AZB & Partners offers an ‘outstanding‘ competition practice, with strength across Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Led by the ‘amazing‘ Samir Gandhi, who has deep experience in competition law, the team advises a host of lucrative and household name clients, including Google. Other key members of the team include Bharat Budholia, who is accomplished in gaining clearance for mergers and representing Indian and multinational clients in landmark matters, and Hemangini Dadwal, who had an instrumental role in setting up the firm’s competition practice in Bangalore, drawing on her extensive expertise across antitrust enforcement, advisory, compliance and merger control. Gaurav Bansal advises on high-profile domestic and cross-border merger filings in India, in addition to representing large companies in proceedings before the Competition Commission of India.
Antitrust and competition in India
AZB & Partners
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘What makes AZB unique in its competition law practice is that the team is led by Samir Gandhi. The team is outstanding when it comes to capability, its business friendly approach, turn around times on assignments, clarity of thought and so much more. Their standard of legal interpretation is the best in its class.’
‘Samir Gandhi is an amazing partner and is one whom clients would follow. It’s not only his advice but his ability to forge a long-term relationship with his clients is what really stands out.’
Key clients
Google LLC.
Google Ireland Limited
Google India Pvt. Ltd.
Jio Platforms Limited
IATA
Autoparts
Tata SIA Airlines Limited
Bombardier Transportation and Bombardier Inc
Total SE
Tata Digital
Uber
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation
Board for Cricket Control in India
Work highlights
- Acting for Google in relation to abuse of dominance investigations.
- Represented Tata Motors, Mercedes Benz India and Toyota Kirloskar Motor before the High Court of Delhi in a landmark case dealing with the constitutional validity of certain key provisions of the Competition Act 2002.
- Represented Tata Group (through Talace Private Limited) to secure approval from the Competition Commission of India for the acquisition of a 100% stake in Air India.
Khaitan & Co LLP
Khaitan & Co LLP continues to be a heavyweight player in the competition law market, advising domestic and multinational entities and representing government enterprises and public sector giants. Headed by Manas Kumar Chaudhuri, who has 22 years’ experience in competition law, the team also attracts regulatory mandates and provides advice concerning the International Competition Network. On the merger control side of the practice, Anisha Chand has a wealth of experience in securing unconditional clearances for mergers, and in enforcement cases, while associate Swati Bala handles high-stakes merger deals to assist in securing unconditional clearance. Sagardeep Rathi specialises in merger control, compliance and defending clients in bid rigging and cartel cases, and Pranjal Prateek has expertise in enforcement matters, with knowledge spanning an array of industries.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has expert knowledge.’
‘I would highlight Sagardeep Rathi.’
Key clients
Apollo Tyres Limited
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV
InterGlobe Aviation Limited
Siemens AG
Suez Environment
UPL Limited
TVS Supply Chain Solutions Limited
ANI Technologies Private Limited
Aakash Educational Services Limited
SoftBank Group
RMG Acquisition Corp
Alkem Laboratories Limited
Pfizer Inc
Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies
White Oak Group
Black Burn & Co. Pvt. Ltd.
Moulded Fibreglass Products
Work highlights
- Assisted SUEZ to halt a global takeover attempt by using the Indian merger control regime as a takeover defence against a hostile takeover.
- Represented Anheuser-Busch InBev in relation to the filing of a leniency application and subsequent proceedings before the CCI.
- Representing Apollo Tyres before the NCLAT in an appeal against a CCI order finding that certain tyre manufacturers fixed prices and engaged in cartelisation.
