PEOPLE

M&A and Transactional Work

• Represented SoftBank Corporation in the acquisition of a majority stake in the Indian e-commerce company Snapdeal for a purchase price of US $ 627 million.
• Advised SoftBank Corporation and Alibaba in relation to their US $ 500 million investment in Series 1 Shares of Jasper Infotech Private Limited.
• Represented Hitachi Group in the divestment of its controlling stake in an Indian listed company in favour of a joint venture entity established in partnership with Johnson Controls Inc.
• Acted for a consortium of Indian public sector oil and gas companies (led by Oil India Limited) in the acquisition of a participating interest (worth US $ 2.5 billion) in the giant gas project in Rovuma Area 1 Offshore Block in Mozambique.
• Represented Lubrizol Corporation in the establishment of an Indian joint venture with Indian Oil Corporation for manufacturing chemical additives for lubricants.
• Represented Tenneco Automotive Inc. in the acquisition of the Indian subsidiary of Federal-Mogul LLC. (Global deal value US $ 5.4 billion).
• Represented SOL SpA (an Italian leader in the production and marketing of Industrial and medicinal gases) in the acquisition of the core business of Bhuruka Gases Limited, a prominent Indian public company. (Deal value US $ 70 million).
• Advised Ventra Health Inc. (the healthcare platform of Varsity Capital Partners) in the 100% acquisition of ArcMed Analytics and Services Private Limited and its subsidiary ArcMed Pronto USA LLC.
• Represented Tech Data in the acquisition of a 100% stake in a leading Indian IT distributor with a pan-India presence. (Transaction value US $ 80 million).
• Represented ASGN (a leading provider of IT services and solutions) in its US $ 350 million acquisition of GlideFast Consulting.
• Acted for Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) in a joint venture with Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited for setting up an ethanol plant at Dahod in the State of Gujarat. (Deal value INR 1 billion).
• Acted for Ripple Labs Inc. in the acquisition of the Indian subsidiary of BITGO Holdings Inc. (Deal value US $ 200 million).
• Acted for ASSA ABLOY ESD (a Swedish leader in door openings and automatic access solution products) in the acquisition of 100% shareholding of Metaflex Doors India Private Limited. (Deal value € 34 million).
• Advised Axway Software SA (a French software developer and cloud enabled data-integration platform) in the acquisition of DXchange.io. (Deal value INR 820 million).
• Advised Sarvesh Refractories Private Limited in a joint venture with Chosun Refractories from South Korea.
• Advised Shell India Markets Private Limited in the acquisition of 100% of the shareholding of Minimac Systems Private Limited, a company engaged in the business of manufacturing engineering goods.
• Acted for Tech Mahindra (one of India’s leading IT companies) in the acquisition of Infostar LLC (Lodestone). (Deal value US $105 million).
• Represented Tech Mahindra in the acquisition of DigitalOnUs Inc. (a hybrid cloud and DevOps services provider) for a consideration of US $ 120 million.
• Represented Tech Mahindra in the acquisition of Perigord Asset Holdings Limited, a digital workflow, artwork, labeling and BPO services company. (Deal value US $ 21 million).
• Acted for Meidensha Corporation, Japan in the acquisition of a majority stake in Prime Meiden Limited, a leading Indian company manufacturing energy transformer.

