Corporate/M&A: The Elite

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co is a top-notch law firm in India, respected for its strength in advising big-name clients on national and international M&A transactions, amalgamations, restructurings and joint ventures. The firm has substantive experience administering operations relating to the procurement of majority and controlling stakes in companies. The team draws on the expertise of its other practices to overcome complex transaction-related regulatory issues and has an excellent reputation for providing counsel on demergers, delistings, public M&A and asset transfers and significant experience assisting with major TMT and infrastructure sector transactions. The firm leverages its membership of the Lex Mundi network to serve clients throughout the globe. AION Investments Private IV, Biocon Biologics and Metro AG are notable clients. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas has lawyers across India, including in Chennai, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Mumbai.

"The firm has built its name owing to the partners and their solid advice. Backing from SAM has a lot of weight to it. A certain quality is associated with the firm."

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co advised Culver Max Entertainment and Bangla Entertainment on the ongoing merger of Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Bangla Entertainment with and into Sony India, in a deal valued at approximately USD10 billion.

Akshay Chudasama has a reputation as one of the top corporate lawyers in India. Based in Mumbai, he is the managing partner of SAM and has a history of representing domestic and international clients in high-end M&A deals. He is especially noted for his focus on the real estate sector.

Shardul Shroff in New Delhi is the executive chairman at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas. He has a long history of overseeing substantial acquisitions, strategic partnerships and takeovers, regularly representing leading Indian conglomerates.

Raghubir Menon is a highly popular and well-respected M&A lawyer in Mumbai. He is consistently involved in acquisitions and investments of considerable size and significance. "Raghubir is very important to how we direct conversations from a structuring perspective, and he takes the time to understand the business."

Gunjan Shah is an experienced lawyer with a notable market presence in India. Her practice includes advising on acquisitions, sales and foreign investment. She is a partner in SAM's New Delhi office.

Manav Nagaraj has long been established in the Bengaluru legal market. He can bring his knowledge of venture capital and investment structuring to bear on corporate and M&A matters.

Manish Gupta is based in the New Delhi office of IndusLaw. He is active in the M&A and private equity spaces.

Puja Sondhi in Delhi enters the rankings and is recognised for her work in the M&A space. In particular, she is noted for her work on matters in the e-commerce space and is active on fund-raising work.