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
The team at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co handles the full spectrum of competition and antitrust matters for domestic and international clients, consistently delivering ‘cutting-edge‘ advice. John Handoll and Pallavi Shroff co-head the practice; Shroff has extensive experience in representing public and private entities, and Handoll has over 40 years’ experience in practicing competition law in India. Shweta Shroff Chopra draws on more than 18 years of experience in advising on corporate and competition matters, resulting in her practice featuring a blend of merger control and enforcement, areas in which Manika Brar is also an expert. In addition, Brar handles abuse of dominance matters alongside Naval Chopra. Harman Singh Sandhu is well versed in defending large multinational companies in high-profile cartel enforcement cases involving elements of leniency, and represents clients in abuse of dominance cases. With ‘unparallelled‘ expertise and ‘deep understanding‘, Yamam Verma handles major investigations into digital markets, cartels, abuse of dominance and enforcement cases.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Shweta Shroff Chopra; Naval Chopra; Manika Brar; Harman Singh Sandhu; Yamam Verma
Testimonials
‘Shardul Amarchand’s competition practice has an excellent market reputation, and the quality of their work lives up to that reputation in spades. Their advice is always cutting-edge, business oriented, client-focused, and sound on law. Their understanding of the e-commerce space is also unparalleled.’
‘Yaman Verma is our key contact at the firm. His competition law expertise is unparallelled, but what set him apart for us was his deep understanding of the commercial aspects of our business. His advice is always focused on what’s best for the company, and he effortlessly transitions from explaining legal nuances to providing commercial input. His mentorship, guidance, and strategic input has been invaluable to us.’
Key clients
WhatsApp LLC.
Siemens Healthineers AG
Uber Technologies Inc.
Carlsberg India Private Limited
Flipkart Internet Private Limited
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Meta Platforms, Inc.
CA Magnum Holdings
Maruti Suzuki India Limited
National Stock Exchange of India
Mitsui O.S.K Lines Ltd.
Nissan Motor Car Carrier Co., Ltd.
Bundl Technologies Private Limited (Twiggy)
Apollo Management LP
Kubota Corporation
Baring Private Equity Asia Pte. Ltd.
Oravel Stays Limited (OYO)
Think and Learn Private Limited
Zomato Limited
Culver Max Entertainment
Asian Paints Limited
The Blackstone Group Inc.
ChrysCapital
Work highlights
- Advised CA Magnum Holdings on the competition law aspects of its acquisition of a majority stake in Hexaware Technologies.
- Acted for Carlsberg India in relation to its application for leniency in the beer cartel case.
- Challenged an interim order made by the CCI on behalf of OYO, which was set aside by the Gujarat High Court as the CCI had not heard OYO.
Trilegal
The ‘dedicated and knowledgeable’ team at Trilegal works from across offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore, using its multi-jurisdictional competition law expertise to serve a varied client base. Nisha Kaur Uberoi leads the practice and advises global companies and conglomerates on the gamut of competition law matters. Gautam Chawla regularly handles contentious matters for multinational and domestic clients, in addition to high-value merger control matters. Senior associate Radhika Seth has a niche focus on cartelisation and bid rigging cases. Rudresh Singh joined the competition team from Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India, and contributes over 12 years’ experience in the merger control sphere and in cartel investigations.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Gautam Chawla; Simran Kathuria; Radhika Seth; Rudresh Singh
Testimonials
‘The Trilegal team is dedicated and knowledgeable about Indian competition law. The team is known for its diversity.’
‘Nisha Uberoi has particular strength in resolving the issues and clear advice.’
‘Great experience and expertise. Very high reputation in competition law matters.’
Key clients
Veolia Group
Apple Inc.
Heineken N.V.
United Breweries Limited
Walmart
Flipkart
Grasim Industries Limited
Schneider Electric SE
Itochu Corporation
Japanese Industrial Partners Inc
ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Ola Cabs)
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. Japan
Holcim Group
GIC Ventures
Temasek Holdings Private Limited
Keihin Corporation, Japan
Brookfield Asset Management
Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited
Naspers Limited
International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI)
Championship Cricket LLC
Ares SSG Capital Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Work highlights
- Represented Veolia Environment in obtaining the CCI’s unconditional approval on its acquisition of shares in Suez, and defending in a gun-jumping proceeding before the CCI.
- Represented United Breweries before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) and secured a stay on an order passed by the CCI imposing a penalty in relation to a case of alleged cartelisation.
- Advising PayU Payments on the Indian competition law aspects of its acquisition of IndiaIdeas.com.
