A specialism that we take pride in is our understanding of cross-border tax issues. The role of a tax advisor has generally been by accounting firms, but each tax position taken needs to be validated under law. In our prior dealings, we have seen lack of tax-enabled advisory as a huge handicap in managing high-stakes transactions. In many cases, our understanding of the multi-jurisdictional tax laws coupled with commercial and market sounding approach has often helped in breaking deadlocks (or assisted in taking critical commercial calls) necessary to consummate transactions in India.

Close to 95% clientele of the team comprises of large SWFs and leading global financial sponsors. We deeply understand all aspects of the funds industry from fund formation, LP – GP relationships to fund governance related aspects and most importantly, key considerations involved in high-stakes fund investments. We pride ourselves as not just private equity lawyers, but lawyers that fully understand real assets and financial services sectors (the two sectors that are the highest recipients of private credit) and their peculiarities in the Indian context. The team pioneered some of the early private debt instruments (such as listed bonds and other structured finance products) and is adept at trades involving private debt and public equities as well. With lines between debt and equity blurring, our clients see a significant value proposition in the same set of lawyers advising on private debt and equity.  

Sometimes with Indian regulators, the unwritten law is just as important as the written law, more so in context of high yield foreign credit involving innovative structures. This unwritten law emanates from close regulatory interactions – it is sometimes well crystallised, and sometimes requires a deep understanding of the regulatory mindset. Through our influence in leading investor bodies, we are not just in close touch with the regulators, but also in many ways giving shape to the regulatory approach to innovative structures and products.

Setting up credit platforms (traditional fund structures and managed accounts) in investing directly or through NBFCs for investment across different sectors such as real estate, infrastructure (roads and renewables), logistics and airports.

The test of all transaction documentation is eventually in the courtroom. We have seen some of the most immaculately drafted documents being misinterpreted at the hands of litigators in courts. Hence, experience in navigating a corporate dispute and enforcing agreements first-hand can be critical. We have been involved in several enforcements, which has given us not just the theoretical, but also practical knowledge of enforcement related challenges. Our disputes and enforcement practice is focused primarily on devising pre-litigation and litigation strategies for global financial sponsors seeking to enforce security interests.