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Agro Tech Foods to acquire Del Monte Foods in a share-swap transaction

JSA advised and assisted Del Monte Pacific and other entities within the Del Monte group in a share swap transaction between Agro Tech Foods Limited (“ATFL”), Del Monte Pacific, and Bharti Enterprises, the existing shareholders of Del Monte Foods Private Limited.

The transaction involves ATFL issuing corresponding shares through a preferential allotment to various Bharti entities and Del Monte Pacific, in exchange for their respective shares in Del Monte Foods Private Limited.

Following the transaction, Del Monte Pacific will continue to license the “Del Monte” trademark to Del Monte Foods Private Limited. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Competition Commission of India. Upon completion of the transaction, Del Monte will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATFL.

Del Monte Foods supplies processed food and beverage products in India and other South Asian countries. Its product range includes Italian foods, dips and spreads, ketchup and sauces, dried and packaged fruits, and beverages.

The transaction team at JSA included:
Lead Partner – Shivpriya Nanda
Partner – Zain Pandit
Senior Associate – Nancy Neekhra
Associates – Harshita Kapoor, Treya Gupta, Ananya Mathew, and Vibhu Choubey

The Competition Law team at JSA included:

Partners – Vaibhav Choukse, Ela Bali

Senior Associate – Nripi Jolly

The Tax team comprised of – Partner Kumarmangalam Vijay

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AZB & Partners Advises H.I.G. Capital on Acquisition of Ecron Acunova Limited

SAM, CAM, White & Case Advise on Niva Bupa Health Insurance’s ₹2,200 Crore IPO

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM), Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas (SAM), and White & Case LLP played key roles in advising Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited on its ₹2,200 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO).

CAM provided legal counsel to Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company and its selling shareholders in relation to Indian law. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. advised the underwriters of the IPO, including ICICI Securities Limited, Morgan Stanley India Company Limited, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, Axis Capital Limited, HDFC Bank Limited, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited.

The team from SAM included Prashant Gupta (National Practice Head – Capital Markets), Abhiroop A. Datta (Partner), Ankur Verma (Senior Associate), Sridutt Mishra (Associate), Purva Mishra (Associate), Mansie Jain (Associate), and Mathangi K. (Associate).

White & Case LLP advised the Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) in the transaction, with a team led by partners Rahul Guptan, John Cunningham, and Sonica Tolani, based in London. The team also included partners Kaya Proudian (Singapore), Steven Gee, David Johansen (both New York), and Sami Al-Louzi (Dubai). Local partner James Hsiao (Hong Kong) contributed, along with associates Stephanie Zhao, Ji Yang Lim, and Rachna Talati (all Singapore), Hilda Leung, Royston Tan, and Yuning Zhou (all Hong Kong), Girindra Henriyono and Deborah Victoria (both Jakarta), Edward Lee (Sydney), and Daniel Park (New York).

The IPO included a primary issuance of equity shares by Niva Bupa, along with a secondary sale by its promoters, Bupa Singapore Holding Pte. Ltd (Bupa Group) and Fettle Tone LLP (True North).

The offering was oversubscribed 1.80 times overall, with the qualified institutional buyers’ portion subscribed 2.06 times and the retail investor portion subscribed 2.73 times. The IPO opened on November 14 at ₹78.14 per share on the NSE, compared to the offer price of ₹74, marking a 5.59% premium. On the BSE, the stock debuted at ₹78.50 per share, a 6.08% premium, and further increased by 9.37% to ₹80.94. The company’s market valuation at the close of the IPO stood at ₹14,069.93 crore.

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Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan attorneys advised IndiQus Technologies on strategic acquisition by Yotta  

 

The Role of Branding in Law Firms: Why It Matters More Than Ever

In today’s fast-paced, digitally driven world, law firms face intense competition not only from their legal peers but also from their own branding efforts. While expertise in the law is still the foundation, a strong and distinctive brand has become a key differentiator.

