Overview

Akshit Kapoor has extensive experience in areas of real estate laws, mergers & acquisitions, private client and family office practice, banking and finance, capital markets, PE investments, insolvency and bankruptcy and corporate restructuring.

Akshit has represented and advised both Indian and International clients on general corporate matters, M&A, joint ventures and commercial contracts across various business sectors like health care, automobile, telecom, consumer goods sector etc.

He has closely collaborated with a wide range of international and domestic corporations, advising them on their business operations in both India and abroad. As being part of the Firm’s real estate practice, he has advised some of the largest real estate companies in India and has been involved in advising numerous international clients for their projects in India.

Akshit has represented and advised HNIs and HNFs, business owners, family offices, corporate fiduciaries as well as charitable and not for profit entities on restructuring, creation of trusts and wills, migration of residency and change in citizenship.

Akshit has advised on private placements and public offerings by issuers across a wide range of industries. He also regularly advises companies for their Initial Public Offerings (IPO) as well as on Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP).

Akshit possesses a profound grasp of the intricate commercial and legal intricacies surrounding land ownership, land acquisition, land use and conversion, regulatory and approval matters, foreign investments, and more.

As part of the Firm’s insolvency and bankruptcy practice, Akshit has gone on to advise clients on exit strategies, refinancing, debt restructuring, distressed sale etc. Akshit specializes in representing distressed funds, bidders’/resolution applicants, lenders / Committee of Creditors, and insolvency professionals in the context of restructurings, insolvency resolution processes, and liquidations governed by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

Arindam has more than 18 years of experience in advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital financing, overseas investments, joint ventures and strategic collaborations. His work in this area predominantly consists of advising clients on both buy and sell sides regarding high value mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, private equity and venture capital financings, debt financings, outbound and inbound cross border investments, joint ventures and strategic collaborations. A seasoned negotiator with strong legal and analytical skills, he has successfully led and managed multiple large-scale transactions over the course of his career. His experience encompasses corporate transactions across sectors as diverse as healthcare, education, technology, media and entertainment, gaming, financial services, defence, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, FMCG and others. Arindam has advised clients ranging from early stage start-up enterprises to global business powerhouses, private equity and venture capital funds, angel investor networks and high net-worth individuals on structuring of businesses and corporate re-organizations, capital financing, growth through mergers and acquisitions, cross border investments (both inbound and outbound), exchange control regulations and general corporate matters.

Arindam is a 2006 graduate of the National Law School of India University, Bangalore.

Experience Statement

• Advised a major Indian manufacturer of agricultural machinery in their joint venture with a Japanese conglomerate, and also their strategic acquisition of another Indian company operating in an ancillary space, with a transaction value of approximately INR 150 Crore.
• Advised a NASDAQ listed entity technology services company in its acquisitions of multiple Indian target companies, including majority stake in a BSE listed company, for a consideration of approximately USD 170 Million.
• Advised and represented the founders on their exit from one of the largest joint venture clinical diagnostics chains in India, by acquisition of their shareholding by the other joint venture partner, for a purchase consideration of approximately INR 350 Crore.
• Advised one of the largest global education-technology companies headquartered in India, over successive institutional financing rounds commencing from Series A till Series F investments, from multiple institutional investors, amounting to more than USD 500 Million.
• Advised and represented the founders of one of the oldest and largest Indian restaurant chains, in its receipt of private equity investment amounting to INR 200 crores, and thereafter, also in the eventual exit of the founders from the business, with such exit being effected at a purchase consideration of approximately INR 400 Crore.

Overview

Deepak is amongst the leading practitioners in the Projects, Energy and Infrastructure practice area with a vast experience of over 17 years. He concentrates mainly on the project structuring, pre-development and implementation of the projects, project management during implementation stage, operations and maintenance and related aspects, with respect to projects in India or outside.