White Collar Crime & Investigations

• Represented one of the world’s leading athletic apparel and footwear companies (a Global Fortune 500 corporation) in a high-profile criminal matter involving alleged misappropriation of funds by the erstwhile Indian CXO. Supported the client in investigations conducted by the Indian Police, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and also in proceedings before criminal courts in India.
• Acted for one of the largest automobile manufacturing companies in the world (with revenues in excess of US $ 175 billion) in criminal investigations conducted by Indian authorities including proceedings before the criminal courts in Delhi. Also successfully argued the anticipatory bail application for a director of the company before the Indian criminal courts.
• Successfully represented a leading Japanese corporation engaged in the business of manufacturing water treatment and electronic equipment in a series of criminal matters before the Indian Police authorities including proceedings before criminal courts in the states of Haryana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Successfully represented one of the world’s largest heath insurance and services companies (Fortune Global 10) in a series of investigations by the investigating authorities in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab including proceedings before the criminal courts in Delhi and Punjab.
• Acted for one of the world’s leading technology companies (a Global Fortune 500 corporation) in criminal proceedings in the state of Telangana.
• Successfully represented one of the world’s leading digital communication technology companies in a serious IP and trade secret breach case and in criminal proceedings in relation to the same before the investigating authorities in Pune.
• Successfully represented one of the world’s leading digital communication technology companies in criminal proceedings in the state of Telangana in connection with a dispute with an adverse party.
• Successfully represented one of the world’s largest container shipping companies in investigations conducted by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) and the Indian police authorities including proceedings in relevant criminal courts in India.
• Acted for one of the largest education companies in the world in criminal complaints filed against adverse parties and investigations conducted by the police authorities in the state of Tamil Nadu.
• Successfully represented a leading Japanese multinational electric engineering and software company in investigations conducted by the Mumbai Police. Was successful in getting the matter favourably resolved and in ensuring that no harassment is caused to the expatriate managing director and other Japanese nationals on the board of Indian Company.
• Successfully represented one of the largest Japanese general trading companies (a Global Fortune 500 corporation) in conducting investigations in relation to a case of alleged breach of trust and fraud in its Indian operations. Provided further assistance to the client in successfully resolving another criminal matter before the Gujarat Police authorities.
• Defended one of the leading publishing firms in the world in defamation proceedings before the criminal courts in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Acted for one of the leading Indian tyre manufacturing companies in investigations in relation to a case of alleged fraud and siphoning of funds in the Dubai operations of the client. The representation also included representing the client in investigations conducted by the Mumbai Police authorities.
• Successfully represented a leading Chinese corporation in a high stake and sensitive while collar crime matter and in investigations conducted by the Indian Police authorities in the states of Haryana and Telangana. Also represented the client in criminal proceedings before the relevant courts in the state of Telangana.
• Successfully defended a leading American industrial conglomerate (a Global Fortune 500 corporation) in criminal proceedings in the state of Karnataka. The representation included representing the client in proceedings before the High Court of Karnataka to quash the criminal complaint filed against the client and its board members.
• Acted for a leading Belgium multinational corporation in a case involving the theft of confidential information and intellectual property of the client. Also acted for the client in filing a criminal complaint before the Bangalore Police authorities and in criminal proceedings before the Bangalore City Civil Court and in criminal writ petition proceedings before the Karnataka High Court.
• Successfully represented a leading Danish multinational corporation (operating in the healthcare business) in criminal complaints filed by former employees. Provided legal support to the client in investigations conducted by the Indian Police authorities and in proceedings before the relevant criminal courts in India.

Employment

• Represented Yahoo in the separation of a large number of employees in India due to restructuring and changes in business strategy. 
• Provided legal support to one of the world leaders in gaming content and technology in connection with mass redundancies in India. Guided the client through the entire retrenchment process including the approach and strategy to be followed by the HR department of the company.
• Represented one of the largest media companies in the world (a Global Fortune 500 corporation) on multiple employment law mandates including various cases of employee separation and termination.
• Advised one of the largest market makers in the world on a wide range of employment law matters including managing difficult separations, non-compete and non-solicitation covenants and separation agreements. Also conducted Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) training for the client.
• Regularly represents one of the worlds’ leading insurance services companies on a host of employment law matters including employee disputes and separations. Also supported the client in investigations relating to cases of alleged bullying and harassment.
• Acted for one of the world’s leading travel management companies in the capacity of an independent inquiry officer and conducted investigations in relation to a complaint of discrimination and harassment. Also guided and supported the client in getting the matter favourably resolved through an amicable resolution.
• Represented a leading American multinational travel company in investigations conducted by the Mumbai Police pursuant to a criminal complaint filed by an exiting employee.
• Provided extensive support to a leading American AI company from California on a wide array of employment law matters in India including various employee separations.
• Represented a leading American cloud computing company on numerous employment matters including advising on working hours, overtime, leave entitlement and employee separations. Also supported the client in the closure of one its offices in India.
• Regularly acts for a leading American technology products and services company (a Global Fortune 500 corporation) on a wide range of employment related work. The representation included advising the client on preparation and introduction of employee related policies, employment agreements and independent contractor arrangements. Also advised the client on all employment law issues emanating from the client’s acquisition of another US based information technology company.
• Represented a leading American risk management and asset protection software company on various Indian employment matters. The legal support included helping the client resolve disputes with an exiting senior director, advising the client on mass employee terminations, preparation of separation documents and providing practical advice to the client on how to best manage the employee exits.
• Provided regular support to a leading global technology services company on various Indian employment laws and regulations including those relating to daily and weekly working hours, the employer’s right of termination, provident fund, state insurance, gratuity, bonus, maternity benefits, leaves and overtime. Also advised the client on data protection and non-solicitation.
• Advised one of the largest aircraft manufactures in the world in investigations relating to financial misconduct allegedly perpetrated by members of the senior management of the Indian operations.
• Acted as an independent inquiry officer for a leading global digital consultancy company and conducted a detailed investigation (including examination of several witnesses) in relation to a whistleblowing complaint which made allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and other inappropriate conduct.

