India (asialaw)

AZB & Partners is renowned as one of the top full-service law firms in India with leading practices across every category, including banking, capital markets, corporate and M&A, and private equity. With offices in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, the firm is strategically positioned to handle complex legal challenges that intersect multiple industries and jurisdictions. 

The firm’s sterling reputation for M&A and private equity makes it a first port of call for heavyweight international and domestic clients hoping to secure its services for big-ticket deals. The firm comprises over 90 partners across six pan-India locations. Founding partners Zia Mody, Ajay Bahl and Bahram Vakil are legends in the market for their corporate and finance specialties. Corporate partners Anil Kasturi and Ashwath Rau are two of the most prominent M&A and private equity lawyers in the country. In a notable change, former equity partner Aditya Vikram Bhat departed to establish AVB Chambers, while former Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas partner Juvraj Singh Bindra made a return to AZB & Partners, further strengthening the firm's expertise. 

Apart from its fame in corporate law, the firm has robust and dedicated practice areas across every niche. For example, the infrastructure practice is well-known for its work advising clients on significant projects and regulatory frameworks. In the energy sector, the group has established itself as a go-to firm for clients looking to invest in and develop energy projects. The insurance practice is another key strength, offering comprehensive legal advice on regulatory and transactional matters. In the media and entertainment space, its lawyers demonstrated its capability through high-profile transactions. The firm is recognised for its ability to provide tailored legal solutions that meet clients' business objectives while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. 

Over the past 12 months, AZB & Partners has seen several significant developments. Notably, Shagoofa Rashid Khan was promoted to senior partner, alongside the elevation of Dhruti Dholakia to partner in the Mumbai office and the promotion of four lawyers to partnership across the firm's corporate-M&A and tax practices. Additionally, nine lawyers were promoted to counsel, reflecting the firm’s commitment to professional growth and development. 

The firm has been actively involved in major transactions, advising on significant deals such as the sale of a controlling stake in VIP Industries to Multiples PE and its consortium members, as well as Peer Capital’s investment in House of Vaaree. The firm also represented Wave Beverages in a Re10 billion ($115 million) acquisition by Kandhari Global Beverages and provided counsel in various high-profile matters, including a case before the Delhi High Court and an internal reorganisation for Termomeccanica. 

The corporate team successfully advised Citigroup Global Markets India Private and Goldman Sachs Securities Private on the sale of a 2.5% stake in Tobacco Manufacturers, and represented the Wikimedia Foundation before the Supreme Court of India. They also acted on Schneider Electric's substantial $6.4 billion stake acquisition in Schneider Electric India from Temasek.