Sullivan
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Sullivan's Tax Group provides time-is-of-the-essence, state-of-the-art, partner-level advice on a wide range of complex tax issues. Our tax partners creatively address the entire spectrum of tax-related legal matters, from tax planning for sophisticated corporate reorganizations to the representation of clients in adversarial proceedings with the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities.

Regardless of the context or forum, our Tax Group identifies each client’s objectives and then designs efficient and cost-effective strategies for achieving them. We solve complex problems across a wide range of tax regimes for a wide range of clients, including:

  • International, federal and state tax planning
  • Tax planning for business owners, investors and high-net-worth individuals (HNWI)
  • Tax planning for mutual funds, REITs and other pooled investment vehicles
  • Tax planning for public charities and private foundations
  • Tax planning related to employee benefits and executive compensation plans
  • Public company tax compliance and representation
  • Representation in federal and state tax controversies, including administrative appeals and all phases of litigation

Clients

We serve corporate and individual taxpayers across a wide variety of industries throughout the United States. Our international work is often a result of our connections with other professionals around the world.

Many of our clients reflect our depth in the real estate, private equity, and financial services sectors. Our size and national reputation demonstrate our commitment to quality, an ability to design creative solutions to complex problems and the insight to understand and achieve our clients' goals.

Representative Client Work

  • Provide strategic guidance on corporate tax issues, including reorganizations, tax treatment of net operating losses, real estate transactions, cross-border transactions and the tax problems of closely-held businesses and their owners
  • Develop estate planning strategies for the tax-efficient transfer of wealth to the next generation
  • Conform the structure of employee benefits, equity incentives, executive compensation and retirement planning to all applicable tax requirements
  • Resolve controversies with federal and state tax authorities
  • Structure charitable giving and charitable foundations and trusts for maximum tax advantage, and offer guidance to tax-exempt entities
  • Ensure maximum tax advantage in the structure and operation of hedge funds, private securities partnerships, LBO and venture capital funds, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts and foreign corporations