His practice varies from advising clients under the public private partnerships' framework, private arrangement or otherwise, in relation to any aspect of the project. He has also been actively involved in the M&A deals involving project companies, especially in renewable energy sector and advising clients on claims and demands arising out of concession/ construction/ development contracts and representing them at the appropriate forums.

Experience Statement

• Acting for and advising Gujarat Maritime Board on various aspects, including but not limited to the following:
  • Issues arising out of the concession agreement (and its termination) for a floating dry dock project.
  • Issues arising out of the concession agreement awarded by it to Sterling Port Limited (as Concessionaire) for the implementation, operation and maintenance of the Dahej Port, Gujarat.
• Acting for and assisting Assystem Energy & Infrastructure (Juridique Groupe), a nuclear energy-based company (through Pinsent Masons) located in France, in the structuring for its proposed investment in India, project documents that it would enter into with the Indian Contractor (Reliance Infrastructure Limited), in relation to the proposed 9900 MW Jaitapur nuclear power project at Madban village of Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra.
• Acting for and advising Accion Investment Management (Cayman) Limited on the acquisition of several wind power projects being implemented and operated by NuPower Renewables Limited in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Rajasthan.
• Acting for and advising Accion Investment Management (Cayman) Limited on the acquisition of several wind power projects being implemented and operated by NuPower Renewables Limited in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Rajasthan.
• Acting for and advising Coastal Gujarat Power Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power Company Limited) for the development of 5 X 800 MW of thermal power project in Mundra District, Gujarat.
• Acting for and assisting Digital Domain Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong based listed company in setting up its India business and in obtaining various registrations, shifting of its registered office from one state to the other state.

Overview

Harish Kumar, Partner with Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India, a full-service law firm [formerly L&L Partners], is accredited with over 22 (twenty-two) years of diversified experience in dealing with complex legal issues and enabling solutions and implementation for businesses and clients. His expertise pans wide range of corporate, and legal matters including mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructuring, insolvency, joint ventures, fintech, corporate disputes, employment and advising on varied aspects concerning corporate governance and regulatory interface.

Harish brings a unique blend of business thinking and strategy to structuring, negotiating, and closing complex commercial and corporate transactions. His background in commerce and corporate laws helps bringing a realistic and risk based holistic approach which seamlessly and effectively helps in delivering the best solution to the clients. During his professional journey, Harish has advised a number of domestic and multinational companies, including various Fortune 500 companies, in his dynamic practice areas.

Aside, Harish has extensively dealt with various ministries and departments of Government of India, including Reserve Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Competition Commission of India. His advisory role also extends to various advice given to Government of India and key industry associations like CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM on various practical & legal issues being posed by industries from time to time. Harish has also been a regular speaker at various seminars/workshops being conducted by professional and government bodies.

Overview

Harry Chawla has extensive experience in the areas of Banking & Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Real Estate. Harry has advised clients in the banking and financial services sector, real estate sector as well as the hospitality, health care, automobile, aviation, telecom, IT, ITES, consumer goods sectors.

He has represented some of the largest players in the Indian real estate market, including several Indian companies as well as foreign investors. He has also assisted the Government of India as well as State Government(s) in the drafting of legislations in this sector.

Harry has worked closely with a large number of international and domestic corporations with respect to their business in India and abroad, in the areas of general commercial advice, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, corporate restructuring, joint ventures, fund raising and commercial contracts, etc.

He has advised and represented clients on issues pertaining to corporate finance (both domestic and cross border), debt restructuring and refinancing, securitization, acquisition finance, structured finance, bonds and similar instruments. He has acted for both lenders and borrowers and been involved in complex transactions involving multiple lenders across jurisdictions.

He has also participated in the evolution and formulation process of business strategies with several clients, vis-à-vis their new ventures and business initiatives and has advised in establishing, operationalizing and implementing such business strategies of the clients. He has also advised several clients on strategizing in dispute resolution, negotiation and settlement etc.

