Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

Argus Partners

Argus Partners is based in Kolkata and recently opened a new Mumbai office in June 2011. The firm is making gains in the country, with many a client offering praise. “There’s a sort of togetherness about that firm, with people who stick together and expertise that sticks together. That’s the sign of a good future,” says one. A notable transaction for the firm was advising of Tega Industries in a US$40 million investment from TA Associates. The deal completed in May 2011.

Global Jurix

Global Jurix is a full service law firm with connections in regions across India. The firm employs 50 legal professionals across its New Delhi headquarters, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Nagpur and Ahmedabad offices. It is also part of an international network of associated firms in the UK, China, South Africa, the US and Australia. The lawyers at Global Jurix provide advice in industry sectors such as power and energy, real estate, infrastructure and banking.

Hitesh Sanghvi Law Offices

Hitesh Sanghvi Law Offices combines personal attentiveness with quality with strong technical ability. The firm is ably led by Hitesh Sanghvi, who is noted by a peer as “a rising star in the industry”. Sanghvi led a firm team representing prominent engineering company Gearspect Group in the setting up of a subsidiary company as part of its entry into the Indian market. This transaction was completed in February 2011.

India Juris

India Juris is a growing firm with a pan-Indian network combined with a solid corporate presence. Acting for a range of clients, such as ApnaCircle Infotech, S M Wireless Solutions and E2E Networks, the firm is looking to expand its practice in the future. The firm possesses a range of legal expertise, with peers noting the strength of its labour and employment capabilities in particular.

OP Khaitan & Co

OP Khaitan & Co provides legal advisory services for both domestic and international companies and possesses considerable expertise on cross border transactions. One notable deal in the past year was the firm’s representation of Korean company GS Home Shopping in its acquisition of a stake in TV18HSN of TV18 Group. Partner Gautam Khaitan was the lead on this transaction. Other clients include Infotech Design Systems, Clinirx Research and Contisteel India.

Rajinder Narain & Co

Rajinder Narain & Co is a “firm with both history and prestige in the market”, says a market commentator. First established in Delhi following the country’s independence in 1947, the firm maintains offices in Delhi and Mumbai. The firm has been rebranded as RNC Legal in recent years, and boasts a growing dispute resolution practice encompassing litigation and arbitration work for both domestic and international clients. Its aviation practice is highly regarded in the market, with one competitor noting: “It’s been a standout part of its overall practice.”

Singhania & Partners

Singhania & Partners has a notable corporate practice, with one peer noting: “We definitely see the firm in this area of practice.” It also has experience in supporting areas such as competition law. For example, in one high profile matter, the represented itself against Microsoft before the CCI. Another notable transaction for the firm in the past year has been its work for IFCI in the setting up of a domestic venture capital fund for private equity investment in companies in the infrastructure sector. This matter is yet to complete and is valued at INR20 billion.

Swarup & Company

Swarup & Company is guided and managed by partner Shailendra Swarup, who has a substantial reputation in the legal industry. The firm has two partners, and is involved in corporate work in the country. Swarup led a firm team representing Indian basmati rice maker Kohinoor Foods in its joint venture with US company McCormick for marketing and selling the client’s food and rice products in India. Advised by J Sagar Associates, McCormick is expected to invest US$115 million for an 85% stake in the joint venture.

Titus & Co

Titus & Co regularly advises international and domestic companies on matters of corporate law. The firm acted for Knorr-Bremse in a share purchase agreement involving the acquisition of shares from its domestic joint venture partner. The work included advising on issues regarding the Companies Act and the Foreign Exchange Management Act. This transaction was led by RS Mittal and Monica Bansal.