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
Noted for its ‘excellent‘ understanding and exposure, the team at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas handles a combination of enforcement and merger-related matters for large corporates across a myriad of sectors; the department’s combined sectoral experience encompasses the automotive, real estate, telecoms and energy sectors, to name a few. Avaantika Kakkar advises on complex merger filings and provides strategic support with dawn raids, utilising her breadth of experience in investigations spanning the alcohol, pharmaceutical and white goods sectors, among others. Dhruv Rajain focuses on providing advice on risk assessment, enforcement and compliance matters, in addition to filing pre-merger notifications with the CCI. Kirthi Srinivas handles leniency application filings and forensic investigations, and often defends clients against cartel allegations. Anshuman Sakle has left the practice.
Practice head(s):
Avaantika Kakkar
Other key lawyers:
Dhruv Rajain; Kirthi Srinivas
Testimonials
‘CAM team’s understanding and exposure in this area is excellent. Also the practice involves heavy engagement with regulators and that’s critical for practical advice; the CAM team scores high on this.’
‘Avantika Kakkar has excellent command on the subject and is well respected in this practice area. Her insights to manage investigations is extremely useful. She is extremely approachable and adaptable to client’s requirements.’
Key clients
Google and its affiliates
Reliance Industries Limited group
Serum Institute of India
Adani group
ReNew Power Limited
Falcon Edge
CPPIB
Blackstone
Axis Bank
Siemens AG
Work highlights
- Represented Google in relation to an interim relief application (IRA) filed by the Alliance of Digital India Foundation in relation to a policy update to Google’s billing system.
- Advised on a first-of-its-kind transaction which involved the merger of ReNew Power with RMG Acquisition Corporation II.
- Representing Serum and Biocon for the purposes of obtaining an approval of the CCI for a complex transaction.
DSK Legal
Drawing on ‘a deep, working knowledge‘ of the antitrust and competition legislative environment, DSK Legal‘s practice focuses on investigative matters relating to cartelisation and bid rigging, as well as merger control. Anand Desai leads the team and often provides advice on merger control, investigations and policy formation matters, assisting domestic corporates in the liquor, media and logistics sectors, among others. Associate partner Abhishek Singh Baghel has over 11 years’ experience in advising and representing trading houses and multilateral institutions in litigious, compliance and advisory matters before the CAT, High Courts and the Supreme Court, and has also acted for the CCI in disputes. A team from L&L has greatly enlarged the practice, these include Abdullah Hussain, Kanika Chaudhary Nayar and Kunal Mehra.
Practice head(s):
Anand Desai
Other key lawyers:
Abhishek Singh Baghel; Abdullah Hussain; Kanika Chaudhary Nayar; Kunal Mehra
Testimonials
‘A deep, working knowledge of the very unique environment. Advice that is geared towards the client’s interests with a professional team that is accessible and amiable.’
‘The technical ability and practical approach of the team sets them apart.’
‘They have a practical approach to solutions and experience collected since the inception of competition laws in India.’
Key clients
Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
Alps Alpine Co. Ltd.
DHL – Bluedart Express Ltd.
IDP Education Ltd.
OpenX Technologies Inc.
Mitsui & Co. India Pvt. Ltd.
TV Today Network
Producers Guild of India
Gas Authority of India Ltd.
Minda Industries Ltd.
Manash Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd.
Tamarai Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Ceva Logistics Pvt. Ltd.
CMA-CGM Group
Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel
Cargill India Pvt. Ltd.
Shapoorji Pallonji Infrastructure Capital Co.
Jindal Saw
Work highlights
- Represented Tamarai Technologies before the Supreme Court of India in an appeal against an order of Gauhati High Court (Aizawl Bench).
- Advising and representing the Producers Guild of India in multiple ongoing investigations and inquiries in the film production and distribution sector.
Economic Laws Practice
Economic Laws Practice handles a mix of regulatory matters and disputes for a range of domestic and international clients across a multitude of sectors, including agriculture, automobile, natural gas and petroleum, and entertainment. Suhail Nathani heads the practice alongside Ravisekhar Nair; the pair utilise their combined expertise to handle contentious matters before the Competition Commission of India, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, the High Courts and the Supreme Court. Parthsarathi Jha brings his experience in the technology, pharmaceutical and sports sectors to his substantial knowledge of competition law to assist clients, while Abhay Joshi regularly advises domestic and international clients on merger control matters and anti-competitive agreement investigations. Associate Sahil Khanna is a key member of the team, advising on cartel, compliance and abuse of dominance issues.
