does not produce a certificate of residence for tax purposes from that country's authorities, a report will be required. You will need to update your records to include all the necessary information.

This is because the country of residence for reporting purposes will be the Member State which issued the individual's passport or identity card.

For example, a paying agent makes a savings income payment to a Spanish passport holder living in the UK with whom he has a contractual relationship entered into on or after 1 January 2004. The individual moves to Iceland, but does not obtain a certificate of tax residence from the Icelandic authorities.

The country of residence for reporting purposes is now Spain. Therefore the paying agent will need to obtain and verify the individual's name and address and either the individual's TIN or date and place of birth.

When an individual moves during the year, there may be more than one country of residence and address for the same reporting period.

As long as you report consistently, you may report either the address and country of residence at the time the savings income payment is made, or the address and country of residence at the end of the reporting year (5 April).

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Litigation Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:05:00 +0000

Litigation Risk

Despite prudent decisions and the best possible advice, corporate directors face an increase in international legal actions that can impact their personal assets. think:act examines what top managers should look for in corporate D&O (directors and officers) programs.

The Enron scandal of the last decade transformed corporate governance. It also had a lasting effect on the D&O insurance market, given CEO Jeffrey Skilling's legal bills estimated at $23 million: The case piqued interest in the coverage that protects company officers from personal financial liability if they are sued. And, as insurers assessed the riskier business climate, premiums began to rise. Like malpractice insurance for high-level managers, the "directors and officers" insurance forms a worldwide market today, worth $8.8 billion in 2008, and covers top managers in the event of a breach of duty and a resulting lawsuit. Usually reserved for companies with a fair share of assets and management board structures, the pricey insurance policies, with premiums that can reach up to several hundred thousand euros a year for millions in coverage, essentially let individuals hedge the personal financial risks they face by playing in the top league. At the same time, the policies are a tool for making corporate entities responsible for the actions of their employees and protecting corporate assets.

D&O Policy Holders are more likely than ever to be sued.

In the aftermath of the subprime financial crisis, companies as well as their directors are advised to be even more cautious about potential financial liability for their management decisions, says attorney Kevin M. LaCroix, the author of the D&O Diary and a director of OakBridge Insurance Services. That's because D&O policyholders are now more likely to be sued, and more likely to be sued for larger amounts, than in the presubprime era. Whereas class-action lawsuits were once common only in the US, such lawsuits— with their massive potential for financial damage—are gaining popularity outside North America as part of governance reform aimed at securing recourse for shareholders. According to Advisen, an insurance research firm, cases settled since 2005 in Europe were for average settlements of €117 million. Although some anti-corporate activists argue that the coverage creates an incentive for misbehavior, scholars find no evidence that the coverage motivates mismanagement, just as carrying auto liability insurance hardly gives drivers a reason to cause an accident. Suits against managers can come with a host of punitive effects, including reputational loss, jail time and possible fines in the event of a scandal. Enron's Skilling is serving a 24-year term in prison and was fined $45 million. Fines are typically excluded from a policy's benefits. D&O coverage tends to be best advised on by lawyers and specialized insurance brokers. The specialists recommend that policies go far beyond the basic requirements of being large enough to cover the cost of settlements. They stress that policies must be tailored for each individual buyer, depending on the area of business and the risks present. In the US, a large number of D&O claims are made for a manager's conduct related to human resources, such as hiring and firing decisions. But an increasing number of claims are being filed against directors and officers for securities-related misconduct. What's more, American law is known to have a long arm from which managers around the world might need to defend themselves. Witness the Enron-related case of the NatWest Three. The British bankers involved were extradited to and tried in the United States, where they also served prison terms for wire fraud committed in the UK.

Megan Colwell, an expert in management liability insurance at Woodruff Sawyer & Co., a California insurance brokerage and specialist of international legal actions, offers her clients a choice of roughly 10 to 15 insurers. Her firm is paid by commission from insurance companies or consulting fees from the client. Colwell recommends that companies with international operations acquire specialized advice to align their corporate D&O program to the risks in different countries.