Client Highlights
All Client Highlights
Nonprofit Network Drives Skills-First Movement for a More Equitable and Inclusive Future Workforce
Sullivan acts as outside general counsel for Skillsright, Inc., a nonprofit coalition of the country’s top employers and their CEOs with a mission of driving a skills-first movement to unlock career opportunities for talent without four-year degrees, for a more equitable and inclusive future workforce. Sullivan handles a wide range of matters including obtaining the organization’s nonprofit (Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3)) status, advising on a variety of legal issues associated with the organization’s work, negotiating intellectual property rights, drafting employment offers and dealing with related employment and benefits issues, overseeing all contracting issues and advising on corporate governance.
Admiral Metals Acquired by Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., Largest Metals Service Center Company in North America
Sullivan represented Admiral Metals who was acquired by Reliance Steel & Aluminium Co. (NYSE: RS). “Admiral Metals has built a strong reputation in the metals industry for providing specialty products, high levels of customer service and next-day delivery,” commented Jim Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance. “We believe this acquisition will enable Admiral Metals to leverage Reliance’s scale in order to capitalize on further growth opportunities while maintaining its strong brand recognition. We are excited to welcome Admiral Metals to the Reliance Family of Companies, our 70th acquisition since our 1994 IPO.”
Viewpoints
All Viewpoints
Same Business, New Number: Rev. Rul. 2008-18, the 60-Month Rule, and the Price of the Fix
Douglas S. Stransky, partner and leader of the Tax Practice Group, has published the third post in his series for the LexisNexis blog, examining what happens when the most common structuring sequence in S corporation M&A runs into a target’s own election history. The post follows a hypothetical sale of a U.S. manufacturer to a foreign strategic buyer, where a pre-closing F reorganization under Rev. Rul. 2008-18 is the standard answer: the S election survives, and the operating company keeps the employer identification number that its payroll, licenses, and registrations all depend on. The complication is the 60-month limitation on entity classification elections, which can block the final step for a target that became an S corporation by election within the past five years. The fix is a merger into a newly formed LLC, and the post walks through what that fix costs, beginning with a new EIN. The post draws on themes from his LexisNexis treatise, International M&A and Joint Ventures: Key U.S. Taxation Issues, including its tax due diligence checklist and case studies. Read the full post » 
Untaxed at Marriage, Taxed at Divorce: Who Pays When a Cross-Border Joint Venture Ends
Douglas S. Stransky, partner and leader of the Tax Practice Group, has published the second post in his series for the LexisNexis blog, examining the U.S. tax consequences that surface when a cross-border joint venture ends. Using a hypothetical 50/50 venture between a U.S. manufacturer and a German strategic investing through a U.S. corporate blocker, the post explains how the Section 704(c) method choice buried in boilerplate moves real money between the partners, how the seven-year mixing bowl rules can turn an amicable separation into a taxable event and why the blocker structure that solved a classification problem at formation adds a level of tax at the exit. The lesson running through the piece is that these outcomes are set in the formation documents, years before anyone asks the question. The post draws on themes from his LexisNexis treatise, International M&A and Joint Ventures: Key U.S. Taxation Issues, which devotes a full chapter to the U.S. tax considerations of joint ventures alongside case studies and sample transaction provisions. Read the full post »
Sullivan Advises BridgeAthletic on Acquistion by VALD
Sullivan represented BridgeAthletic, a leading strength and conditioning software platform, in its acquisition by VALD, a global provider of human performance technology. The acquisition brings together BridgeAthletic's program design and athlete management platform with VALD's objective measurement technology and performance data capabilities, creating a more comprehensive and connected platform for coaches and performance professionals. The transaction follows VALD's recent acquisition of GymAware and expands its capabilities across the full performance lifecycle, from testing and monitoring to program design and analysis. The Sullivan deal team included Lewis Segall, Amy Sheridan, Christopher Curtis, Bailey Travers, Janice Lee and Melissa Niles. For more information, please view the full announcement here.
Sullivan & Worcester Shortlisted for International Tax Review Awards
Boston, MA – Sullivan & Worcester has been shortlisted for the International Tax Review (ITR) Americas Tax Awards 2026 for Massachusetts Tax Firm of the Year. Nominees will be recognized and winners will be announced at the ITR Americas Tax Awards gala on October 29, 2026, in New York. The annual ITR Americas Tax Awards celebrate the most accomplished and distinguished tax and transfer pricing teams across 35 jurisdictions worldwide. In addition to recognizing excellence in tax litigation and advisory work, the program honors firms that are leading the way in tax technology innovation, in regulatory and compliance practices and in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within the profession. “We are honored to be recognized among the leading tax practices in Massachusetts,” said Douglas Stransky, leader of Sullivan’s Tax practice group. “This nomination reflects our team’s commitment to delivering practical, sophisticated and client-focused solutions to complex tax challenges.” Sullivan’s Tax practice provides sophisticated counsel and legal advice to companies on a wide range of state, federal and international tax issues. The firm’s team provides creative solutions for the entire spectrum of tax-related legal issues, including tax planning for corporate reorganizations, representing clients in high-stakes tax disputes and advising companies on matters before the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities. For more information about awards and finalists, visit International Tax Review. About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is a premier, AmLaw 200 international law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, real estate companies, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best-in-class client service.

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Horizon Beverage Group, Inc. Acquired by the World’s Preeminent Distributor of Beverage Alcohol

Sullivan represented Horizon Beverage Group Inc., one of New England’s premier alcohol distributors, in its sale to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol. The acquisition marks an exciting expansion for Southern Glazer’s, adding Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the 46th and 47th markets in its U.S. footprint, alongside operations in Canada and the Caribbean.

“We are grateful to Horizon’s employees, customers, and partners for so many years of success, and this transition represents an even brighter future for all,” said Bob Epstein, CEO/President at Horizon. “We’re confident that Southern Glazer’s strength and scale will not only support a smooth integration, but also create new opportunities for growth and success.”

“We’re committed to maintaining the exceptional service that Horizon is known for while bringing the added benefits of being part of the Southern Glazer’s family,” added Jim Rubenstein, CEO/Treasurer at Horizon. “This partnership ensures stability and growth for all stakeholders and strengthens our ability to deliver value across the board.”