Recognitions & Awards

• Acclaimed as one of the ’Top Managing Partners’ in India by FORBES Legal Powerlist 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
• Recognised among India’s ’Top 100 Lawyers’ by FORBES Legal Powerlist 2023, 2022, 2021 & 2020; Felicitated for expertise in White Collar Crime practice.
• Recipient of the International Council of Jurists Award conferred by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India for distinctive accomplishment in the areas of corporate law.
• Litigation Star for White Collar Crime by Benchmark Litigation 2023, 2022.
• Named in the Hall of Fame for Corporate M&A by Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021 – 2023; Elite Leading Lawyer for Corporate M&A (2016 – 2020) and White-Collar Crime 2023 by Legal 500 Asia Pacific
• Recipient of the Prestigious Inspiring Entrepreneurs of India 2020 Award by the Economic Times. Recognized for “exemplifying the spirit of entrepreneurial passion and his outstanding contribution to the legal sector.”
• Felicitated as one of the World’s Greatest Leaders in the Asia & GCC region in the category of legal services. The award was presented by His Excellency Mr. T.P. Seetharaman, the Ambassador of India to the UAE on the occasion of the 44th UAE National Day.
• ‘Top 50 Legal Icons’ of India by Indian Business Law Journal (IBLJ) 20212022, Listed among India’s Top 100 lawyers – The A-List by IBLJ (2017 – 2020).
• Recipient of the distinguished Pride of India Award (Rashtriya Gaurav Award) for his outstanding achievements in the legal field.
• Conferred the prestigious Bharat Shiromani Award 2019 for Excellence in the field of Corporate Law and Legal Entrepreneurship
• Conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Award for being the Young Achiever & Entrepreneur in the field of legal services. Mr. Kochhar is the first and only practicing lawyer in India to have been conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Award since its inception.
• Conferred the National Law Award for Excellence in Corporate law.
• Recipient of the National Citizens Award for unique contribution in the field of Youth Affairs.
• Kochhar & Co. was conferred the National Bar Award by the All-India Bar Association for being “The Most Dynamic and Progressive Indian Law Firm” by the Chairman of the Law Commission of India.

Publications and Presentations

Mr. Rohit Kochhar has been a keynote speaker and has made several presentations at international and domestic conferences/ seminars and authored articles on varied subjects. An illustrative list of the presentations made by Mr. Kochhar is provided hereinbelow:

• Expert speaker on employment law issues at the Managing an International Workforce Conference by Lewis Silkin in London in June 2023.
• Speaker at the Inaugural Session of the 19th Indo-American Economic Summit organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, India, in September 2022.
• Speaker at the Inaugural Session for the Launch of The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, India – North India Council’s Lucknow, UP Chapter on August 6, 2021.
• Chaired a session on “Legal & Other Professional Services” at the prestigious Indo -US Economic Summit organized by the Indo-American Chambers (IACC) in September 2020. The esteemed panelists included general counsels of Indian subsidiaries of leading MNCs, including Microsoft, CISCO, Optum, Marriot, and Mylan.
• Moderated a session on Performance of Contracts and Force Majeure under Indian and UAE Laws organized by the Indian Corporate Counsel Association (ICCA) in April 2020.
• Moderated a session on “Shifting Landscapes in the Financial and Services Practice Sectors” at an international conclave in USA in October 2019.
• Chaired the Panel Discussion on “Arbitration & Insolvency Code” organized by the Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) at the SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi. The seminar was attended by the business and legal teams of the major Indian Public Sector Units (PSUs) including the Navratna and Miniratna companies.
• Moderated the Panel Discussion on “Anti-Corruption – How to Conceptualize & Implement Successful Compliance Program” at the ICCA Conclave.
• Presentation on “Investing and Doing Business in India” at the SOFTBANK Corporation headquarters in Japan.
• Presentation on “New Technologies and Work Processes for Law Firms of Tomorrow” at an international conclave in Hong Kong.
• Presentation on “Universally accepted International Corporate Governance Code: A Prerequisite of Good Governance” at the Global Congruence of Company Secretaries organized by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) to promulgate International Corporate Governance Day.
• Townhall Presentation to GEMS Education on Prevention of Sexual Harassment (“POSH”).
• Moderated a panel discussion on “Laws and Compliances on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace in various Asian countries” in 2016.
• Presentation on “Investing and Doing business in India” for Chinese corporations in Beijing.
• Presentation to Bloomberg India on Prevention of Sexual Harassment (“POSH”).
• Presentation on the theme “Magna Carta after 800 years” at the 7th Law Teacher’s Day Law Symposium and Awards Function in September 2015. The symposium was organized by SILF and Milan Institute of Legal Advocacy Training (MILAT).
• Presentation titled “Taking the Bilateral Trade to USD 500 Billion” at the 11th Indo- US Economic Summit organized by the Indo-American Chambers of Commerce (IACC).
• Presentation in October 2014 on “Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Laws in India to All Nippon Airways”.
• Presentation in February 2014 to Aon Hewitt on ‘Prevention and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace’.
• Presentation in March 2013 on “Challenges in formation of Joint Ventures” at the International Seminar on Contracts, Arbitration and Competition Law held by the SCOPE Forum.
• Presentation in December 2012 on “India/UAE Tax Treaties and their application” at the Society of India Law Firms event in Dubai.
• Presentation in October 2012 on “Legal / Commercial issues in oil contracts” at Petrotech 2012 event attended by all the large oil and gas companies of India.
• Presentation on July 20, 2012, in Tokyo at the ‘Leadership Conclave’ organized by Sigmaxyz on “Challenges and Pitfalls of Doing Business in India.”
• Presentation in June 2012 at the Petrolex Forum attended by all the large oil and gas companies of India on “Contract Negotiation Skills”
• Presentation in February 2012 at the Multilaw conference on “Client Satisfaction and Quality Control”.
• Presentation on the “Synergy between In- house Counsels and Law Firms” and “Best Practices through the Eyes of our Clients – Most Pressing Issues Faced in Managing a Legal Department.”
• Presentation in November 2011 at the Mergers & Acquisitions International’s annual conference on “India- a Favorable Investment Destination” entailing legal aspects of the foreign direct investment policy and inbound and outbound acquisitions.
• “Strategy for Growth in a Challenging Economy Session II” at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi organized by Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Pvt Ltd. on February 25, 2009.
• “Contract Law Seminar” for Mitsubishi Corporation, India
• “Legal Issues for MSMEs” at the Economic Times India MSME Summit, The Oberoi Hotel, New Delhi on February 13, 2009
• Presentation on “Doing Business in India” November 8, 2008, in New Delhi
• “Legal issues relevant to Japanese companies operating in the Indian Automobile Industry” on December 4, 2008, at ‘ the Toyota Group Legal Meeting in Aichi, Japan.
• “Mergers, Acquisitions & Amalgamations – A Legal Perspective;” Presentation at the 6th International Conference on Legal Reforms in Infrastructure – Imperative to Growth – held on May 6-7, 2005, at the Hotel Intercontinental, New Delhi
• “Foreign Direct Investment in India with special Emphasis on The Automotive Component Sector;” Presentation at the British High Commission, New Delhi on November 13, 2000
• “Internet and E-Commerce Legal Issues;” Multilaw Regional Conference in Prague in June 2000
• “Foreign Investments in India” at a Conference organized by the National Law Network, Puerto Rico on June 5, 1999
• “Investments in India” at a Seminar jointly organized by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan Institute of Overseas Investment (JOI), Nagashima & Ohno and Kochhar & Co. (and supported by the Embassy of India in Japan, the Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India and the EXIM Bank of Japan), Tokyo, Japan on May 24, 1999
• “Doing Business in India” – in Tokyo and Osaka in September 1998 organized by the Indian High Commission
• “The Legal Aspects of Doing Business in India” at a Seminar organized by Kochhar & Co. with the support of the Indian Embassy in Japan at OCCI (Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Osaka, Japan on July 30, 1998
• “The Legal Aspects of Doing Business in India” at a Seminar organized by Kochhar & Co. with the support of the Indian Embassy at Ruby Hall, Keidanren, Tokyo, Japan on July 27, 1998
• “The Opening up of the Indian Insurance Sector,” for Lloyds Insurance, New Delhi on June 5, 1998
• “Foreign Investments in India” at the Commercial Law Affiliates (CLA) Annual Conference, San Francisco on March 7, 1998
• “Legal Aspects of Doing Business in India” at a Seminar organized by the Japanese Institute of International Business Law, Tokyo, Japan on September 4, 1997
• “The Indian Insurance Sector” at a Seminar in New Delhi on February 26, 1997
• “The Indian Amusement Industry” at a Seminar organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, New Delhi on February 24, 1997
• “Legal Aspects of Doing Business in India” at a Seminar organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), New Delhi on February 9, 1997
• “Legal Aspects of Doing Business in India” IPBA Conference, Hawaii on January 28, 1997
• “Foreign Investments in India with emphasis on the Automobile Sector” at a Seminar organized by Toyota Motor Corporation, Nagoya, Japan on January 17, 1997
• “Doing Business in India,” Tokyo, Japan on January 16, 1997
• “Recent Developments affecting Foreign Investment in India,” IPBA Annual Conference, Manila during May 1996
• “Doing Business in India,” Regional Conference organized by the American Business Council, Singapore on February 22, 1993