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Moving from one prescribed territory to another

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:35:00 +0000

Moving from one prescribed territory to another

An International Lawyer is intended to study all the European Directives. According to the Savings Directive, "If an individual, who is currently reportable because they live in one prescribed territory, moves to a different prescribed territory, you may need to update the address and country of residence information. If the individual moves to a Member State, you may also need to obtain and verify a new TIN, since the information you hold may be out of date (because the TIN to be reported is the TIN issued by the Member State in which the individual resides). If you cannot obtain the new TIN you should obtain, verify and report the date and place of birth.

For example, a UK paying agent makes a savings income payment to a Spanish passport holder whose permanent address is in France. The paying agent has a contractual relationship made on or after 1 January 2004 with the individual, who moves permanently to Germany.

The paying agent currently reports the payee's name, address, country of residence (France) and the French TIN. If the payee moves to Germany, the paying agent will need to report the payee's name, new address and country of residence (now Germany). Since it is a relationship made on or after 1 January 2004 he will also – if Germany is now the country of tax residence - need to obtain and verify the new German TIN or, if it is not available, the date and place of birth."

You can find out about an international lawyer on International Lawyer

Moving from the UK to a prescribed territory

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:10:00 +0000

Moving from the UK to a prescribed territory

According to the Savings Directive, "If a UK individual changes address to a prescribed territory you will need to report on the basis of the new address. This may mean you need to obtain additional information and/or update your system.

For example, a UK paying agent pays savings income to an individual who lives in the UK. This is not reportable under the scheme. He has a contractual relationship made on or after 1 January 2004 with the individual.

If the payee moves to Spain, they will become reportable and the paying agent will need to update his records to fulfill his obligations under the scheme. Since he has a relationship which began on or after 1 January 2004 with the individual, he will also need to verify the name and address in addition to obtaining and verifying the TIN or the date and place of birth.

Where both the identity and UK address were verified to KYC standards, and the contractual relationship began after 1 January 2004, subsequent changes can be 'self certified' in accordance with paragraph 183.

More information about international Lawyers on International Lawyers

The Grandfathered bonds.

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:52:00 +0000

Guidance Notes vs. 5 - draft vs. 8 - cleaned up version

The Grandfathered bonds.

According to the Savings Directive, "Certain negotiable debt securities are not treated as money debts if they meet certain conditions for the duration of a transitional period which ends on 31 December 2010. These securities ("grandfathered bonds") do not then count as money debts for all purposes of the regulations up to 31 December 2010: interest, premiums and discounts derived from these bonds are not savings income; and investment in these bonds does not count when deciding whether the thresholds which determine whether income from certain collective investment funds is savings income have been passed.

A security will be a grandfathered bond if:

• it was first issued before 1 March 2001 or the prospectus was first approved by the appropriate regulatory authority before that date, and

• no further issue was made on or after 1 March 2002.

If the bond is a government bond (or issued by a related public authority or an international organisation – see the Schedule to the regulations) and a further issue is made on or after 1 March 2002, the whole of the issue (whether made before, on or after 1 March 2002) is not a grandfathered bond. The whole issue of the bond is a money debt. If the bond is issued by another type of issuer (e.g. a commercial company) and a further issue is made on or after 1 March 2002, only the part of the issue made on or after 1 March 2002 is not a grandfathered bond. This part of the bond issue is treated as a money debt; the rest of the issue (made before 1 March 2002) is not a money debt."

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The Basel III Reform

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 09:50:00 +0000

In Europe, Basel III will require the credit institutions to have higher core capital in order to absorb the same volume of assets that they have right now, consequently, the return on capital will be lower, with the logical des-incentive for the entry of new investors. On the other hand, in the US, the Volker Rule, is just a new restatement of the old Glass Steagall Act, which protected the financial system by imposing restrictions on the activities carried out by the credit institutions, basically separating the investment banking from the commercial banking activity.

The argument to support this reform is that investment banking exposes the credit institutions to a completely different set of risks compared with commercial banking, with the aggravating factor that these entities are supported by the FDIC or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, so at the end of the day, the excessive risk assumed by the entities through those activities not related to commercial banking may end up being paid with taxpayers' money.

