Corporate/M&A: The Elite

AZB & Partners is a widely admired law firm in India with an excellent market reputation, frequently active on the most high-profile transactions. The firm has notable strength advising leading buyers, sellers and investors acting in areas such as real estate, financial services, TMT and energy. The group handles a broad range of corporate issues including high-profile M&A, joint ventures and outbound investments. The department also has a proven track record in distressed M&A and a strong record assisting with the formation and restructuring of companies, exchange control regulations, contract law and Takeover Code issues. AZB & Partners is especially present in New Delhi and Mumbai and its roster of clients includes Citibank, KKR and Tata Motors.

"AZB have provided excellent assistance on a transaction that involved some complexities under India law."

"They are very well experienced and exposed to various industries."

AZB & Partners advised Holcim on the sale of its entire stake in Ambuja Cements and ACC to Adani, including advice on drafting and negotiation of transaction documents as well as vendor due diligence.

Ajay Bahl is a co-founder and managing partner of AZB & Partners, based in New Delhi. He has vast experience advising on complex M&A and is also able to provide assistance with tax structuring.

Zia Mody continues to stand out as one of India's pre-eminent lawyers. Based in Mumbai, she leads her team on high-end acquisitions, joint ventures, investments and delistings for multinational corporations and major Indian corporates. "Her ability to quickly understand the space she is advising on and apply a robust level of logic sets her apart."

Anil Kasturi has a strong reputation in the New Delhi market and includes leading private equity firms and domestic corporates among his clients. He is well known for being an adviser to leading Indian conglomerates.

Ashwath Rau oversees a large body of work that covers M&A and investments from his Mumbai base. He is a well-known figure in the market, regularly acting on high-profile transactions in the technology, banking and cement sectors. "Ashwath is extremely well regarded in the Indian legal community. He's got a very good network and relationships."

Darshika Kothari has a robust reputation in the Mumbai corporate legal market. She routinely handles large-scale joint ventures, acquisitions and demergers involving listed companies.

Srinath Dasari is commended for his experience in M&A. Based in AZB's Bengaluru office, his clients include corporates and private equity houses.

Nandish Vyas is an experienced corporate lawyer in Mumbai with considerable experience in corporate acquisitions and private equity investments. "We have worked with him on multiple deals. His ability to negotiate and navigate is exemplary."

Nilanjana Singh has experience in both the corporate and private equity sectors and is well versed in handling big-ticket M&A involving multinational companies. She is based in AZB's Mumbai office and is well regarded in the market.

Roxanne Anderson in Mumbai enters the rankings and is recognised for her work in the M&A field, including large-scale mergers in the banking sector. "She is familiar with the space and us as a client. Every client has a way of functioning and her familiarity lends itself to a favourable outcome."