India
In India, the population currently exceeds 1.3 billion and is expected to overtake China and become the world’s largest in the near future. India has also achieved remarkable economic development since pursuing an economic liberalization policy in the 1990s. As a result, it is now seen as the most promising market for the world’s companies, including Japanese businesses, and this trend is likely to become even stronger into the future. On the other hand, the fact remains that developing a business in India could certainly not be described as a simple task. The reasons for this vary, including some very complex regulations that still remain in force, differences in culture, customs, traditions, negotiating tactics, and inconsistency in the quality of Indian attorneys.
Kitahama Partners’ India Practice Team, led by Japanese attorneys with experience working in major Indian accounting and law firms, provides full support for the development of business in India. We have also established strong networks with a number of local Indian law firms, supporting Japanese companies by partnering with the best local firm for the size and nature of the matter at hand. In particular, we have abundant experience in Indian matters, including assisting Japanese companies to establish a presence in India through M&A, joint ventures with Indian companies, and other means, as well as setting up subsidiaries, commercial agreements, withdrawal, dispute resolution, and conducting various types of legal research.
Major Achievements
M&A
- Acquisition of and equity investments in Indian companies by Japanese companies (automotive component manufacturers, medical equipment manufacturers, industrial machinery manufacturers, machine tool manufacturers, and many others)
Joint Ventures
- Joint ventures by Japanese companies (automotive manufacturers, processed food manufacturers, plant manufacturers, industrial machinery manufacturers and many others) with Indian companies
Establishment and Restructuring of Local Subsidiaries, Technological Support Agreements, Etc.
- Assistance with establishment of Indian subsidiaries by Japanese companies (automotive components manufacturer and many others)
- Assistance with integration and re-organization of multiple Indian local subsidiaries by Japanese company (logistics company)
- Advisory for technology assistance agreement with Indian company by Japanese company (apparel company)
Withdrawal
- Withdrawal by Japanese company (automotive components manufacturer) from joint venture
Dispute Resolution
- Assistance with a dispute between a Japanese company and an Indian company caused by a violation of duty not to compete
Legal Research
- Research into regulations related to the power generation industry in India
Other
- Assistance obtaining approvals for business subject to India’s foreign capital restrictions by Japanese company
- Assistance with establishment of subsidiary in Japan by Indian company
- Research into legislation related to Indian company moving into Japan