Axiom5

Firm details:

Partners: Samir R. Gandhi, Rahul Rai and Shivanghi Sukumar

Senior Adviser: Pramod K. Singh

Counsels: Shruti Aji Murali and Shivam Jha

Of Counsels: Nikhil Pillai and Vinayak Mehrotra

Senior Associate: Ravi Gangal

Associates: Anicham Tamilmani and Binit Agarwal

Trainee Associate: Aarathi Menon

Firm Overview:

Axiom5 is a boutique law practice that provides advice and thought leadership on competition law and policy issues in India. Named after Euclid's 5th axiom, "the whole is greater than the part," Axiom5 epitomises an unwavering commitment to approaching antitrust issues with a comprehensive mindset.

Axiom5 lawyers have received high praise for their exceptional ability to analyze antitrust issues within a comprehensive framework, encompassing regulations, governance structures, market dynamics, and economic policies.

We offer our clients holistic and meticulously tailored competition law advice, ensuring that they receive valuable strategic solutions. We are focused on the details that make the difference, while not losing sight of the big picture.

Antitrust profile:

Our team consists of 9 experienced antitrust attorneys, complemented by a senior advisor and two of-counsels. Together, we provide counsel on a wide range of competition and antitrust law matters, encompassing litigation and enforcement, strategic merger control, counselling and compliance, as well as competition policy and advocacy.

Litigation and enforcement

Axiom5 has been instructed on some of the most high-profile and precedent-setting cases before the Competition Commission of India, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, various High Courts and the Supreme Court of India. Our recent instructions include representation for one of the leading global technology firms in an abuse of dominance inquiry; leading global corporations in FMCG, finance and heavy industries sector in cartel inquiries; a pharma major in a constitutional challenge to CCI’s decision before the Delhi High Court; a leading Indian media company in an appeal from the CCI’s decision on the intersection of IP and competition law; and a global movie studio in an appeal before the Supreme Court of India.

Merger Control

We work closely with clients with competition law issues, from assessment to implementation. We help prepare merger filings, engage with regulators, and advise on how to avoid and mitigate risks, or structure litigation strategies. Some of our recent instructions include, Brookfield’s acquisition of ATC India; Clicktech’s acquisition of Appario’s retail business from Amazon in India; Volrado Ventures’ proposed acquisition of majority stake in WeWork India; TVS group’s acquisition of majority stake in Home Credit India; NIIF’s investments in Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited and Ather Energy; Lanxess’ formation of a joint venture with Advent; and the merger of Garagepreneurs Internet Private Limited with North East Small Finance Bank.

Counselling & Compliance

Axiom5 works with its clients and their internal and external advisors to ensure that they receive thoughtful and constructive advice that is best suited to their business. We work closely with them to design customised competition compliance programmes and create policies and practices that reduce infringement risk while achieving business goals. Most recently we advised a leading global automotive company on the antitrust implications of an ongoing strategic restructuring exercise, and a leading global pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturer in conducting a bespoke competition compliance exercise for each of their key products.

Competition policy & advocacy

Axiom5 lawyers use their diverse experience in law, economics, policy-making, and design to craft policy solutions that are evidence-based, impactful and practical. The firm’s work in this field includes advising numerous leading Indian & global technology companies on the implications of the proposed Digital Competition Bill, 2024.

Office address: Axiom5 Law Chambers, 19 Annex, Sundar Nagar, New Delhi - 110003.