Indian law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. has strengthened its corporate practice in the National Capital Region (NCR) with the appointment of partner Srikant CV from Khaitan & Co.

With over 11 years of experience in corporate and commercial transactions, specializing in private equity and venture capital, Srikant joined Khaitan in 2020 and became a partner in 2023. Before that, he held positions at DMD Advocates, JSA Advocates & Solicitors, and Desai & Diwanji.

“His strong background in mergers, acquisitions, and private equity, coupled with his deep understanding of corporate law, will undoubtedly strengthen our capabilities and add significant value to our practice”, said SAM managing partner Akshay Chudasama, in a statement. 

SAM has taken a more calibrated approach to partner acquisition in 2024, compared to its rivals Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and JSA. While those firms have roped in large group hires, offering attractive equity structures and revenue-sharing arrangements, SAM has focused on filling targeted slots to improve existing offerings and focus on organic internal growth. The firm witnessed a record year in terms of revenue, a source with knowledge of the numbers said. 

The 179-partner firm has focused on the growth of its corporate practice with the addition of former general counsel at troubled ed-tech giant Byju’s Roshan Thomas, Desai & Diwanji dealmaker Mahesh Wasadikar, private equity-focused partner Nikita Goyal from IndusLaw and projects and infrastructure specialistAnjana Jamalamadaka Potti from JSA. The firm lost one of its most lucrative M&A practices led by Iqbal Khan to JSA midway through the year. 

SAM also brought on two capital markets partners this year to address the growing demand for stock market filings, as more companies turn to public markets for fundraising in 2024. The firm welcomed Rohit Tiwari from CAM and Devi Prasad Patel from Khaitan in the first half of the year.