Practice head(s):
Suhail Nathani; Ravisekhar Nair
Other key lawyers:
Parthsarathi Jha; Abhay Joshi; Sahil Khanna
Key clients
Transworld Holdings Limited
National Egg Co-ordination Committee
United Breweries Limited
United Breweries Limited
SKF (India) Limited
Google LLC
Google India Private Limited
Google Ireland Limited
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
Geep Industries (India) Private Limited
Worldline India Private Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Transworld Group and secured an approval from the CCI concerning a multi-step transaction between the client and Unifeeder ISC FZCO for the acquisition of Avana Logistek and Transworld Feeders FZCO.
- Represented the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) in an investigation involving, among others, allegations of price fixing of eggs.
- Represented United Breweries before the CCI concerning allegations of its participation in anti-competitive activities along with other beer manufacturers in certain states.
JSA Law
The team at JSA Law provide clients with advice on cartelisation and litigious antitrust matters, in addition to merger filings. Mumbai-based partner Farhad Sorabjee leads the team and handles merger control issues. Vaibhav Choukse and associate Ela Bali support the team from New Delhi and have a great deal of expertise in handling contentious abuse of dominance cases.
Practice head(s):
Farhad Sorabjee
Other key lawyers:
Vaibhav Choukse; Ela Bali
Key clients
Ford Motor Company
Hyundai Motors India Limited
IBM Corporation
PepsiCo (India) Holdings Private Limited
Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited
Baring Private Equity Asia
Becton Dickinson India Pvt. Ltd
DP World (Dubai Ports)
Kubota Corporation, Japan
Teleperformance SE
Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V.
Volvo India CE Pvt Ltd
JSW Steel Limited
Continental India Private Limited
TV Sundram Iyengar & Sons Private Limited
South Asia LPG Company Limited
Adani Power Limited
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd
Goldman Sachs Wyvern Holdings Limited
Satia Industries Limited
Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India
The competition law team at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India handles the full spectrum of antitrust matters, covering abuse of dominance issues, cartel investigations, merger control and leniency proceedings. G.R. Bhatia pilots the practice, drawing on his ‘in-depth subject knowledge‘ and experience as a former additional director general of the CCI alongside managing associate Arjun Nihal Singh. Rudresh Singh handles significant cross-border merger control matters, with notable sectoral expertise covering the alcoholic beverages, aviation and shipping sectors, among others.
Practice head(s):
G.R. Bhatia; Rudresh Singh
Other key lawyers:
Arjun Nihal Singh
Testimonials
‘The team provides practical and conservative advice with in-depth working knowledge of the CCI and its history. They have detailed discussions, with deep sectoral and business knowledge.’
‘G.R. Bhatia gives very practical advice based on his in-depth subject knowledge.’
‘Arjun Nihal Singh provides excellent support to the practice with great subject knowledge. He is always accessible and available for discussions on strategy.’
Key clients
ArcelorMittal Societe Anonyme
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd
Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
Biocon Limited
Carlyle Group
Carter’s Inc.
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG (Lindt)
Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI)
Cummins Inc.
Dhampur Sugar Mills
East India Petroleum Private Limited
Edelweiss Financial Services Ltd.
Essel Group
FMC Corporation
Food Corporation of India
Fortis Healthcare Limited
GMR Group
Google Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
Hero MotorCorp
ITC Limited
Jaiprakash Associates Limited
JCB Ltd
JK Ansell / Raymond Group
JSW Steel Limited
Mankind Pharma
Multiplex Association of India
Mylan
Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Corporation
NYK Line, Japan
Power Finance Corporation
SC Lowy
Tullis Russell
United Breweries Limited
UV Asset Reconstruction Company
Vatika Ltd.
Yahoo Inc.