Overview

Itee Singhal is a Partner with the Corporate and Commercial team at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India. Her area of specialization includes company law, securities law, corporate restructuring, fintech, financial services, gaming, legal diligence and general corporate advisory. 

She has extensive experience of advising wide range of domestic and multinational clients, including Fortune 500 companies and key Navratna companies, on a various corporate, legal, and regulatory matters, including related to fintech and financial services regulatory, online gaming, schemes of arrangements, takeover, buy back, winding up, fund raising, foreign – inbound and outbound investments, entry and exit strategies, etc. 

With prior working experience with leading Chartered Accountancy and Company Secretaries firm, she brings a unique mix of finance, corporate law, structuring, strategy, governance and corporate secretarial practice. She has also extensively dealt with various ministries and government departments such as RBI, SEBI, DEA, Registrar of Companies, and MCA. She has also represented on various contemporary legal issues before organized institutions like FICCI, CII, ICSI etc. 

Itee has also authored several research based and op-ed articles on various contemporary subjects in the domain of corporate, securities, fintech, financial services and gaming. She is also a regular invitee for the sessions / seminar on recent legal developments.

Overview

Maureen Z. Ralte is a Partner in the M&A and Corporate Practice of the Firm. She has over 15 years’ experience in mergers & acquisitions, private equity, real estate and general corporate advisory. She has worked on a wide variety of corporate transactions across sectors including real estate, hospitality, automobile, renewable energy, banking & finance, tourism, entertainment, marketing, information technology, etc.

She has represented domestic and multinational companies in the negotiation, structuring, preparation and review of transaction documents, in the areas of general commercial advice, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, corporate restructuring, insolvency, joint ventures/ collaborations, fund raising and commercial contracts. She has advised clients on issues relating to general corporate compliances, corporate governance issues, real estate and exchange control laws.

Maureen has worked closely with the in-house departments of leading corporate houses and routinely advises them on complex legal issues.

Niti Paul is a partner at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India, specializing in general corporate law and mergers and acquisitions. With extensive experience, she represents a diverse range of domestic and international clients in M&A transactions across India.

Her expertise spans multiple sectors, including manufacturing, renewable energy, retail, hospitality, healthcare, financial services, real estate, entertainment, publications, and telecommunications. Niti advises on all facets of joint ventures, mergers, corporate restructuring, foreign investments, regulatory compliance, and employment law. Niti plays a pivotal role in transactional matters, focusing on structuring and advising foreign entities on market entry strategies, joint ventures, acquisitions, and corporate takeovers. She regularly advises on conducting due diligence, navigating foreign equity restrictions and caps, options and vehicles, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements related to investment, environmental, operational, and employment issues.

In addition, Niti has significant experience in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, particularly in carbon markets. She has guided clients on both domestic and international carbon market transactions, including the sale and purchase of verified emission reductions (VERs) and futures trading, while also addressing regulatory concerns.

Niti has also been appointed to a working group committee by the Indo German Energy Forum and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, where she advises on implementing the PM Kusum Scheme to boost farmers' engagement in Agri Photovoltaics projects.

Experience Statement

• Advised Agilion Energy Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between AES Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation, in the sale of 10MW battery energy storage and related facilities to Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited.
• Advised Cognisphere Solutions Limited on their carbon credit purchase and project development agreements for the sale of their Verified Emission Reduction Units and Verified Carbon Units administered by Verra and Gold Standards.
• Advised AES Group on Indian law issues pertaining to its various Group entities in India including structuring, foreign exchange laws, exit options, compliances etc.
• Advised Atria Power Group on all aspects of establishing renewable power projects including contracts related to supply, erection, installation and commissioning, development of projects/ shared services, operation and maintenance of renewable power assets and shared services, wheeling and banking, long term open access, and power purchase agreements.
• Advised Trinity Capital (One) Limited, a Mauritius based entity with respect to the sale of their entire shareholding in Uppals IT Projects Private Limited, an India based entity.

