Clayton Utz has had a strong relationship with the sub continent since our Indian Services Group was launched in 1995. Since that time, we have been working closely with Australian and Indian based firms on transactions that have assisted our two countries to continue to grow strong economic ties. It's well known that the similarities between India and Australia assist in undertaking business between the two countries - we share a common colonial heritage and, with that, many inherited institutions and arenas of interaction including the English language, parliamentary democracy and a common law heritage.

We have strong relationships with key Government stakeholders, leading Legal and Accounting firms and have represented a number of India's largest corporations. In addition, we regularly have Partners on the ground in India establishing new, and strengthening existing, contacts in the local market. Our experience includes the following:

• acting for Bramhani Industries Limited, a company incorporated in India, in their acquisition of a 50% interest in three exploration permits for coal in the Bowen Basin.
• acted for ASX listed Ascent Pharmahealth Ltd on its AUD$65.1m share purchase acquisition of the Australian and Asian operations of Strides Arcolab Limited which is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India.
• advised a sponsor in its negotiations with His Majesty's Government of Nepal (HMGN) in relation to a proposed 750MW independent power project involving the construction of hydro-electric facilities and associated transmission facilities connecting far west Nepal to the Indian Electricity Grid.
• advised in relation to an international hydro-electric power project on consultancy agreements governed by Indian law and the appropriate arbitration regime to be adopted.
• advised Woolworths on outsourcing the maintenance of its major IT systems to HP and the outsourcing of major software development to Indian company Tata Infotech.
• provided advice to AusAID in relation to the contractor's responsibilities under the project contract, when the installation and commissioning of the smelter at the Ghatsila Copper Complex using Australian technology encountered serious problems and was stalled indefinitely.
• advised on four laning and strengthening of National Highway 8 between Gurgaon and Kotputli and Rajasthan in India.
• provided advice regarding a proposal for a joint venture with Tata Steel for an aluminium can plant.