Touchstone Partners: Abhijit Narayan Joins as Equity Partner in Delhi

• Abhijit Narayan has joined Touchstone Partners as an equity partner, based in Delhi.
• He previously worked at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and other top-tier international law firms.
• Mr. Narayan specializes in cross-border private equity and M&A transactions.
• His move signifies a strategic return to India after 14 years with international firms in Germany and London.
• Touchstone Partners' managing partner confirmed the appointment, highlighting Mr. Narayan's focus on India-centric cross-border deals.

Abhijit Narayan joins Touchstone Partners as an equity partner, marking a significant lateral move within the Indian legal landscape.

Abhijit Narayan joins Touchstone Partners as an equity partner, marking a significant lateral move within the Indian legal landscape. Based in Delhi, Mr. Narayan transitions from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, where he previously held a prominent position. His expertise lies in cross-border private equity and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions, spanning a diverse array of sectors.

This appointment is set to bolster Touchstone Partners' capabilities, particularly in navigating complex international deals. The firm's managing partner, Karam Daulet-Singh, confirmed the move, emphasizing the natural synergy between Mr. Narayan's focus on India-centric inbound and outbound transactions and Touchstone's established strength in cross-border legal services. Mr. Daulet-Singh noted that the firm views this as an opportunity to further solidify its role as a key facilitator of capital flows into and out of India.

After a distinguished career spanning fourteen years with top-tier international law firms in both Germany and London, Abhijit Narayan expressed his motivation to return to India. He articulated a desire to establish a long-term professional presence in his home country, viewing the timing as opportune for this transition. His extensive experience abroad includes tenures at prestigious firms such as Hengeler Mueller, Slaughter and May, Orrick, and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.

Mr. Narayan's decision to become an Abhijit Narayan Touchstone equity partner was also influenced by his perception of the firm's robust and ambitious practice. He specifically highlighted Touchstone's dedication to elite cross-border transactions, indicating an alignment with his professional aspirations and specialization as an India cross-border M&A lawyer. This move underscores a broader trend of highly experienced legal professionals returning to India to contribute to its burgeoning legal and economic landscape.

Abhijit Narayan brings over 17 years of extensive legal experience to his new role at Touchstone Partners. His professional journey includes significant contributions at several globally recognized law firms, including Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Slaughter and May, and Hengeler Mueller, in addition to his most recent position at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. This diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of international legal frameworks pertinent to private equity and M&A.

Academically, Mr. Narayan is an alumnus of the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, and furthered his legal education with an LL.M. in Corporate Law from New York University School of Law. His appointment as a Touchstone Partners new equity partner Delhi is expected to significantly enhance the firm's offering in cross-border transactions, providing clients with access to deep expertise and a broad international perspective.

This high-profile lateral move strengthens Touchstone Partners' capabilities in cross-border private equity and M&A transactions in India, providing a new key contact for clients seeking counsel in this area and signaling competitive talent shifts within the Indian legal market.

Source: Original reporting via legal industry publication