Zomato Limited
Chandhiok & Mahajan, Advocates and Solicitors
Chandhiok & Mahajan, Advocates and Solicitors handles the full spectrum of antitrust matters, including merger control, leniency mandates and cartel investigations, where it regularly acts for blue-chip companies, multinational corporations and conglomerates. Karan Singh Chandhiok heads the practice and focuses on advising domestic and international companies on abuse of dominance allegations, investigations and complex disputes. The team undertakes a notable amount of litigious work, with key team member Deeksha Manchanda frequently representing clients before the High Courts challenging the legality of dawn raids. Lagna Panda and Avinash Amarnath were promoted to partner April 2022; Amarnath contributes his experience in vertical agreements and cartels, while Panda has substantial experience in internal compliance investigations and enforcement proceedings before the Supreme Court.
Practice head(s):
Karan Singh Chandhiok
Other key lawyers:
Deeksha Manchanda; Lagna Panda; Avinash Amarnath
Testimonials
‘Chandhiok & Mahajan’s team have the expertise to evaluate the legal position on business practices, keeping in mind the current position of law in India in the context of those emerging in the EU and elsewhere, which provides them a view of what the thinking of the Competition Regulator in India may be like in future. This makes their support outstanding and invaluable to any business.’
Key clients
Lighthouse Funds
UFO Moviez Limited
Scrabble Digital Limited
Asianet Digital Network Private Limited
Trident Limited
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Private Limited
FabHotels
Panasonic Energy India
Panasonic Corporation
JCB
Work highlights
- Acted for Clariant and Heubach in obtaining CCI’s unconditional approval for the acquisition of Clariant’s pigments business by SKCP and Heubach with Clariant rolling back its interest.
- Represented Intel in a CCI investigation alleging abuse of dominance by Intel.
- Representing Google in an anonymous information complaint filed against the GPay app and Google’s Play Store.
Dentons Link Legal
The aviation-focused practice at Dentons Link Legal handles investigation matters before the CCI, and advises on vertical agreements and cartelisation issues. Led by Atul Sharma, the team advises large airlines and companies in the health, hygiene and technology sectors. Associate Ashly Cherian often represents clients before the Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT), supporting Abhishek Sharma in acting for domestic and overseas clients in arbitration proceedings and before the CCI.
Practice head(s):
Atul Sharma
Other key lawyers:
Abhishek Sharma; Anand Srivastava; Ashly Cherian
Key clients
SpiceJet Limited
CRCC High-Tech Equipment Corporation Limited
BSN Medical India (now Essity India)
Microsoft
Metro Cash & Carry India
Dua Associates
Dua Associates‘ practice undertakes a full range of competition matters, advising clients on merger control notifications, cartel investigations, compliance programmes and anti-competitive agreements. The team combines its experience across the power and renewable energy, pharmaceutical and paper industry sectors, among others. With a specialisation in competition law and policy, Gautam Shahi leads the practice, often assisting with the creation of compliance programmes for corporate houses, and also represents clients before the CCI, NCLAT, High Courts and the Supreme Court. Robin David is a commercial dispute resolution specialist, often advising international non-governmental organisations. Febin Mathew supports David on the litigation side of the practice, using his multi-sectoral experience within competition law.
Practice head(s):
Gautam Shahi; Robin David
Other key lawyers:
Febin Mathew
Key clients
Balrampur Chini Mills Limited
All India Tyre Dealers Federation
Cement Manufacturers Association
Valvoline India
Competition Commission of India
Hughes Communications Private Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Hughes Communications India before the CCI with respect to its joint venture with Bharati Airtel to provide satellite broadband services in India.
- Represents Balrampur Chini Mills (BCML) before the NCLAT in a cartel matter.
- Successfully represented the CCI before the NCLAT concerning an abuse of dominant position matter.
Gaggar & Partners
Gaggar & Partners is home to a litigation-focused competition practice, which represents a broad range of clients in competition cases, including the CCI itself, in addition to domestic and international private clients. Sumedha Dang is a litigation expert and is a key contact in this area. The team also provides advice regarding leniency applications, and is renowned for handling high-stakes litigation.
Other key lawyers:
Monica Lakhanpal; Sumedha Dang; Vidur Mohan
Key clients
NTN Corporation Japan
Panipat Jalandhar NH1 Tollway Pvt. Ltd.
