"I have always believed that good legal advice is about judgment as much as knowledge โ knowing which issues are significant enough to shape the outcome. To me, the true test of a smart lawyer is being able to take the most complex regulatory or transactional problems and break them down into simple pieces. Staying pragmatic and solution-oriented is what is required to see any matter, whether an M&A deal or a regulatory advisory, through to the finish line."
Keshav advises leading Indian corporate houses and multinational companies on complex transactional, regulatory and commercial matters. With a solution-oriented approach and pragmatic style, he brings innovative thinking to complex structuring challenges. He is known for his responsiveness, commitment to client goals, and ability to deliver commercially practical advice.
Keshav has acted on numerous M&A and private equity transactions, representing domestic and international corporations across mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and private equity investments. His experience spans pharmaceuticals, life sciences, automobiles, fintech, healthcare, technology, e-commerce, data centres, semiconductors, retail and financial services. He has particular expertise in cross-border transactionsโboth inbound investment into India and outbound investments by Indian groups.
He specializes in helping clients navigate regulatory grey areas and evolving frameworks, with deep expertise across foreign exchange laws, company law, and technology and financial services regulation. He has secured complex foreign exchange approvals including Press Note 3, FDI and RBI approvals.
In the fintech and TMT space, Keshav regularly advises clients launching innovative products and navigating complex regulatory frameworks spanning payments, digital lending, e-commerce, consumer protection and financial sector laws.
He has authored articles on emerging legal issues, participated in government stakeholder consultations on FDI reforms, and conducted masterclasses and sessions at business forums and law schools.
Awards And Recognitions
- Winner of BW Legal 30 under 30 Award for 2023.
- Recognized as โRecommended Lawyerโ in Fintech & Financial Services Regulatory by Legal 500 Asia Pacific Rankings 2024.
- Recognized as โRecommended Lawyerโ in Fintech & Financial Services Regulatory by Legal 500 Asia Pacific Rankings 2026.
Select Experience
Advised Viatris in connection with its sale of its global biosimilars business to Biocon Biologics Limited with a deal value of USD 3.335 billion; and sale of its womenโs healthcare as well as the API business in India, in a combined deal valued at approx. USD 1.2 billion.
Advised Eternal (formerly, Zomato) in its 100% acquisition of Blinkit (formerly, Grofers) (Indiaโs leading online quick commerce platform) for USD 575 million and prior to that, for Eternalโs equity investment in Blinkit of USD 100 million.
Advised Carlyle in acquisition of approx. 25% stake in Nxtra Data, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel Limited having a deal value of USD 250 million, and in connection with setting up an integrated pharmaceutical platform in India having a deal value of USD 250 million.
Advised Fortis Healthcare on: (i) the secondary buy-out of approx. 31% stake held by private equity investors in Agilus Diagnostics (INR 1,780 crores); (ii) sale of its Vadapalani, Chennai hospital to Kauvery Hospitals (INR 152 crores); and (iii) sale of Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai and related assets to MGM Healthcare (INR 128 crores).
Advised Apollo Hospitals in the structuring of the front-end pharmacy business of Apollo Hospitals and divestment of stake in its front-end pharmacy business to Apollo Pharmacy for a consideration of INR 527.8 crores.