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Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

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Noted for its ‘depth and diversity’, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is well-versed in a plethora of legal and regulatory issues arising from the automotive, banking and consumer sectors in particular, and is increasingly involved in matters of foreign investment. ’Reputed’ Chris Parsons is well regarded for his corporate cross-border expertise, while ‘excellent’ Alan Montgomery is particularly adept at a diverse range of M&A, restructurings and joint ventures. Roddy Martin’s wide-ranging expertise encompasses public takeovers, schemes of arrangement and private auctions, with Andrew Cannon being sought out for his strengths on the disputes side. Dhananjaya Chak leads the finance group, and Siddhartha Shukla excels at handling complex and multi-faceted M&A.
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Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is extremely committed to India and work on some of the most significant deals in the market. In addition to being knowledgeable lawyers, they are also personable and exactly the sort of people we are keen to work with and put in front of our clients.'
  • 'I particularly admire their team for some of their 'wider commitment to India' activities, such as their moot competitions and India internships program, which supports promising young Indian lawyers to train and have a career at an international firm.'
  • 'They have built a substantial team advising Indian corporates on high-profile international transactions. Overall, we find them very commercial and deal friendly.’

  • ‘Their India team really understands the India ecosystem. They have invested time in getting to know all the key people at local law firms, and clients on a personal level and show a deep commitment to India.'

  • 'I like the depth and diversity of their team, including dual-qualified lawyers such as Sid Shukla and DJ Chak. Sid is a very good lawyer, with sharp technical skills, his prowess wins many deals.'

  • 'Alan Montgomery is an excellent lawyer and mentors in-house counsel – a nice way to give something extra to their clients.'

  • 'Chris Parsons has recently launched the first India Mental Health Alliance, where top India law firms have signed up to this initiative to create a change in this area. His actions will make a huge difference on this important topic.'

  • Chris Parsons is a very reputed lawyer and a fantastic individual. He has a great understanding of India and of the way the local business community operates. His availability to connect with Indian decision-makers is one his key strengths.'

Key clients

  • Advanta Seeds
  • ArcelorMittal
  • Aurobindo Pharma
  • Bharti Group
  • Captain Fresh
  • Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP)
  • EDEN Renewables India
  • GIC Private Limited
  • Goldman SachsIFC
  • JSW Group

Work highlights

  • Advised JSW Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate who have acquired a significant 35% investment in MG Motors India. The agreement between JSW and SAIC was signed "with the objective of accelerating the growth and transformation of MG Motor in India".
  • Advised India headquartered UPL on its joint venture with Masarrah Investment Company to set up a manufacturing complex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Led and advised on the complex liaison efforts with the Saudi governmental authorities with a view to obtaining clearances for the establishment of a legal presence in Saudi.
  • Advised GIC, one of Singapore's two sovereign wealth funds, as majority shareholder in a proposed funding round in Greenko, a pre-eminent Indian renewables platform. This funding round takes the committed equity funding from shareholders in Greenko to $700m.

Lawyers

Practice head

Chris Parsons; Alan Montgomery; Roddy Martin; Andrew Cannon; Dhananjaya (DJ) Chak; Siddhartha Shukla