Arbitration under fire in France

The panellists aim to bring attendees right up to date on the complexities of the French system.

“We will start with a general overview of the legal framework,” said Cyril Maucour, a partner at Baker & McKenzie in Paris, who will feature on the panel.

“There have been two landmark cases [involving Man hedge fund and Société Novartis Groupe France] and we will discuss the implications of the decisions,” he continued.

The session which Pierre Yves Bourtourault a partner at Baker & McKenzie in France will chair, will also cover the introduction of documentation requirements in France at the beginning of next year, experiences in tax controversies, the competent authority process and  arbitration .

“We will discuss whether arbitration works, it is a lengthy procedure and can take up to six years to reach a decision,” said Maucour. “The procedure is quite burdensome to taxpayers.”

Catherine Damelincourt, head of tax at electricity company EDF in France, will comment on the use of advance pricing agreements.

The other panellists are Olivier Schnebelen of aircraft and communication equipment manufacturers, Safran and Philippe Thiria, head of tax at Unilever, manufacturer of food, home care and personal products.

For further information on other panels and on attending the forum please click here.