In fact, branding in law firms is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. Here’s why branding matters more than ever, and how it can shape the future of your practice.

Image: TE Digital Marketing

Why Branding is Crucial for Law Firms

  1. Building Trust and Credibility

Legal services are built on trust. A well-established brand communicates professionalism, reliability, and expertise—qualities that are critical in reassuring clients during high-stakes situations. A strong brand helps define your firm’s values and mission, positioning you as a trusted partner in clients’ legal matters.

  1. Differentiation in a Crowded Market

With so many law firms offering similar services, standing out can feel like a daunting task. A well-crafted brand can set your firm apart by showcasing what makes you unique—whether it’s your specialized expertise, innovative approach, or client-focused culture.

  1. Attracting Top Talent

Branding isn’t just important for clients; it plays a key role in attracting and retaining top legal talent as well. A compelling employer brand signals a positive work culture, growth opportunities, and a clear vision, making your firm a desirable place to work in a competitive job market.

  1. Driving Digital Engagement

In today’s digital age, a strong and consistent brand is essential for enhancing your law firm’s online visibility. With clients increasingly searching for legal services online, maintaining a cohesive presence across digital platforms is crucial for standing out. For example, using the same logo, color scheme, and messaging on your website, social media,  ensures that your firm is easily recognizable and professional.

A well-designed website that aligns with your brand—featuring clear navigation, professional design, and easy contact information—creates a positive first impression. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and law firms own blog pages and websites offer opportunities to engage with a broader audience. Regularly sharing legal tips, case studies, or insights positions your firm as a trusted expert.

Ultimately, a unified online presence boosts recognition, credibility, and client confidence, helping your firm stand out in a competitive market.

  1. Supporting Business Development

A well-established, respected brand can open doors to new business opportunities. It makes your firm more appealing to corporate clients, enhances client retention, and strengthens referral networks—all essential for sustainable growth.

Key Elements of Law Firm Branding

  1. Visual Identity

Your logo, color palette, typography, and website design all contribute to creating a cohesive visual identity. These elements should reflect your firm’s personality, whether it’s modern and dynamic or traditional and authoritative.

  1. Thought Leadership

Publishing insightful articles, case studies, and legal updates establishes your firm as a thought leader in its practice areas. This enhances your brand’s reputation as a trusted resource for both clients and peers.

  1. Client Experience

Your brand is reflected in every client interaction, from the tone of your emails to the layout of proposals and brochures. Consistency, attention to detail, and a positive client experience will leave a lasting impression and reinforce your firm’s credibility.

  1. Internal Culture

Branding should resonate internally as well as externally. Your employees should be aligned with your firm’s values and vision, as they are your brand ambassadors in every client interaction.

Implementing a Strong Branding Strategy

  1. Start with Your Firm’s Core Values: Clearly define what your firm stands for and ensure your brand reflects these principles.
  2. Understand Your Audience: Tailor your messaging to meet the needs and expectations of your ideal clients.
  3. Be Consistent Across Channels: Ensure your website, social media, email templates, and attorney bios all align with your brand guidelines.
  4. Leverage Technology: Tools like Brand Studio help centralize templates, profiles, and CVs, making it easier to maintain branding consistency across all platforms.
  5. Monitor and Adapt: Regularly review and refine your branding strategy to stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.

The Future of Law Firm Branding

As the legal industry continues to evolve, branding will play an increasingly vital role in shaping a firm’s success. Clients today expect more than just expert legal advice—they seek partnerships with firms that understand their unique challenges and share their values. A strong, well-defined brand can not only meet these expectations but also position your firm as a leader in an ever-competitive market.

For law firms, the question isn’t whether branding matters—it’s about how effectively it’s being implemented. Embrace branding as a strategic asset, and you’ll set your firm up for not just short-term success, but long-term growth and sustainability.

Also read: Empowering Women in Law Firms and In-House Roles – Challenging Gender Bias


Author’s Note: Sumit Ahuja is a branding and marketing expert with extensive experience in the legal sector. He specializes in designing marketing materials, creating templates, and developing branding strategies that help law firms achieve their business goals.