Saswat Mohanty has extensive experience in varied practice areas.

Saswat has a diverse and rich practice portfolio encompassing IPOs, QIPs, rights issues, public debt issues amongst others. He has represented and advised both Indian and International clients on matters across sectors such as e-commerce, health care, infrastructure, logistics, real estate and telecom to name a few.

Additionally, being part of the National Stock Exchange and other Tier-1 Law Firms of the country in the past, Saswat brings a great deal to the table ranging from regulatory and transactional experience.

Experience Statement

• Acted as the Indian legal counsel for Prabhat Dairy Limited in relation to an IPO with an issue size of INR 3,625.69 Million.
• Acted as the Indian legal counsel for Infibeam Incorporation Limited in relation to an IPO with an issue size of INR 4,500 Million.
• Acted as the Indian legal counsel for Sadbhav Infrastructure Project Limited in relation to an IPO, comprising of a fresh issue and an offer for the sale of shares aggregating to INR 4,916.57 Million.
• Acted as the Indian Legal Counsel for GVR Infra Projects Limited in relation to an IPO with an issue size of INR 4,000 Million.
• Represented the Book Running Lead Managers namely Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited, and CLSA India Private Limited in the IPO of Aakash Educational Services Ltd. with a total offer size of INR 92.5 Million.

Overview

Shinoj is a dual-qualified attorney, qualified in India and England & Wales. He has extensive experience in key financial centers of London, New York, Dubai, Mumbai and New Delhi, working on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions and private equity investments. He has acted on both sell and buy-side mandates. Over the last 18 years of his practice, he has advised on transactions with a cumulative deal value of over USD 40 billion.

His practice focuses on corporate transactions, particularly M&A; joint ventures, corporate finance (equity and debt investments); commercial dispute resolution (shareholder disputes, post-closing pricing disputes in M&A); employment matters, governance issues and internal investigations in matters related to anti-bribery & anti-corruption and FCPA & UKBA compliance).

Shinoj’s diverse and global experience gained at Linklaters and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has helped him understand clients’ business and commercial objectives, to advise and implement legal strategies to achieve their objectives most optimally.

Shinoj is closely associated with industry associations like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and Invest India; advising them on ways to promote FDI in key sectors like Infrastructure, Manufacturing & Retail and E-commerce. Additionally, he is also a member of the India-Jersey Advisory Group advising the States of Jersey government on its interactions with the Government of India.

Shinoj regularly lectures at law universities like the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore and National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata. His analytical writing and comments are published in both national and international peer-reviewed journals and industry publications like IFLR, IBLJ, IBA Asia Pacific Journal, The Mint and The Hindu Business Line.

Experience Statement

• Advised Anhui Conch Cement Company Limited, China’s largest cement manufacturer on its bid to acquire Lafarge’s cement manufacturing business in North India.
• Advised British Telecom on its USD 90 million acquisition of an Indian telecom company and start its outsourcing operations in India.
• Advised DoIT Smart Hospitality (India) Private Limited on its USD 15.23 million acquisition of the Ambience Hospitality Management Private Limited and its subsidiary which runs The Palms Town and Country Club.
• Advised Everstone on its USD 52 million acquisition of Aon Hewitt’s payroll processing business through a combination of share and asset purchases in India, China, Singapore and Philippines.
• Advised Multiples Private Equity on its USD 35 million investment in Delhivery.

Overview

Sudipta’s career spans over 25 years, in diverse settings. He started as an in-house, transitioned to private practice, acquired foreign qualifications, moved to international English Law practice, founded his own firm, and then merged his practice with a top-tier firm.

Sudipta’s practice is presently focused on Cross-border M&A, Banking & Finance, Corporate Advisory, Fund Formation, and Insolvency & Restructuring.

