Jerome Merchant + Partners

Jerome Merchant + Partners offers a full range of corporate law services, including banking and finance and corporate and M&A. Its private equity practice is notably robust, having been active last year in multiple matters for private equity investors and target companies at all stages of their investment cycles. It has grown its presence for these clients in the financial services, media, technology, healthcare and consumer goods spaces. In the M&A space, the firm has deep experience in the automotive and real estate sectors. Partners Sameer Sibal and Vishnu Jerome lead on key deals, while disputes partner Murtaza Somjee handles litigation and arbitration cases. 

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Advised Tata Motors on its working capital facilities from a consortium of over 20 banks.

Acting for Centrum Capital in its financing of DCW. The transaction required the financing to be structured to ensure commencement of project operations and repayment of existing debt and is cross-collateralised through multiple group entities.

Key clients

Altico Capital India, ING Bank, JSW Group, Kotak Mahindra Group

Corporate and M&A  

Work highlights

Represented Crestline Direct Finance, as Indian counsel, in connection with a loan facility provided for the acquisition of a multinational healthcare company with operations in India and the US.

Advised the founders and existing investors of Cygnus Medicare in their significant stakes sale to Amar Ujala.

Key clients

Aspada LGT, Evolvence Capital, India Infoline, Mahindra Lifespaces, Tata Motors, Sequoia

Dispute resolution 

Work highlights

Acting for Deutsche Bank in relation to defaults under a credit facility made by it to Uttam Galva Steels, which is undergoing insolvency proceedings. 

Advising sponsors of Videocon group in its disputes with Dish TV and the Essel Group.

Key clients

Kirloskar Group, SSG Capital, Tata Motors, Videocon Group, Vsoft Technologies

Private equity 

Work highlights

Assisting the IIFL Special Opportunities Fund on its investment in Parksons Packaging, a public company in the business of manufacturing of cartons and other customised packages for business conglomerates.

Assisted VH Capital XI in its investment in a domestic bike and carpooling platform, Quickride, alongside Naspers and Sequoia Capital.

Key clients

Evolvence Capital, Kae Capital, OML, Sequoia

Restructuring and insolvency 

Work highlights

Represented Kirloskar Electric to obtain an interim injunction against a German official liquidator in a cross-border insolvency matter filed against the Indian company’s subsidiary in Germany.

Advising SSG Capital, an investor in certain bonds issued by a corporate debtor, in proceedings filed before various forums.

Key clients

Centrum Capital, India Infoline, Jet Airways

Client feedback

“It continues to be cost-effective and good value for money. They have developed considerable on-the-ground experience in the insolvency tribunals across India and have a good network of local counsels where they do not have a local presence.” – Restructuring and insolvency