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Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan attorneys advised IndiQus Technologies on strategic acquisition by Yotta  

Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys (LKS) acted as legal counsel for IndiQus Technologies in connection with its acquisition by Yotta Data Services, a managed data center service provider owned by the Hiranandani Group.

IndiQus Technologies, the parent organization of Apiculus, is a cloud platform provider that collaborates with telecom service providers (Telcos, ISPs, and data center providers) globally, enabling them to build profitable in-country cloud businesses. This strategic acquisition will strengthen Yotta’s capabilities in sovereign cloud and artificial intelligence while reducing its dependence on foreign enterprises. 

LKS acted as the legal counsel for IndiQus Technologies and advised on all aspects related to the transaction. The role involved advising on the transaction structure and negotiation and finalization of the transaction documents.  

The core LKS team included Mr. Kunal Arora (Partner), Ms. Dikshita Damodaran (Principal Associate), Mr. Archit Gupta (Senior Associate), and Ms. Anusha Mohapatra (Associate). 

Yotta Data Services was represented by Khaitan & Co. 

AZB & Partners Advises H.I.G. Capital on Acquisition of Ecron Acunova Limited

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AZB & Partners Advises H.I.G. Capital on Acquisition of Ecron Acunova Limited

AZB & Partners’ Deal and Tax Teams Guide H.I.G. Capital in its Second Acquisition in India’s Life Sciences Sector

AZB & Partners acted as legal advisors to H.I.G. Capital in their acquisition of Ecron Acunova Limited, a prominent Indian company specializing in cellular research, clinical trials, clinical data management, and biostatistical services for generics and biosimilars. This marks H.I.G. Capital’s second acquisition in the Indian life sciences sector.

The deal team from AZB & Partners was led by Senior Partners Ashwath Rau and Atreya Bhattacharya, with support from Senior Associate Pranav Tolani and Associates Heena Ladji, Preshit Khandelwal, Mayur Kulkarni, Aditya Bamb, and Parvati Nambiar. The tax team was led by Partner Shruti KP and Associate Mahima Agrawal.

nce-driven software solutions.

The transaction team at JSA included Partner Rishabh Gupta and Senior Associate Akshath Mithal, while the employment law team was led by Partner Minu Dwivedi and supported by Associate Prashaant Malaviya.

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JSA Advises UnifyApps on Successful Series B Fundraise from ICONIQ Capital and Others

 

JSA Advises UnifyApps on Successful Series B Fundraise from ICONIQ Capital and Others

JSA acted as legal counsel for Tech UniApps (India) Services Private Limited (commonly known as UnifyApps) and its Founder in connection with its Series B fundraise.

The funding round saw participation from ICONIQ Capital, Kamath Technology LLP, Elevation Capital (an existing investor), and the Founder of UnifyApps. Tech Company Secures Funding for Expansion in Cloud and AI Software Development

In addition to advising on the Series B round, JSA continues to assist UnifyApps on a variety of ongoing matters, including commercial contracts, corporate compliance, and group structuring. UnifyApps is a prominent player in the software and application development space, specializing in cloud-based and artificial intelligence-driven software solutions.

The transaction team at JSA included Partner Rishabh Gupta and Senior Associate Akshath Mithal, while the employment law team was led by Partner Minu Dwivedi and supported by Associate Prashaant Malaviya.

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Adani Group Acquires Controlling Stake in ITD Cementation India ₹5,757.9 Crore

AZB & Partners Advises Bharti Enterprises on Agro Tech Food’s INR 1,300-Crore Acquisition of Del Monte Foods

AZB & Partners is representing Bharti Enterprises in connection with Agro Tech Foods’ proposed acquisition of Del Monte Foods, a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and Del Monte Pacific, through an INR 1,300-crore share swap transaction.

