Corporate/M&A (International Firms)
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : India
Band 3
Chambers Review
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton offers a respected practice with a longstanding reputation as corporate counsel on sales and joint ventures. It is noted for a significant role assisting private equity funds and non-bank finance entities with investments into a number of sectors in India, including healthcare and technology. The team maintains a prestigious group of repeat international clients and typically advises on complex cross-border transactions. Additionally, it offers expertise in handling outbound mandates in the USA for Indian clients. The team also handles restructurings and offers antitrust and anti-corruption advice.
Work Highlights
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton advised the Walt Disney Company on the combination of its Star India business with Viacom18 to form a new strategic joint venture with Reliance Industries.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm has experienced lawyers who are familiar with complex structuring issues that may arise. It is a quality team that is very responsive and committed to providing service at a high level."
"They are able to bridge the gap between Indian and international practices and expectations very effectively and have a very collaborative and good working relationship with local counsel."
"The firm has experienced lawyers who are familiar with complex structuring issues that may arise. It is a quality team that is very responsive and committed to providing service at a high level."
"They are able to bridge the gap between Indian and international practices and expectations very effectively and have a very collaborative and good working relationship with local counsel."
Notable Practitioners
Nallini Puri is a London-based partner who covers a wide range of corporate and financial work, including acquisitions, joint ventures and de-SPAC transactions. Formerly practising within India itself, she has experience advising corporate clients in the financial and healthcare sectors as well as sovereign wealth funds on their business activities in India.
"Nallini is a sharp attorney with great communication skills. She is a strong negotiator and advocate."
"She has great expertise and experience in cross-border transactions, particularly in high-profile deals in India. She is dedicated, thoughtful and a commercial, constructive and composed negotiator."