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Clean or dirty Cash Shells in the Plus Market Exchange

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:43:00 +0000

Cash shells can be "clean‟ purpose built with a fresh pool of capital with the aim of finding a project seeking capital to acquire.

Investors in the shell are backing the board to spend their cash wisely and target profitable companies or companies that can achieve capital growth, even though they have not yet secured a deal.

Alternatively, they can be "dirty‟ companies with a stock market quote and some funds whose previous business failed and have undergone a restructuring and a formal arrangement to eliminate all the company‟ old liabilities.

More about the Plus Market Exchange on:

http://international-tax-lawyer.blogspot.com/

http://foreign-tax.blogspot.com/

¿Existen importantes novedades en la ley de Sociedades de Capital respecto a las juntas generales?

noreply@blogger.com (Adogados y especialistas) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:51:00 +0000

Este es uno de los apartados donde la LEY DE SOCIEDADES DE CAPITAL ha puesto más énfasis en su afán de armonizar las disposiciones hasta ahora aplicables a los diferentes tipos sociales, extendiéndose las normas antes previstas para un solo tipo de sociedad, a todas las clases de sociedades de capital.

Ejemplos de lo anterior podrían ser: (i) la extensión a las sociedades de responsabilidad limitada de las clases de juntas (ordinarias/extraordinarias), (ii) la aplicación para las sociedades anónimas del régimen de convocatoria judicial previsto anteriormente para las sociedades de responsabilidad limitada, (iii) la enumeración sistemática para las sociedades anónimas de los asuntos competencia de la junta general que antes solo estaban previstos para las sociedades de responsabilidad limitada, o (iv) la obligación por parte de los administradores de las sociedades de responsabilidad limitada (antes previsto expresamente solo para las sociedades anónimas) de asistir a las juntas generales.

En materia de impugnación de acuerdos, se autoriza, cuando ello sea posible, que el juez permita a la sociedad demandada subsanar la causa de impugnación5.

La ley de Sociedades de Capital, en cuanto a modificación de estatutos sociales, y más concretamente, al capital de la sociedad, ha optado por soluciones ya contempladas en el caso de sociedades anónimas. ¿De qué se trata exactamente?

Con la nueva ley se han ampliado a las sociedades de responsabilidad limitada los derechos de información de los socios en las modificaciones estatutarias actualmente previstos en sede de sociedades anónimas: con la LEY DE SOCIEDADES DE CAPITAL, los socios tendrán el mismo derecho que los accionistas de una sociedad anónima a pedir la entrega o el envío gratuito de los documentos relativos a las modificaciones estatutarias.

En relación al capital de las sociedades:

· En el ámbito de las operaciones de aumento de capital con cargo a reservas, se pasa a exigir a las sociedades de responsabilidad limitada la verificación por auditor del balance que sirva de base para la operación, tal y como se venía exigiendo para las sociedades anónimas.

· Se suprime el derecho de asunción preferente en aumentos de capital con aportaciones no dinerarias en sociedades de responsabilidad limitada, equiparando así el régimen de asunción preferente al de suscripción preferente en sociedades anónimas tras la modificación operada por la LME.

· Se permiten las reducciones de capital para la constitución o el incremento de la reserva legal o de las reservas voluntarias en sede de sociedades de responsabilidad limitada (con el régimen vigente, únicamente podían reducir capital con dichas finalidades las sociedades anónimas).

· Entre la fecha del balance y la del acuerdo de reducción de capital, en caso de reducción de capital para compensar pérdidas o para dotar la reserva legal, no podrán transcurrir más de 6 meses (este requisito temporal sólo aplicaba a sociedades de responsabilidad limitada).

· Para que una sociedad limitada pueda repartir dividendos una vez reducido el capital, será preciso que la reserva legal alcance el diez por ciento del nuevo capital. Hasta la fecha, esta restricción operaba solamente para sociedades anónimas.

Los temas de Sociedades extranjeras están más detallados en:

http://salvadortrinxet.blogspot.com/

http://salvadortrinxetllorca.blogspot.com/

http://www.companies-home.com