The corporate department at D. L. & F. De Saram holds ‘practical hands-on knowledge’ in matters pertaining to commercial activity, in particular multijurisdictional work encompassing incorporations and acquisitions, fielding a ’pragmatic and practical’ attitude to various high-value mandates. Savantha De Saram co-heads the team with Aloka Nandasena, noted as ‘exceptionally effective’ in corporate matters, especially M&A-related enquiries. Hansi Abayaratne and Inshira Hanifa both have over 10 years of experience in corporate, M&A and finance-related matters across a spectrum of industries, including energy, construction and real estate. Senior associate Ushara Ratnayake is a highly active member of the team, assisting in numerous multijurisdictional mandates involving amalgamations or divestitures.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Practical hands-on knowledge and understanding of the commercial aspects of a transaction in order to ensure the deal progresses smoothly during legal discussions without the client taking any undue risk from a legal perspective.’
‘I have worked with Aloka Nandasena on multiple transactions, very knowledgeable and practical in her approach to transactions.'
- Very efficient and provides responses to key issues in a transaction in a timely manner. Methodical and easy to work with.’
‘Aloka Nandasena has been exceptionally effective and has been able to manage the whole team on a large multi-faceted engagement. She has been very quick to turn around urgent documents and has been open to going beyond the strict scope of work to ensure engagement success.’
‘Aside from their comprehensive knowledge of the law and its application to the various aspects of the transactional work that we have used them for, I have found this firm to be especially pragmatic and practical in their approach to negotiating and closing issues that have cropped up in those transactions.'
‘We have worked with Aloka Nandasena on our transactional work. Her strength is her thorough knowledge of the law and pragmatism in finding solutions to issues that invariably arise.’
‘We are working with De Saram on the divestment of various companies. The quality of services in terms of legal inputs as well as practical solutions provided by the De Saram team was exceptional.’
‘Savantha and Aloka are exceptional. They are always looking for innovative and practical solutions. Would recommend them for M&A work.’
Key clients
- Deloitte Shared Services India LLP
- Government of Sri Lanka
- Tata BlueScope Steel Private Limited (India) and BlueScope Steel Limited (Australia)
- Sunshine Healthcare Lanka Limited and Sunshine Holdings PLC
- Accenture Holdings B. V
- National Dairy Development Board, India
- Bharti Airtel Limited
- CG Capital Partners Global Pte. Ltd
- Pernod Ricard Gulf
- Kanrich Finance Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Deloitte Shared Services India LLP in admitting PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (Old Association) Sri Lankan and Maldives firms to the Deloitte network.
- Advising Bharti Airtel Limited on the transfer of 100% of shares of its local subsidiary, Airtel Lanka (Private) Limited (“Airtel Lanka”), to Dialog Axiata PLC (“Dialog”) and the subsequent merger between Airtel Lanka and Dialog.
- Advising Sunshine Healthcare Lanka Limited (SHL) and Sunshine Holdings PLC on the proposed equity infusion by International Finance Corporation (IFC) in SHL.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Hansi Abayaratne
Inshira Hanifa
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Ushara Ratnayake
Practice head
Savantha De Saram; Aloka Nandasena