Chandhiok & Mahajan

India

Analysis

Overview

Chandhiok & Mahajan is recognised by the market for its competition and antitrust expertise and is growing in prominence in the restructuring and insolvency sphere. The firm is active for its big tech and e-commerce clients, for example representing Google before the competition regulator. Another highlight is the firm’s extensive experience in leniency mandates, powered by its win for a client in the first-ever decision by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in relation to leniency where 100% immunity was granted. The firm also has numerous seminal antitrust law achievements under its belt. It is at the forefront of competition policy development, with name partner Karan Chandhiok as the co-chair of the Assocham National Council on Competition Law. Chandhiok and co-founder Pooja Mahajan are key figures at the firm. Other names to note are antitrust partners Deeksha Manchanda and Avinash Amarnath.

In the past 12 months, the firm made a series a high-profile recruitments to bolster its M&A and disputes groups, including M&A partner Shafaq Uraizee Sapre and capital markets expert Niruphama Ramakrishnan from JSA, contentious insolvency partner Himanshu Vidhani from Khaitan & Co, new head of disputes and advocate-on-record Rahul Narayan, corporate counsel Mitesh Shah from Krishnamurthy & Co, and disputes counsel Zubin Poovathinkal from Karavadi & Co.

Client feedback

The team is very good. Sujoy's always a phone call away to ideate and provide in-depth legal insight, commercial guidance or practical inputs. With Sujoy on board, you can rest assured that your international clients are in safe hands.” – Corporate and M&A

“Chandhiok & Mahajan consistently demonstrates several positive attributes that enhance our collaboration. Their legal team is known for providing thorough and strategic legal advice, which is crucial for navigating complex real estate transactions and disputes. They excel in offering timely and proactive solutions, which helps in making informed decisions efficiently. Additionally, the firm has shown a strong commitment to understanding the specifics of the real estate sector, tailoring their advice to fit not only legal requirements but also commercial realities. Their attentiveness to changes in regulations and their impact on our business is particularly noteworthy. This combination of industry knowledge, timely advice, and professional integrity makes them a valuable asset to any real estate business.” – Dispute resolution

Sujoy Bhatia

“He brings a wealth of experience, a lot of market knowledge, legal insights and practicality in deal making.”

Mehul Parti

“Mehul consistently exhibits several commendable attributes as a counsel at Chandhiok & Mahajan. Additionally, Mehul demonstrates excellent communication skills. He articulates legal strategies clearly and effectively, ensuring that all parties are well-informed and that there is a clear understanding of the course of action. This skill is particularly crucial in maintaining transparency and trust with clients. Mehul's dedication to his clients is evident in his thorough preparation and persistent approach to achieving the best possible outcomes for them. He is also known for his professionalism and integrity, maintaining high ethical standards in all his dealings, which fosters trust and respect from clients and colleagues alike.”

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Phasorz Technologies on its 100% acquisition of the Indian Health Organization from the existing shareholders.

Acted for Refex Group on its acquisition of KS Oils.

Competition/antitrust

Work highlights

Acting for Google in an anonymous information filed against the GPay app and Google’s Play Store as well as two additional complaints filed regarding the client’s Play Store.

Representing Asianet in an abuse of dominance investigation by the CCI against Star India and its group companies.

Successfully represented Vifor Pharma and obtained a favourable order at the preliminary stage in an investigation related to alleged anti-competitive activity and abuse of dominance by the client.

Key clients

Bookmyshow, GBL, Goodyear, Honda, Hyundai, JCB, Intel, Panasonic, UFO.