London, Munich - 9th March 2026 – WTS, an international full-service provider of tax and complementary financial advisory services, continues to accelerate its growth with its expansion into the UK. Together with Jeff Soar, formerly Managing Partner Tax & Law at EY in the UK, WTS launches the new local entity WTS UK.
Headquartered in Munich, WTS is one of the leading tax advisory firms in Germany, generating annual revenues of more than EUR 250 million. In 2025, it entered a long-term strategic partnership with the global private equity firm EQT to jointly build an independent European champion in the tax advisory industry, uniquely free from annual audits.
Free from the constraints of audit conflicts and the layers of bureaucracy of its larger competitors, WTS UK is targeting listed as well as large private businesses, offering clear, uncomplicated advice and pragmatic solutions to today’s complex, high-stakes business and tax challenges.
The new advisory firm relies on a team of experienced partners and top talents who come from leading global consulting firms and in-house teams. Its innovative consulting model is consistently aligned with evolving client needs and places artificial intelligence at its core to gain deeper insights into tax-related issues, further strengthen its own expertise, and achieve more efficient results. The new firm delivers senior-led, practical advice through a purpose-built model designed around the evolving needs of clients, with AI embedded at its core to deepen insight, sharpen expertise and accelerate delivery.
WTS UK will launch with a double-digit number of partners and is pursuing a clear growth path: within the next five years, the number of partners is expected to grow to 100.
WTS UK combines the agility and disruptive spirit of a forward-thinking startup with the respected 25-year heritage of WTS and the cross-border connectivity of WTS Global, a group of partner firms spanning 100 countries, representing one of the largest independent tax networks worldwide.
Jeff Soar, CEO of WTS UK, said: “The business world is moving faster than ever, and it’s crucial that advisers keep pace. Having spent over 20 years in the industry, I’ve seen what works and where change is really needed. Business leaders want clear, actionable advice that gets straight to the point and delivers better value. The industry’s best talent is frustrated by layers of bureaucracy and red tape. We are all ready for a change.
“At WTS UK, we’re taking a completely fresh approach to tax advisory that’s purpose-built for today. We have the agility and disruptive spirit of a start-up, combined with the respected heritage and global connectivity of a European tax leader known for its innovation and advanced digital capabilities. This model allows us to adapt to shifting client needs and inspire our people to do the best work of their careers.”
Fritz Esterer, Chairman of WTS, said: “The UK is a critical market for our international growth strategy. Jeff and the standout team he is building there represent a bold and differentiated presence in the UK market, where we feel we can make a real impact for clients seeking something new. Following our expansion in Poland in January this year, launching WTS UK represents another important step forward for WTS.”
About WTS UK
WTS UK is a new non-audit tax advisory firm offering a full range of services to large and listed businesses. It offers a fresh approach to tax advisory, providing clear, actionable advice, led by senior partners hired from top advisory firms and in-house teams. It is purpose-built with AI embedded, to deepen insight and enhance client value.
WTS UK is part of WTS, an international full-service provider of tax and complementary financial advisory services, headquartered in Munich, Germany
It combines the respected heritage and global connectivity of a European tax leader with the agility and disruptive spirit of a forward-thinking startup.
More Information: wts.co.uk
About WTS
WTS is an international full-service provider of tax and complementary financial advisory services headquartered in Munich, Germany. The firm specializes in high-end advisory services for complex situations and delivers efficient & reliable ongoing tax compliance support. WTS counts large multinational corporations as well as numerous mid-sized global market leaders among its clients, counting 95% of the Dax40 companies amongst its clients.
With a consistent technology- and AI-centric advisory approach, WTS is one of the pioneers of the digitalization of the tax consultancy industry. WTS deliberately does not offer annual audits and is therefore, an independent and long-term partner.
WTS has 11 offices across Germany and also operates locations in Poland and the UK. Through its international network, WTS Global, the company has a presence in more than 100 countries.
In the UK, WTS Global is represented not only by WTS UK, but also by its long-standing member firm and financial services boutique, WTS Hansuke.
About Jeff Soar
Jeff Soar has over two decades of experience in professional services. He has built market-leading practices and advised boards, management teams and capital providers across the global tax, insurance and law markets. He is known for building a culture and structure that enables brilliant people to do what they do best.
Jeff joined WTS UK from EY, where he worked for over 20 years, including as Managing Partner of the Tax and Law division for the UK and Ireland. At EY, he led the business through a period of annual double-digit growth and led global teams through large-scale transformations. His expertise covers insurance and reinsurance, M&A, and restructuring.
About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 270 billion in total assets under management (EUR 141 billion in fee-generating assets under management) as of 31 December 2025, within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.
EQT is invested in WTS through its flagship private equity fund, EQT X, which has a total fund volume of EUR 22 billion.
More Information: www.eqtgroup.com
Contact:
WTS UK: Hawthorn Advisors, wtsuki@hawthornadvisors.com
WTS: Florian Kestler, florian.kestler@wts.de
EQT international media enquiries: Finn McLaughlan, EQT, finn.mclaughlan@eqtpartners.com