The transaction team at AZB & Partners is led by Senior Partner Anil Kasturi and Partner Ashish Pareek, with support from Senior Associates Kaushal Prabhat and Kanika Jaggi, and Associates Mohit Sharma and Sheetal Aery.

In addition, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) team is guided by Partner Hemangini Dadwal, supported by Senior Associate Chandni Anand and Associates Ileina Srivastav and Ojasvi Mishra.

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SAM Advises ACME Solar Holdings on Successful USD 343.56 Million IPO

 

Luthra and Luthra Advises First Coffee on Successful USD 1.2 Million Fundraise

Investment Led by BEENEXT, with Support from Notable Investors

Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India acted as legal counsel to Savage Coffee Private Limited (also known as First Coffee), a rapidly growing specialty premium coffee brand, in securing USD 1.2 million in funding.

The investment round was led by BEENEXT, with additional participation from prominent investors including Ashish Gupta (Helion Venture Partners LLC), AngelList India, Ritesh Malik (founder, INNOV8), Sahil Malik (founder, Da Milano Italia), Aman Arora (cofounder, Keventers), and Agastya Dalmia (director, Keventers), among others.

First Coffee is recognized for its high-quality, sustainable coffee offerings and has made impressive strides in expanding its presence across India, focusing on delivering an authentic and premium coffee experience.

The legal team at Luthra and Luthra was led by Partner Navin Syiem, with Managing Associate Sidhartha Jatar and Associate Samridhi Poddar contributing to the transaction.

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SAM Advises ACME Solar Holdings on Successful USD 343.56 Million IPO

SAM Advises ACME Solar Holdings on Successful USD 343.56 Million IPO

ACME Solar Holdings Limited’s IPO

SAM & Co. provided legal counsel to ACME Solar Holdings Limited on its initial public offering (IPO), which raised approximately USD 343.56 million through a combination of a fresh issue and an offer for sale. The IPO was met with strong investor demand, oversubscribed by more than 2.75 times.

The transaction team at SAM & Co. was led by:

  • Prashant Gupta, Partner and National Practice Head, Capital Markets
  • Sayantan Dutta, Partner
  • Devi Prasad Patel, Partner
  • Romit Raja Srivastava, Senior Associate
  • Purva Mishra, Associate
  • Jayant Saxena, Associate

The Book Running Lead Managers for the IPO, namely Nuvama Wealth Management, ICICI Securities, JM Financial Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Capital, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, were represented by Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas as Indian legal counsel. For international legal matters, Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee acted as the global legal advisor.

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Adani Group Acquires Controlling Stake in ITD Cementation India ₹5,757.9 Crore

Adani Group Acquires Controlling Stake in ITD Cementation India ₹5,757.9 Crore

Renew Exim DMCC Purchases 46.64% Stake from Italian-Thai Development for ₹5,757.9 Crore

Adani Group’s Renew Exim DMCC has successfully acquired a 46.64% controlling stake in ITD Cementation India Limited from Italian-Thai Development Public Company for approximately ₹5,757.9 crore.

The deal, structured through a share purchase agreement (SPA), involves the transfer of 8,01,13,180 equity shares, representing nearly half of ITD Cementation’s total share capital.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) and Khaitan & Co acted on the transaction, with CAM advising Renew Exim DMCC on the acquisition. The firm was involved in the due diligence process, document review, negotiation, and finalization, as well as assisting with the open offer and filing with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The CAM team was led by Partners Anchal Dhir and Ravi Shah, with support from Principal Associate Arnav Shah and Associates Neeti Amin and Swini Khara.

Khaitan & Co provided legal counsel to the selling shareholder, Italian-Thai Development Public Company, with a team led by Partner Abhishek Dadoo, and included strategic and competition law advice, as well as guidance on securities, banking, and tax-related matters.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, and once completed, Renew Exim DMCC will be obligated to make an open offer to ITD Cementation’s public shareholders, in line with SEBI’s takeover regulations.

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Sheela Foam to Acquire 10.5% Stake in Furlenco for ₹107 Crore in a Strategic Investment