AZB & Partners is a tour de force in the antitrust and competition space due to its extensive capabilities, which span cartel mandates, merger control matters, and abuse of dominance cases. The team regularly handles complex, cross-border, high-profile, and high-value matters for an impressive client roster which continues to expand, incorporating businesses from the technology, aviation, and media and entertainment industry sectors, among others. Co-heading the practice are Ram Kumar Poornachandran, Bharat Budholia, and Hemangini Dadwal, all of whom bring a wealth of expertise to the group. Poornachandran’s position as a non-governmental adviser to the CCI makes him an asset to the team, while Budholia stands out for his breadth of practice which covers a slew of competition matters such as cartel enforcement, merger control, and abuse of dominance. Dadwal is adept in both antitrust and competition matters, and has deep experience acting before the CCI, the appellate tribunal, and the Supreme Court. Gaurav Bansal and Sanjeev Kumar Sriram are also key members of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They have a great understanding of the law as well as excellent commercial and personal skills. This enables them to give very clear and practical guidance that helps navigate complicated legal issues.’
‘The individuals in the team are very good at what they do. They work well under pressure, remaining calm in the face of challenges. Ram Kumar Poornachandran is particularly clear in his advice, and continuously accessible to discuss complex issues.’
‘AZB lawyers' expertise lies in their understanding of the client's business, helping them to interpret the provisions of competition laws better.’
‘Bharat Budholia's most impressive quality is his commitment towards his clients.’
‘The entire team focuses on providing qualitative advice and deliverables within the committed timelines.’
‘The team's good communication skills and attention to detail help in drafting.’
‘The group's courteous and polite way of handling the clients is their USP.’
Key clients
- Google LLC
- Tata Sons
- Tata Motors
- KKR
- Mirae Group
- Air India
- Nestle
- BlackRock Inc.
- Star India
- AU Small Finance Bank
Work highlights
Assisted Google in relation to abuse of dominance investigations concerning Android TV, Android smartphones and news publishers.
Represented Tata Group in relation to the merger of Vistara into AIL.
Representing Star India Private Ltd and Star Television Productions Ltd in relation to a joint venture between Viacom18 Media Private Ltd and the client.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Gaurav Bansal
Bharat Budholia
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sanjeev Kumar Sriram
Practice head
Ram Kumar Poornachandran; Bharat Budholia; Hemangini Dadwal
Other key lawyers
Gaurav Bansal; Sanjeev Kumar Sriram