When it comes to India, which has a sizeable private equity industry, understanding the country's distinct laws and regulations that govern cross-border PE transactions is critical
The RBI and the SEBI are primarily responsible for developing the legal framework for PE in India, which comprises the FEMA and regulations thereunder and SEBI regulations
Investors looking to participate in international PE transactions must be active, adaptable and open to resolving legal and regulatory challenges that occur
Cross-border private equity (PE) transactions make it easier for investors to diversify their holdings and enter new markets. However, there are several legal and regulatory hurdles that must be considered when it comes to these transactions When discussing India, which has a sizeable private equity industry, it is critical to understand the country’s distinct laws and regulations.
Regulations for Private Equity Transactions
Investors must negotiate both local legal systems and foreign regulatory frameworks when engaging in cross-border PE transactions. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are primarily responsible for developing the legal framework for private equity in India, which comprises the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and regulations thereunder and SEBI regulations. Regulations issued by these regulators cover a wide range of topics, including investment restrictions, reporting obligations and exit strategies.
Furthermore, international entities like the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation work towards standardising worldwide regulations for private equity transactions, aiming to streamline and harmonise regulations across borders. They play a crucial role in the development and implementation of global regulatory standards for private equity, ensuring consistency and promoting investor confidence in cross-border transactions.
Key Legal Challenges in Cross-Border PE Transactions
Investors in cross-border private equity transactions must overcome several legal hurdles to ensure compliance and lucrative transactions. Different countries have different legal systems and jurisdictional laws, making it difficult to determine the right jurisdiction. Furthermore, dealing with contradicting legislation in multiple nations may result in further legal issues that need to be addressed.
Foreign investment laws are yet another hump on the road, usually put in place to defend national interests. India is an exchange-controlled economy with controls on the in-flow and out-flow of funds and limitations on foreign ownership and control in specific sectors. Investors must tread carefully around these constraints and acquire the necessary permissions before finalising the investment transaction.
The nature of the investment and the form of acquisition determine the velocity at which transactions in India are completed. Private company purchases often take less time than public corporation acquisitions, whereas scheme-based acquisitions require more time. Several major factors have an impact on the timeline for transactions in Indian agreements.
The first is that gaining regulatory licences from the RBI, SEBI, the Competition Commission of India and other bodies can be unpredictable and could be discretionary. Second, Indian courts and tribunals regularly postpone verdicts or punishments. Finally, depending on the findings of the due diligence, purchasers may require the investee company to correct prior non-compliances or regulatory infractions before closure, which might affect the entire deal timeframe.
Regulatory Considerations for Deal Structuring
International private equity transactions often create tax and structuring challenges. When investors are residents of their home country and conduct the transaction and exit in the target country, they may encounter double taxation. This tends to shave off a significant part of the earnings.
Tax efficiency strategies such as tax treaties and structuring investments through tax-efficient jurisdictions can help mitigate this issue. In international private equity deals, anti-money laundering (AML) requirements must be observed along with following Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Additionally, investors must prioritise conducting a thorough AML due diligence process to prevent funds from being used for illicit activities.
A successful cross-border private equity transaction structure includes documentation with clear transaction terms and robust paperwork. When negotiating international agreements, legal, regulatory and commercial considerations must be given adequate attention. Contractual and governance concerns are critical to preserving the rights and interests of all parties involved. Another critical element is the preservation of intellectual property rights (IPR). In cross-border transactions, IPR may be difficult to enforce, necessitating the deployment of severe safeguards to protect IPR and prevent associated risks.
Recent Trends and Developments
Recent events show how India’s regulatory environment is changing. They indicate how the country is seeking to adapt to altering investment dynamics and build an environment favourable to international investment while protecting national interests and improving transparency and control. These include:
Investment From Land Border Sharing Countries
In 2020, the Indian government made it mandatory to obtain clearance for all foreign investments from countries with whom it shares land borders, as well as those whose ultimate beneficial proprietors are nationals of or based in such countries.
This policy was designed primarily to regulate and control prospective takeovers in reaction to the pandemic-induced economic crisis. As a result, previously authorised investments must now be approved if the PE investor has a beneficial owner from one of India’s bordering nations.
Before permitting nationals of its surrounding countries to be nominated to the boards of Indian firms, India established a security certification procedure in June 2022. Investors from countries having a border with India will be unable to gain influence over Indian enterprises through back routes under this strategy, and board appointments will be scrutinised more closely.
Two Indian Parties Can Choose A Foreign Seat
The Indian Supreme Court has held that two Indian parties may choose a foreign arbitration venue, and any award thus made is enforceable as a foreign verdict.
Because of this decision, private equity investors using Indian investment vehicles can choose a different arbitration venue, giving them more alternatives and potentially favourable arbitration outcomes.
Reduced FDI
Furthermore, India has reduced foreign direct investment limits or sectoral caps in several industries, including telecommunications, insurance and defence. These liberalisations are intended to boost foreign investment and economic growth in certain regions.
Although Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) deals are not yet widespread in India, SEBI has constituted an expert group to explore whether SPACs can be lawfully regulated there.
This suggests that there is a rising interest in exploring and maybe promulgating laws to allow SPACs in the Indian market.
Conclusion
It is critical to stay up to date on anticipated future developments as cross-border PE deals continue to evolve since regulations and geopolitical situations are subject to change, posing new difficulties and opportunities. Investors looking to participate in international private equity transactions must be active, adaptable and open to resolving legal and regulatory challenges that occur in international private equity transactions, particularly in India, which requires much thought and experience.
To ensure a project’s success, factors like jurisdictional concerns, foreign investment limits, taxation and structuring complications, AML compliance and transaction structure factors must all be addressed. Investors can efficiently manage risks and grasp opportunities in the dynamic world of cross-border private equity deals by leveraging the experience of experienced legal professionals, undertaking extensive due diligence and staying up to date on regulatory developments.
