DSK Legal

Banking and finance  

Work highlights 

Instructed by Piramal Finance, the team drafted and revised agreements for the debenture subscription, debenture trust and escrow to accept Transcon Developers’ financing. Complicating factors included the securities collateralisation and the timing of the project, that is, the recent implementation of the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act.  

Key clients 

Apollo Asia RE Singapore, ICICI Bank, Piramal Finance, State Bank of India, Union Bank of India  

Construction 

Work highlights 

Successfully assisted Cargo Service Centre with the tender process of a multifaceted project including the design, development, financing and construction of the new international cargo facilities at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The team also helped structure nearly $65 million in project financing from IDFC and L&T Infrastructure Finance. 

Key clients 

Cargo Service Center, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Shipping, Public Works Department, Tata Realty and Infrastructure 

Corporate and M&A 

Work highlights 

Working with Global Insurance Services and other domestic clients, the team structured the deal to help the clients buy all of Aon’s shares in Aon Global Insurance Brokers, a joint venture with UK insurer started in 2001. The transaction, which was an early example of a foreign insurer’s exit from an insurance tie-up, also involved arbitration begun by Aon. 

Key clients 

Aditya Birla Sunlife AMC, Global Insurance Services, Hospital Corporation of Orissa, IMC International Metalworking, Keva Chemicals, Kirloskar Oil Engines, PMP Auto Components, Roy Kapur Productions 

Dispute resolution 

Work highlights 

Defended Percept Live against Phonographic Performance in a copyright infringement case. The matter should decide whether a business not registered as a copyright society under the Copyright Act can legally issue musical works licenses with copyrights. 

Representing Cello Writing Instrument Business in the Mumbai High Court, the team is working to enforce a non-compete clause with the former promoters of pen manufacturer Cello. 

Key clients 

Broadcast Audience Research Council, Cello Writing Instrument Business, Eleni, Mideast Integrated Steel, Percept Live  

Private equity 

Work highlights 

Worked with Gaja Trustee and GPE India to sell their minority stake of equity and preferred shares in John Distilleries, owner of the popular Original Choice whisky brand, to Sazerac Investment. The team managed risk by getting John Distilleries’ promoter to provide warranties, representations and indemnities, a difficult gambit since the promoter was not divesting any of his shares. 

Key clients 

Acuitas Capital Advisors, Gaja Capital, Gaja Trustee, GPE India, JSW Ventures, Mandala Capital  

Restructuring and insolvency 

Work highlights 

Working with IDBI Bank on Binani Cements’ resolution including appearances before the National Company Law Tribunal in Kolkata. The noteworthy case focuses on Binani’s guarantees of loans overseas by Binani’s offshore subsidiaries provided by IDBI Bank. The client has asked the team to examine whether they can force Binani to accept an accelerated payment schedule given the resolution proceedings. 

Key clients 

DB View Infracon, Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction, Educomp Solutions, IDBI Bank, True North 

Client feedback 

“We found the team to have clarity in thought and depth in understanding of legal aspects. Their service levels and turnaround times are exceptional.”  – Banking and finance, Corporate and M&A, Restructuring and insolvency 

“DSK has vast experience in the media and entertainment sector. Their domain knowledge coupled with understanding of the law and negotiation ability make them a formidable partner.” – Intellectual property, Media and entertainment 

“Strong domain knowledge, knows the media industry well, takes pragmatic approach and has problem solving and solutions oriented attitude. Understands the commercial considerations of the deal and is able to find a good balance between legal and commercial considerations most of the time.” – Corporate and M&A 

“More than satisfactory time and cost management.” – Banking and finance, Real estate 

“Sharp, fundamentally strong.” - Ashish Pahariya

“Chandrima has very good knowledge of her domain and is extremely thorough in her drafting and negotiations.” - Chandrima Mitra

“Capable lawyer with high focus on quality and delivery.” - Deepti Sarma

“Able to independently manage and find resolutions to the assignments.” - Jayesh Kothari

“Very capable, industrious and independently manages our assignments. Is able to connect the commercial considerations and regulatory/ legal as well as our group local and global considerations.” - Pritha Jha

“More than happy with Sajit.” - Sajit Suvrna

“Excellent. I don’t have any areas of concern in our more than 10 years association.” - Satish Kishanchandani