Francesco Drago

I'm a tax advisor working in the Italian tax team. I specialise in transfer pricing, providing consultancy and assistance to multinational clients in relation to a wide range of international tax issues.

Over the years, I have been involved in a wide range of transfer pricing projects ranging from the draft of transfer pricing documentation to the negotiation of advance pricing agreements with the Italian tax authorities.

Transfer pricing is not an exact science, so I always manage relationships with clients, by means of practical and clear advice to reduce any problems. This approach is very appreciated by clients who recognise it as a value added point in relation to the professional relationship.

Being part of the transfer pricing team requires an international perspective, as well as a deep knowledge of international tax law. My strong relationships with other tax teams of the network allows me to render a high-level service that takes into account local tax law variations.

Furthermore, I have worked closely with the corporate and labour groups at Bird & Bird on several international tax issues concerning withholding applications and permanent establishment issues, providing fully integrated services, which are very appreciated by clients.

Before joining Bird & Bird, I worked in leading international tax and law firms and I have been admitted to the Association of Chartered Accountants in Milan.

I am a native Italian speaker and I am also fluent in English.

• Over the years, I have been involved in various transfer pricing projects such as: Benchmark analysis; Drafting country files and masterfiles; Drafting intercompany agreements (distribution agreements, service agreements, cash pooling agreements, etc.); Business restructuring analysis; Transfer pricing litigations against the Italian Revenue Agency and advance pricing agreements negotiation with the Italian Revenue Agency; Attribution to profit to permanent establishments and benefit tests.