Krishna Buildestate Private Limited
Belaire Owners Association and Park Place
Competition Commission of India
Orris Infrastructure Private Limited
Security Sector Skill Development Counci
Central Association of Private Security Industry
Work highlights
- Represented and obtained acquittal orders in favour of NTN Corporation Japan and eight officers before the CCI in a case of alleged cartelisation.
- Represented Denso Ten (Japan) and Toyo Tire (Japan), proving their innocence in alleged cartelisation cases before the investigating agency.
- Assisting Indian Newspapers Association to file and pursue a case against Google.
IndusLaw
IndusLaw‘s ‘intelligent, thorough and friendly‘ team is well versed in a variety of competition matters, including compliance issues, anti-competitive agreements and the leniency regime. Unnati Agrawal advises banks, financial institutions and large corporations on a full scope of competition law issues, including allegations of cartelisation and abuse of dominant position. Avimukt Dar handles litigious matters within the practice alongside Agrawal. Senior associate Parth Sehan advises domestic and overseas companies on enforcement and merger control issues spanning a myriad of sectors, covering natural gas, broadcasting and film, automobile and information technology.
Practice head(s):
Unnati Agrawal
Other key lawyers:
Avimukt Dar; Parth Sehan
Testimonials
‘The team is proficient and possesses excellent knowledge in the field of competition law. They provide a holistic competition offering involving merger control advice for merger and acquisitions (domestic and cross-border) as well as anti-trust advice including cartel and abuse of dominance cases. The lawyers are intelligent, thorough, and friendly, who provide excellent support even on time sensitive matters.’
‘Unnati Agrawal is an excellent up-coming partner with a good grasp over procedural as well as substantive law. She has a strong commercial sense and is quick to understand businesses’ needs. She strikes a balance between legal and practical considerations and provides cogent legal solutions to complex business issues. Her vast experience in handling merger control as well as enforcement matters allows her to analyse issues in a holistic manner and advise not only on issues at hand but also pre-empt and resolve potential future issues. Very prompt and well read indeed.’
Key clients
Sapphire Foods India Private Limited
Hella Infra Market Private Limited
Accel India VI (Mauritius) Limited
Mohalla Tech Private Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Sapphire Foods India on the competition aspects in relation to the sale of a minority stake to a consortium of private equity funds led by Creador, NewQuest Capital Partners and TR Capital.
- Advised Hella Infra Market in relation to the sale of a minority stake to Tiger Global, a private equity fund.
- Advised Mohalla Tech in relation to the acquisition of the short music video, dialogue dubbing video, etc. application-based business of the MX group.
Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan
The competition practice at Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan focuses on representing clients in litigation and investigations before the CCI, the NCLAT, the High Courts and the Supreme Court. The team regularly advises on anti-competitive agreements, bid rigging, vertical agreements and abuse of dominance matters. Charanya Lakshmikumaran leads the team, which includes Neelambera Sandeepan, who often defends large corporates in high-stakes cartel investigations across the aviation, e-commerce and auto components sectors.
Practice head(s):
Charanya Lakshmikumaran
Other key lawyers:
Neelambera Sandeepan
Key clients
Honda Siel Cars Ltd.
Plasser India Pvt. Ltd.
Indian Corrugated Case Manufacturers’ Association
Federation of Corrugated Box Manufacturers
Glencore Agriculture India Pvt. Ltd.
Work highlights
- Representing Honda in challenging an order of the Delhi High Court which partially upheld the order of the CCI penalising Honda over allegations of abuse of dominance.
- Representing Plasser in challenging an order passed by the CCI concerning information filed by the client.
- Successfully defended Indian Corrugated Case Manufacturers’ Association (ICCMA) in a matter before the CCI concerning alleged cartelisation in the corrugated box manufacturing segment.
P&A Law Offices
The ‘first class‘ practice at P&A Law Offices frequently assists domestic companies and multinational corporations across the retail, automobile and manufacturing sectors. Anand Pathak heads the practice alongside the ‘extremely diligent and detail oriented’ Sreemoyee Deb, and Shashank Gautam. Gautam is a corporate and regulatory law expert, while Deb is a competition law specialist who handles abuse of dominance and merger control matters before the CCI. Associate partner Anubhuti Mishra represents clients in enforcement, gun-jumping and cartelisation matters.
