Drawing from the firm’s large international network of offices, Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow’s India practice is a one-stop shop for global clients operating in India. Acting for a diverse roster of clients, including major Indian corporations and large multinationals operating in the Indian markets, the team’s key areas of strength include M&A, capital markets, trade, tax, and contentious work. Singapore-based principal Ashok Lalwani leads the India team and is also the head of the firm’s broader Asia Pacific capital markets practice. Other key names in Singapore include the ‘very knowledgeable’ banking and finance specialist Kah Chin Chu and the ‘stand-out’ Kunal Katre, who is recommended for his advice concerning syndicated loans, acquisition financing, and private equity matters, where Emmanuel Hadjidakis is another key figure.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Baker McKenzie has the perfect mix of international knowledge and India experience. Their global footprint and in-depth sector as well as practice-specific expertise enables them to provide an unmatched service offering which makes them stand out as a reliable and top-choice law firm for clients seeking comprehensive and effective legal counsel.'
- 'The team at Baker comes with strong sector-specific knowledge and understanding and has the experience of working on some of the largest deals with an India focus. Their attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work makes them stand out amongst their peers. They provide tailored solutions to meet individual client needs while handling complex cross-border transactions.'
- 'The team at Baker McKenzie has in-depth and longstanding expertise in Indian financing deals.'
- 'Kah Chin Chu has been representing the lenders on most of the offshore financings to Indian borrowers. Her commitment to clients and deal timelines is especially commendable as is her sector knowledge. Kunal Katre has also been involved in various India deals. He is sharp, responsive and solution-oriented.'
- 'Baker McKenzie is one of the go-to firms for English law cross-border debt work.'
- 'Emmanuel Hadjidakis is a very well-respected name in banking, finance and insolvency work. Kunal Katre also does stand-out work and he is very diligent. Kah Chin Chu is a very knowledgeable lawyer.'
- 'The team at Baker McKenzie has an in-depth knowledge of the market, a wide geographical reach, and impeccable service.'
Key clients
- CTBC Bank
- Mizuho Bank
- MUFG Bank
- State Bank of India
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
- Australia and New Zealand Banking Limited, India
- ANZ Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
- JAIN Irrigation Systems Limited (Jain Irrigation)
- TA/Accion Labs Holdings, LLC
- Johnson & Johnson
- Tech Mahindra
- Mahindra & Mahindra
- Aditya Birla
- Tata Motors
- PDS Multinational
Work highlights
- Acting for Bank of Baroda (an Indian state-owned bank) in relation to proceedings in England and the Abu Dhabi Global Market brought by the administrators of NMC Health plc and two of its subsidiaries against the bank and two former directors of NMC Health plc.
- Advised Jain Irrigation Systems Limited, an Indian multinational company, on the merger of its international irrigation business with Temasek-owned Rivulis Pte. Ltd to create a global irrigation and climate leader.
- Represented the founder of www.shaadi.com, a leading matchmaking and matrimony portal in South Asia, in proceedings in Singapore to resist an anti-suit injunction obtained by the counterparty for purposes of restraining the client from inter alia continuing with his claim of oppression and mismanagement at the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai, India.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ashok Lalwani