 Inward India investment
Entering the Indian market poses numerous questions, obstacles and pitfalls for overseas firms that wish to capitalize on its unprecedented opportunities. APCO's investment team has extensive experience helping companies assess their options and formulate and execute market entry strategies for the Indian market, including:
- Explaining the regulatory environment
- Identifying partners
- Conducting due diligence on potential partners and distributors
- Structuring investments
- Negotiating wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries (WOS) and joint ventures
- Advising on mergers and acquisitions with Indian entities
Research and analysis
Thorough research provides the foundation for every successful and sustainable investment. APCO conducts quantitative and qualitative market research and analysis; identifies and prioritizes potential investment destinations; tracks industrial policy, tax incentives and regulation; monitors government and non-government opinion; and assesses the financial viability of investments.
Strategy development
APCO employs its investment consulting experience – both for clients that are new to the market and those that require a change of strategy – to evaluate business options, choose potential investment partners, appraise competitor strategies, assess government attitudes and suggest appropriate business structures.
Partner identification and due diligence
APCO helps clients identify, profile and engage with business partners that best match their requirements. Business partnerships – joint ventures, distributor relationships, wholesaling agreements or manufacturing partnerships – are sometimes mandated by regulation and are often essential for foreign companies. APCO provides information on corporate history; ownership and organizational structure; management quality and background; product or service profile; customer base; financial performance;business strategy; and standing with government. APCO also authenticates the credentials of short-listed potential partners, not only performing detailed analysis of the partner's operations and financials, but also consulting with third parties and government agencies.
Government approvals
Although the government approval process – necessary for the registration of almost all new products, services and businesses – has become more predictable, its opacity still causes delay and frustration. APCO has close relationships with approval authorities, such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Finance, Foreign Investment Promotion Board, Reserve Bank of India and state industrial development agencies, which helps clients facilitate the approval process.
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Investment approvals
APCO's team assists in preparing the documents required during the government investment approval process for joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries. These include:
- Foreign investment
- Feasibility study
- Environmental study
- Joint venture contract
- Memorandum/articles of association
- Land acquisition
- Business license
- Tax registration
- Customs registration
Mergers and acquisitions
APCO assists organizations in structuring and executing a wide range of complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, spin-offs and corporate restructurings. APCO advises clients in conceptualizing and evaluating options, calculating business valuations, conducting due diligence, structuring contracts and strategizing the implementation of the chosen option.
Investment negotiation
Investment consultants at APCO have a thorough knowledge of Indian foreign investment law, culture and the likely negotiating strategies of potential Indian partners. APCO's team helps expedite the negotiation process by understanding the objectives of both sides and finding ways to bring them together. APCO also provides feedback on the objectives of the local government and other regulators in order to ensure their support and facilitate the approval process.
Tax Advisory
APCO provides a variety of tax and business support services to organizations. APCO assists clients with international taxation, cross-border tax issues through efficient utilization of tax treaties for structuring investment and mitigating tax withholding impact.
Outward investment
APCO's integrated worldwide offices are well qualified to assist Indian firms venturing
abroad. APCO's team combines an understanding of the Indian business environment with a global reach that enables – through services such as regulatory counsel, lobbying and marketing advice – access to and success in the world's major markets.
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