Ryan, a global tax services and software provider, has announced the acquisition of European VAT Desk, a tax consultancy firm based in Belgium. This acquisition is set to strengthen Ryan’s value-added tax (VAT) offerings, expand its European footprint, and enhance its capacity to serve clients across more than 27 countries.
Founded in 2006 by Alain Soriano and Bernard Ickowicz, European VAT Desk is recognized for its expertise in European VAT consultancy and compliance for cross-border businesses. The firm has established itself as an advisor in the tax sector, offering a personalized, end-to-end approach to VAT compliance and consulting.
Tom Shave, Ryan President of European and Asia-Pacific Operations, commented on the acquisition, stating, “This acquisition is a meaningful step in our ongoing efforts to grow Ryan’s presence in the VAT market. The European VAT Desk team brings a wealth of experience in strategic VAT solutions, along with a strong client-first mindset that complements our Firm’s strengths. We look forward to combining our expertise to deliver even more value to clients across the region.”
European VAT Desk provides services to mid-sized and large multinational companies. These services include VAT Compliance, which encompasses the management of the full VAT compliance lifecycle, such as registrations and VAT return preparation and submission across multiple jurisdictions. Additionally, it offers VAT Consulting, providing in-depth VAT advice, case analysis, tax audit support, jurisdiction-specific advice, and cash flow optimization, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing compliance risk.
Bernard Ickowicz, co-founder of European VAT Desk, remarked, “By joining forces with Ryan, we’re now better positioned to serve clients across their entire range of tax management obligations, in addition to the VAT management lifecycle. We’re proud to bring our experience into a global Firm whose experts complement our strengths and share our focus on results-driven client service.”
As part of the acquisition, Alain Soriano, Bernard Ickowicz, Philippe Noirhomme, and Eyal Benzenou will join Ryan. The acquisition also establishes a Ryan office in Brussels, adding another strategic hub for serving clients across the region.
Ryan is a global tax services and software provider, specializing exclusively in business taxes. The firm offers an integrated suite of international tax services, including cost management, compliance, consulting, technology and transformation, and innovation funding, to over 77,000 clients in more than 80 countries.