Practice head(s):
Anand Pathak; Sreemoyee Deb; Shashank Gautam
Other key lawyers:
Anubhuti Mishra
Testimonials
‘Anand Pathak is always calm even under most difficult situations and guides a strategy based on his extensive experience. He is a well regarded practitioner with recognition by peers and by officials and judges. One of the best in the country.’
‘First class firm in the field of competition law, with technical expertise, long experience, multinational network and reputed practitioners.’
‘The team has good industry knowledge and expertise in e-commerce related cases. They have a broad knowledge base even outside antitrust law.’
‘Sreemoyee Deb is very loyal to clients and their causes. She provides high quality strategic legal advice, and is extremely diligent and detail oriented. Sreemoyee has a very sound understanding of the subject with a skill set to match, and is poised to reach the top of her profession.’
Key clients
Air Vistara
Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC
Amazon Seller Services Private Limited
Amazon Wholesale India Private Limited
Angul Energy Limited
Carlsberg Asia
Competition Commission of India
Diageo India
General Motors India Private Limited
GoIbibo India Private Limited
MakeMytrip India Private Limited
Mercedes-Benz India Private Limited
Nissan Motors
Rallis India Limited
Schneider Electric Group
Sony Pictures Network India Private Limited
SPE Films India Private Limited
Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited
Tata Capital Financial Services Limited
Tata Motors Limited
Tata Steel BSL Limited
Tata Steel Europe
Tata Steel Limited
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ) (Ericsson)
TransUnion CIBIL
AirBnB
Amazon Development Centre (India) Limited
Amazon Pay (India) Private Limited
Britannia Industries Limited
CARS24
Jindal Stainless Limited
MJunction Services Limited
Upgrad Education Private Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Amazon.com NV before the CCI in relation to a show cause notice issued by the CCI pursuant to a complaint filed by Future Coupons.
- Successfully represented Tata Capital Financial Services in two cases filed before the CCI concerning alleged abuse of dominance.
- Representing MakeMyTrip (India) and Ibibo Grou in an ongoing proceeding relating to an investigation into the business practices of both for abuse of dominance, and competitive effects of certain vertical agreements.
Samvad Partners
The talented team at Samvad Partners takes a multi-sectoral approach, with expertise in the healthcare, real estate, chemicals and telecoms sectors, to name a few. Arjun Krishnan leads the team from New Delhi, drawing on his specialised knowledge of competition law and disputes; he often advises on investigations into large e-commerce retailers. Vineetha MG handles merger control and abuse of dominance matters, advising domestic and multinational clients on regulatory issues, and supporting the team from Mumbai. Principal associate Ankur Singh handles dispute resolution and competition matters, with an emphasis on cartel cases.
Practice head(s):
Arjun Krishnan
Other key lawyers:
Ankur Singh; Vineetha MG
Key clients
Competition Commission of India
Delhivery Ltd.
MGH Logistics
Work highlights
- Advised a leading logistics company in a hybrid transaction consisting of asset acquisitions, investments and a commercial partnership with an overseas company.
- Represented the Competition Commission of India (CCI) before the Karnataka High Court and Supreme Court in upholding its jurisdiction to investigate e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart.
- Acted in a contentious dispute regarding the CCI’s power to investigate state-regulated lotteries.
Veritas Legal
The competition law team at Veritas Legal directs its focus towards transactions and filings under the merger control regime, frequently serving corporates in the pharmaceuticals, healthcare and insurance sectors. Rahul Dwarkadas heads the practice and regularly handles competition disputes and regulatory matters. Principal associate Zenia Cassinath advises on merger control for domestic and international clients across a variety of sectors, including the logistics, wholesale cash and carry, dairy and real estate sectors.
Practice head(s):
Rahul Dwarkadas
Other key lawyers:
Zenia Cassinath
Key clients
Partners Group
Advised Global Content Alpha Partners Holdco Pte. Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Partners Group on the antitrust aspects of the acquisition of a majority stake in Atria Convergence Technologies.
- Advised Global Content Alpha Partners on its acquisition by entities ultimately controlled by Baring Asia Private Equity Fund.