International tax adds extra complexity for PE funds considering holding companies
Tax planning for private equity (PE) funds presents unique challenges and opportunities, due to the (at times) competing tax priorities of the PE fund, its investors, and its portfolio investment companies. The tax priorities of the affected stakeholders have only grown in complexity because of the daily upheaval in tax legislation being enacted across the globe.
A critical aspect of tax planning for PE funds presents itself when a PE fund acquires a portfolio investment company. Acquisition structuring is complex, and getting the “right” structure in place is critical to facilitate tax efficiencies going forward. An ill-conceived tax structure not only leads to inefficiencies in tax but also can present business and operational challenges.
One of many significant decisions to be made as part of acquisition structuring is whether to utilize a holding company when acquiring a target company and, more importantly, the jurisdiction of such holding company. The utilization of a holding company in a tax structure can streamline cash repatriation to investors, repayment on debt financing, and cash deployment throughout the portfolio investment structure. It can also, in certain instances, provide additional tax benefits, such as reduced withholding tax rates on various payment flows and reduced tax on exit.
It is critical that holding company structuring occur in conjunction with acquisition structuring. Interposing a holding company post-acquisition only increases the complexity of a company’s tax structure and is often more difficult to effectuate once the structure has been formed.
Where to form a holding company is a complex decision and depends on various factors including the location of the target portfolio company and the objectives of the PE fund and its investors. Depending on the circumstances, forming a holding company in the same jurisdiction as the target portfolio company may be prudent, while at other times it may be ill-advised.
Numerous countries have enacted tax policies to incentivize stakeholders to establish their holding companies there. When choosing a holding company jurisdiction, consider the following.
PE funds may want earnings generated from the underlying portfolio investment to be distributed to its investors. Dividend distributions are a valuable tool for repatriating earnings to shareholders but may also present tax leakage consequences. If the payor’s country levies withholding tax on dividend payments, the tax cost may be permanent. For example, U.S. tax exempt investors will be adversely impacted by withholding taxes because generally speaking, such distributed earnings would not be subject to tax in the U.S. Taxable investors may be able to claim a credit for the withheld tax, but this is dependent on numerous factors and complex calculations.
There are limited jurisdictions that provide a 0% withholding tax on dividend payments, such as the U.K. If a holding company can’t qualify for treaty benefits (see discussion below), forming a holding company in a jurisdiction with no withholding tax on dividend payments may be prudent.
Eytan Burstein, Director, International Tax
973.403.7992
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