Kathleen Gaber and Gregory Wright, Principals of Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, Ltd. recently traveled to Madrid to attend the Worldwide Conference of the firm’s international alliance of independent accounting and law firms. The conference was held October 23-26, 2019 and marked the alliance’s 40th anniversary. Professionals in global practice groups focused on sharing knowledge and developing joint capability and new opportunities in areas including M&A, International Tax, Real Estate, Audit, International Private Wealth, Global Mobility, Business Law and VAT/Indirect Tax.
Conference highlights included Declan Curry, the former business presenter on BBC One’s Breakfast TV, leading a panel discussion that explored business, economic and political issues such as Brexit, the impact of the China/US trade war on supply chains, slowed growth in Europe and China, and recessionary fears in the US and Hong Kong. Kathleen Gaber was a panelist and the conclusions of the panel were that we live in a time of uncertainty, growing protectionism and regulations sometimes getting in the way of business.
Local experts Luis Alvarez from Spain’s Ministry for the Economy & Business and Maria Jesus Fernandez, Executive Director at ICEX-Invest in Spain, explained that Spain is very much open for business. The country has a competitive corporate tax rate of 25%, GDP growth of 2.1% (projected), a thriving international M&A market with deals valued at over €107,400 million in 2018, and Foreign Direct Investment flows at record highs of €55,300 million (2018). The energy sector, particularly renewables, was highlighted as a particularly attractive opportunity for foreign investors.
HR and marketing focused presentations also ensured our representatives are more informed about how the firm can ensure it is positioned as a compelling employer to the accountants and lawyers of tomorrow. Practical ideas were shared on how to build a high-performing leadership culture at the firm and why professional firms must invest in their brand to safeguard their future success.
For more information
To find out more about how Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, Ltd. can provide professional advisory support to clients doing business in different markets around the world, please contact Kathleen Gaber at 847-734-8811 or Gregory Wright at 312-245-7500 or visit our website www.masudafunai.com.