Lewis N. Segall, Charles E. Chambers Jr., Ida J. Vanto, Sharon G. Leifer, Steven M. Cunningham, Jr. and Christopher C. Curtis

Wonder Media Network (WMN) Acquired by the World's Largest Independent Podcast Company

Sullivan represented Wonder Media Network (WMN), a female-founded, audio-first creative studio based in New York City, in its sale to Acast, the world’s largest independent podcast company. "WMN’s mission is so tightly aligned with that of Acast - bringing important and changemaking stories to the world," said WMN CEO Jenny Kaplan. "Together, we will allow both creators and advertisers to reach new audiences, build successful businesses, and shape the future of audio."

Lewis N. Segall, Joel R. Carpenter, Amy E. Sheridan, Erika L. Todd, Johanna Colpritt and Nathan Kosik-Desmond

One of the Largest Global REITs and Its Subsidiary Form a New Joint Venture

Our marquee REIT and Tax teams advised American Tower Corporation (NYSE: AMT), one of the largest global REITs, and its subsidiary CoreSite in the formation of a new joint venture with Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real property assets, to develop, build and operate an 18-megawatt data center in Denver, Colorado. CoreSite provides IT infrastructure that empowers enterprises and cloud, network and IT service providers to monetize and future-proof their digital businesses. The total estimated development costs for the 18-megawatt data center are expected to be more than $250 million.

Sullivan’s team was led by Ameek Ashok Ponda, director of the Tax Department, with Sullivan Tax partners Joel Carpenter and Sarah Wellings, and associate Connie Lee, contributing to the successful deal.

Ameek Ashok Ponda, Joel R. Carpenter, Sarah D. Wellings and Connie Lee

Nonprofit Network Drives Skills-First Movement for a More Equitable and Inclusive Future Workforce

Sullivan acts as outside general counsel for Skillsright, Inc., a nonprofit coalition of the country’s top employers and their CEOs with a mission of driving a skills-first movement to unlock career opportunities for talent without four-year degrees, for a more equitable and inclusive future workforce. Sullivan handles a wide range of matters including obtaining the organization’s nonprofit (Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3)) status, advising on a variety of legal issues associated with the organization’s work, negotiating intellectual property rights, drafting employment offers and dealing with related employment and benefits issues, overseeing all contracting issues and advising on corporate governance.

Kimberly Herman, David A. Guadagnoli, Judith G.H. Edington, Erika L. Todd and Michael S. Palmisciano

Admiral Metals Acquired by Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., Largest Metals Service Center Company in North America

Sullivan represented Admiral Metals who was acquired by Reliance Steel & Aluminium Co. (NYSE: RS). “Admiral Metals has built a strong reputation in the metals industry for providing specialty products, high levels of customer service and next-day delivery,” commented Jim Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance. “We believe this acquisition will enable Admiral Metals to leverage Reliance’s scale in order to capitalize on further growth opportunities while maintaining its strong brand recognition. We are excited to welcome Admiral Metals to the Reliance Family of Companies, our 70th acquisition since our 1994 IPO.”

Lewis N. Segall, Victor N. Baltera and Sharon G. Leifer

Masy BioServices Acquired by a Leading Pharmaceutical and Biotech Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization

Sullivan represented Masy Systems Inc. ("Masy" or "Masy BioServices"), a preferred provider of cGMP Biostorage and pharma support services, in the sale of its Masy to Alcami Corporation, a leading pharmaceutical and biotech contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). 

Lewis N. Segall and Steven M. Cunningham, Jr.

Scientist holding DNA gel in front of samples for testing in laboratory

Sullivan Shares Cross-Border Deal of the Year Award With Two Clients at M&A Advisor Awards

In November 2021, Sullivan together with its clients Merger & Acquisition Services, Inc., and International Transportation Marine Office, LLC (ITMA) received the Cross-Border Deal of the Year ($50 to $100 million) Award, at the 20th Annual M&A Advisor Awards in New York City. The award was given for the sale of ITMA to MS Amlin Underwriting Limited, a UK company. Don Kaitz retained his role as chairman of Arizona-headquartered ITMA, and the business continued to be led by Eric Kaitz, Chief Executive Officer. Earlier in 2021, Douglas Stransky and Michael Student, along with Merger & Acquisition Services Inc., advised ITMA and the Kaitzes.

Partner and head of Sullivan's International Tax Group, Douglas Stransky, commented, "We are thrilled to receive this honor and be together in-person with our clients and friends, Merger & Acquisition Services, Inc. and Don and Eric Kaitz, and proud to have collaborated with them on this sale."

Douglas S. Stransky and Michael J. Student

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