POELLATH advises the shareholders of WorkMotion on sale to Upwork subsidiary Lifted Solutions

Lifted Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Upwork Inc., has acquired all shares in Berlin-based WorkMotion Software GmbH (“WorkMotion”), a tech-enabled Employer of Record (EOR) provider. WorkMotion will continue to operate as an independent German company headquartered in Berlin, retaining its own brand and platform. Felix Steffens will continue to lead the company as CEO. 

Founded in 2020, WorkMotion provides Employer of Record (EOR) services to companies seeking to employ people internationally without establishing their own local entities. Through its own entities in more than 30 countries, WorkMotion manages employment contracts, payroll and local employment law obligations, among other services. The acquisition is intended to support WorkMotion’s continued growth in the European EOR market.

Lifted Solutions is part of Upwork and provides solutions for enterprises to source, engage and manage contingent talent globally. Through the acquisition of WorkMotion, Lifted is expanding its direct employment offering, including Employer of Record and Staff Augmentation services, to more than 30 countries. In addition, Lifted offers Independent Contractor (IC) and Agent of Record (AOR) services in more than 180 countries.

POELLATH advised the shareholders of WorkMotion on German tax aspects of the transaction with the following Munich-based team:

• Gerald Herrmann (associated partner, tax)
• Jannis Lührs (senior associate, tax)