Over the last 25 years, Sudipta has cherished a lead role in high value “pink paper” transactions and business development. In recent years, it has been more the deals that he has managed to stop, restructure/ re-strategize that have added greater value to clientele. His practice has evolved from transactional, to strategic counselling, consensus building and operating as a close confidante - to business leaders, boards, promoters, and entrepreneurs.

He is quoted often and published regularly and speaks frequently in national and international forums and on television talk shows.

Suprio’s career spans over 30 years, in diverse settings. He started his career with United Nations before moving to academics, then in-house and finally transitioned to private practice from general counsel practice of more than 2 decades.

Suprio’s focus areas of practice are mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, general corporate and commercial matters, intellectual property, technology, media & telecommunication, labour & employment, ESG, real estate, anti-corruption & compliance, data privacy and litigations/dispute resolution for clients across the sectors such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, healthcare, technology, media, entertainment, telecommunication, energy and real estate, etc.

Experience Statement

• Advised Board of the listed companies of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Schneider Electric India, Honeywell JVs in India.

• Advised Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories in M&A and business deals with Wockhardt, UCB, Astra Zeneca, etc and Securities Class Action, Anti-trust litigation and Pricing litigations in the USA and India.

• Advised Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals in pharma statutory compliances, FCPA compliances and data privacy compliances.

• Advised Glenmark Pharmaceuticals in prosecution matters with the Dept. of Justice, USA and IP class actions in USA.

• Advised Schneider Electric in power and renewable energy projects both in utility and solar sectors.

• Advised Honeywell in SEZ related matters, real estate deals, global integration in various acquisitions and technology transfer to NAL and other aerospace commercial deals.

• Advised GE and Honeywell in cross border IP transactions, technology transfer, patent protection, licensing, anti-counterfeit strategy & actions and statutory compliances.

• Advised the Government of India in legislative drafting, profit sharing model for CSIR laboratories, IITs and IISc.

Overview

Varun comes with over a decade of experience in M&A, private equity and general corporate advisory. Varun’s involvement in various transactions help both the investors as well as the target company navigate a very uncertain regulatory environment and close large investment rounds. He has played instrumental role in bringing clarity on certain grey areas of the regulatory framework, for instance, surrounding restructuring of such ECB Loans. His insights and legal advisory on transactions in relation to private acquisitions of assets during ongoing insolvency of the asset owner’s group companies has been incredible. Varun’s approach towards solving client’s problem is one of his strongest forte. He brings solution-oriented mind set to the table, helping client navigate the transactions in the most reasonable and timely manner and simultaneously creating space for his team to learn, adapt and grow into an even better professional

Experience Statement

• Advised IFFCO and reviewed financing documentations and corresponding amendments thereto, arising out of the restructuring of the credit facilities amounting to USD 850 Million availed of by IFFCO’s foreign subsidiary i.e. Jordan India Fertilizer Company.
• Advised a leading real estate company on the resolution and eventual acquisition of a landowning company owning 110 Acres of land valued at over USD 140.5 Million under the pre-packaged insolvency regime.
• Advised M3M India Private Limited (M3M) on INR 900 Crore debt infusion by Oaktree Capital through subscription to NCDs.
• Advised Apollo Hospitals in its INR 450 Crore hospital asset acquisition in Gurugram, Haryana.
• Advised by Kunshan Q Tech Microelectronics (India) Private (QTech) Limited on USD 20 Million external commercial borrowings (ECB).

Overview

Vasudev has 18 years of experience with specialization in M&A, joint ventures, private equity and venture capital advisory. Vasudev also routinely advises on corporate restructuring, commercial contracts, general corporate and employment law advisory matters.

Vasudev’s experience spreads across sectors, including pharma, retail, real estate, media, telecommunications, IT/ITES, micro finance, liquor, heavy engineering, mining & minerals and defence. He has in-depth knowledge and understanding of various aspects relating to the legal and regulatory jurisprudence and practice in these areas. He also has extensive knowledge of foreign investment & exchange control laws generally and also the gamut of laws routinely associated with the manufacturing and services sector in general.

