International law firm Gide is strengthening its tax and financing practice with the addition of Sara Verkest as a partner in the New York office.

Sara Verkest heads the U.S. tax practice in New York. She joined Gide in New York in 2008 and she specializes in the U.S. tax aspects of cross-border transactions (both inbound and outbound). She regularly advises sponsors and participants in the global capital markets on tax efficient structured financings, including cross-border securitizations and securities offerings. She also advises funds and investors on tax issues associated with the structuring, funding, and operation of investment funds and other joint ventures. Sara is a member of the New York Bar, and holds a law degree from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), as well as a Master's degree in taxation from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) and an LL.M. in U.S. international tax from the University of Florida. Saraspeaks English, Dutch, French and German.

Commenting on this appointment, Chistopher B. Mead, the partner in charge of Gide's New York office, said: "This promotion is the result of her outstanding work in providing high quality tax advice to our clients. I am confident that Sara will make a great contribution to the growth of our tax practice worldwide."