The Cragus Group is recognized as a leading independent tax advisor in the Arabian Gulf. Founded by professionals with many relevant years of experience doing business in and related to the Arabian Gulf and Africa, we share a common understanding of the wide gulf between tax advisory services being offered by other firms in the region and strategic needs of clients.
Several of our advisors have played an instrumental part in the development of the region’s fiscal and business environment, including advising government authorities and chambers of commerce on such matters as: negotiation of tax treaties and trade and investment agreements; introduction of new laws on tax, foreign investment and competition; and establishment of free trade areas, investment zones and incentives to encourage investment.
The tax practice is coordinated by 4 Dubai-based tax leaders with many years experience (including Middle East and Africa) between them, spanning private practice, industry and government experience, and consists of a Dubai based team and tax specialists within member firms (leading law firms in Middle East countries) who work together with the corporate law functions of the firms to provide integrated solutions to clients. The Cragus tax network consists also of the tax practices of leading law firms in key countries spread all over Africa and we continue to extend our network of associate firms within the continent.
We also work with leading global tax practice firms in Europe, Asia and the Americas, to provide tax advice in relation to jurisdictions outside the Middle East and Africa. We work closely with the Taxand network, the first global network of independent tax advisors, and also with other associations such as Transfer Pricing Associates, WTS (Worldwide Tax Services), Tax Planet, United Tax Network (UTN) and Global Tax Network (GTN), each possessing their strengths in various practice areas and jurisdictions. We also maintain strong working relationships with many of the world’s leading international law firms, tax boutiques, accounting firms and other related ancillary service providers.
Key contacts in tax leadership team
Reggie Mezu
International corporate tax adviser with over 20 years tax and legal experience: including roles from the UK, Nigeria, Singapore, The Netherlands, and the UAE; within Andersen, Price Waterhouse, and Shell (most recently serving as regional tax manager for the Middle East, Caspian, and South Asia). Wide knowledge of oil and gas industry with extensive experience across Middle East, US, Europe, Russia and Asia pacific, in corporate structuring, cross border transactions, joint ventures, negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, double tax treaties, reform and development of fiscal frameworks. LLM from the University of London (London School of Economics) and qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser (UK), a Solicitor (England & Wales), a Barrister (Nigeria) and a Chartered Accountant. Recognized as a leading tax adviser by Euromoney’s World Tax, and by Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s Leading Tax Advisers, and also serves as an adviser to ITIC (International Tax & Investment Centre) on the Iraq Taxation Reform Project.
Robert E. B. Peake (Strategic adviser)
International tax advisor experienced in advising global investors on managing tax risks and maximizing investment return by reducing tax liabilities. Formerly, Director and Partner of International Tax Services with Ernst & Young Middle East and Head of Tax and Legal Services for Lower Gulf with Arthur Andersen. Served as an expert witness for the State of Alaska on oil and gas taxation within the GCC; subsequently, senior tax advisor to a government investment institution and a member of the UAE Free Trade Agreements negotiation team with particular responsibility for matters relating to investment and dispute settlement. Originally from the UK, spent several years located in Kenya, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Has great expertise and knowledge of issues facing government owned institutions and companies. He is one of the authors of the “Santiago Principles” for Sovereign Wealth Funds. Ph.D. from London and postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Buckingham. Recognized as a leading tax adviser by Euromoney’s World Tax, and by Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s Leading Tax Advisers.
Mark Stevens (Strategic adviser)
International tax adviser with 20 years tax and legal experience within “big 5” audit firms, including 10 years based in the Middle East. Wide knowledge of international tax best practice, with a heavy emphasis on advising regional governmental bodies, and particularly inbound multinational corporations with regard to company structuring, tax treaties and related transfer pricing implications. Formerly part of the original Ernst & Young International Tax Services team in the region, then serving with Arthur Andersen, and later also heading tax and legal for PwC in the Lower Gulf. Subsequently founded and served as managing director of ILS Daman before departing in 2006. Recently worked on assisting an African-based multinational in their structuring and transfer pricing across much of South and East Africa (including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, and Ethiopia), experience includes tax controversy and successful settlements with SARS. Member of the UK Chartered Institute of Taxation, and recognized as one of the Middle East’s leading tax advisers by Euromoney’s World Tax, and by Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s Leading Tax Advisers.
Dominic C. Treays (Director of practice development)
Business development executive with 10 years experience: primarily in international tax and legal media. Worked with Cobra Group PLC, and then with Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC for over 7 years, including: managing the Expert Guides, International Financial Law Review, Managing Intellectual Property, and also serving as associate publisher to International Tax Review. Developed the business extensively across Europe, Asia and the Americas, before moving to Dubai to establish the Middle East market. Member of the International Fiscal Association, and also the British Business Group for Dubai and the Northern Emirates (founded and chairs their legal focus group). General Manager for the Dubai office, primary role is developing the Cragus business, whilst also assisting existing clients on a project management basis – primarily handling inbound clients in their challenges with local regulators and authorities.