Vasudev has acted for leading international and India corporate houses and organizations, including Abbott Laboratories, bioMerieux, ArcelorMittal, Wal-Mart, Diageo, Visteon Corporation, Emerson Electric Co., Chemtura Corporation, Tangoe Inc., Middleby Corporation, Adtran Inc., Rambus Inc., Nokia, Christian Louboutin, Photonis Technologies, Hexcel Corporation, Rambus, NexGen Healthcare, Time Inc., Citi Venture Capital International, Wolfensohn Capital Partners, Sequoia, Samsara Capital, Mantri Developers, UTI Venture Funds, Leggett and Platt, Flextronics, Temasek, CapitaLand, Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V. (FMO), Times Group, DLF Limited and DLF Brands Limited, Continental Hospitals, Medi Assist SM Electronics and MRN Group.

Experience Statement

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Acted for Reliance Capital on a venture capital investment in Naffa Innovations Private Limited engaged in digital payment sector.

Joint Ventures

• Advised Christian Louboutin S.A. on its 51:49 joint venture with an Indian joint venture partner in the single brand retail space.

Private Equity

• Advised WCP Holdings III (a Wolfensohn Capital Partners fund) and Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V. (FMO) in connection with their investment in Ujjivan Microfinance Services Private Limited, a leader in the Indian microfinance space.

General Corporate Advisory

• Advised Clifford Chance on a multi-jurisdictional corporate governance survey undertaken for CME Group.
• Advised Wal-Mart in connection with a proposal to set up cash and carry wholesales stores in Southern Indian states.

Overview

Vipin's focus areas of practice are mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity foreign investment, general corporate and commercial matters. In his legal experience of a decade, Vipin has structured, negotiated and drafted a wide range of private equity transactions and M&A transactions for foreign and domestic clients across the sectors such as energy and infrastructure, renewables, e-commerce, real estate, etc.

Vipin advises foreign investors and multinational corporations on a wide array of legal issues relating to acquisitions, joint venture agreements, private equity investments, foreign direct investment policy, company laws, etc.

Overview

Vivek K. Agarwal is a Partner with Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India with over 15 years of diversified experience and has dealt with clients across continents and specializes in dealing with wide array of legal and associated business issues and offers solutions to business and legal needs of clients. He has the experience of advising on wide range of corporate legal matters including advising on India entry/ set-up and exit/ insolvency, corporate governance issues, restructuring, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions.

Vivek has extensively dealt with various ministries and departments of the Government of India including the Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Reserve Bank of India and has also been a contributor to the Government in its efforts to bring about changes in policies and business landscape in India from an ‘Ease of Doing Business’ perspective. He is also a regular contributor to the World Bank in conducting its ‘Ease of Doing Business’ study in India.

Vivek has advised various multinational as well domestic clients in areas of corporate and commercial laws and has helped a number of clients’ set-up their India presence and strategize their business closure and India exit and also on obtaining relevant government approvals. His experience brings in a mix of effective implementation strategy and legal expertise and he strives to deliver the best solution to clients with his practical approach and efforts to balance risk with desired client objective.

Experience Statement

• Acted at the behest of one of the largest steel manufacturers in the world in its acquisition of the distressed steel business of the Essar group in India under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
• Assisted the monitoring agency in negotiations and implementation of the resolution plan of an Indian listed steel major in acquisition of another listed entity in the steel business under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
• Assisted in completing the acquisition of the shares of the Indian subsidiaries of a leading identity management solutions provider in the United States following which the acquirer became the world leader in biometric identity solutions.
• Assisted a Chinese business house in completion of their asset and business acquisition of Brakes business units from a premier supplier of automotive chassis products to OEMs in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
• Assisted in setting-up of the successful venture which holds the exclusive right to organize and stage the hugely successful ‘Pro-Kabaddi League’.