Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

U.S. Corporate Tax Perspective Fueling Inversion Deals

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: March 28, 2014

Key Contacts

Back

As the U.S. tax climate – which is already one of the most stringent in the developed world – threatens to grow harsher, the corporate world is seeing an uptick in so-called “inversion” deals, according to Law360.

Companies that undergo inversions effectively give up their U.S. citizenship in order to move overseas – typically, into countries with lower corporate tax rates. Experts are predicting that deals structured in this way will continue to increase amid uncertainty in the future of U.S. tax law.

In a recent high-profile inversion deal, Chiquita Brands International Inc. structured its acquisition of Irish rival Fyffes PLC as a merger, allowing the company to effectively move to the lower-taxed country, according to Fresh Plaza. Chiquita says that the move won’t decrease its U.S. tax liability, but it will keep Fyffes from being considered by the IRS.

The acquisition is being conducted via a Dublin-based holding company, known currently as Twombly One Ltd., which will buy out the shareholders of both companies, according to the news source. Once Twombly One owns both Chiquita and Fyffes, it is expected to change its name to ChiquitaFyffes PLC.

While Chiquita stressed that the move was not intended as a bid to avoid U.S. taxes, the corporate tax rate in Ireland – 12.5 percent – is significantly lower than the U.S. corporate tax rate of 35 percent, according to Fresh Plaza. While the move may not change Chiquita’s 2014 tax liability, it may allow the new company with its tax planning in years to come.

“It is greatly improbable that they have chosen Ireland as its domicile because of its superior banana-growing climate,” Edward Kleinbard, a University of Southern California law professor and a former chief of staff for Congress’s Joint Committee on Taxation told the news source. “There may not be any immediate U.S. tax consequences, that is true, but it positions the combined company to shift future income growth outside the U.S. tax net.”

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals post image

Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals

Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals"
How to Conduct a Fair and Legal Employee Termination in 2025 post image

How to Conduct a Fair and Legal Employee Termination in 2025

Ongoing economic uncertainty is forcing many companies to make tough decisions, which includes lowering staff levels. The legal landscape on both the state and federal level also continues to evolve, especially with significant changes to the priorities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) under the Trump Administration. Terminating an employee is one of the […]

Author: Angela A. Turiano

Link to post with title - "How to Conduct a Fair and Legal Employee Termination in 2025"
Admin Dissolution for Annual Report: What You Need to Know post image

Admin Dissolution for Annual Report: What You Need to Know

While filing annual reports may seem like a nuisance, failing to do so can have significant ramifications. These include fines, reputational harm, and interruption of your business operations. In basic terms, “admin dissolution for annual report” means that a company is dissolved by the government. This happens because it failed to submit its annual report […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Admin Dissolution for Annual Report: What You Need to Know"
What Is Antitrust Litigation Law? post image

What Is Antitrust Litigation Law?

Antitrust laws are designed to ensure that businesses compete fairly. There are three federal antitrust laws that businesses must navigate. These include the Sherman Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Clayton Act. States also have their own antitrust regimes. These may vary from federal regulations. Understanding antitrust litigation helps businesses navigate these complex […]

Author: Robert E. Levy

Link to post with title - "What Is Antitrust Litigation Law?"
Dissolving Your Business: Essential Legal Steps to Protect Your Interests post image

Dissolving Your Business: Essential Legal Steps to Protect Your Interests

If you’re considering closing your business, it’s crucial to understand that simply shutting your doors does not end your legal obligations. Unless you formally dissolve your business, it continues to exist in the eyes of the law—leaving you exposed to ongoing liabilities such as taxes, compliance violations, and potential lawsuits. Dissolving a business can seem […]

Author: Christopher D. Warren

Link to post with title - "Dissolving Your Business: Essential Legal Steps to Protect Your Interests"
The Role of Corporate Restructuring in Mergers & Acquisitions post image

The Role of Corporate Restructuring in Mergers & Acquisitions

Contrary to what many people think, corporate restructuring isn’t all doom and gloom. Revamping a company’s organizational structure, corporate hierarchy, or operations procedures can help keep your business competitive. This is particularly true during challenging times. Corporate restructuring plays a critical role in modern business strategy. It helps companies adapt quickly to market changes. Following […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "The Role of Corporate Restructuring in Mergers & Acquisitions"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!