Penningtons Manches advises India’s leading IT services and consulting multinational on strategic UK acquisition

Posted: 13/12/2018

The corporate team at Penningtons Manches has worked closely with Indian law firm, AZB & Partners to advise the Indian multinational IT service and consulting business Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on the acquisition of W12 Studios, an award-winning digital design studio based in London. 

India group client partner Rustam Dubash and corporate partner Simon Bickerdike led the Penningtons Manches team, assisted by senior associate Liz Gillingham and corporate tax expert, Stephen Goldstraw. Specialist employment and pensions advice was provided by Gemma Woodhouse and Clare Coley. 

Krishnan Ramanujam, president of business and technology services for TCS, said: “Enhancing the customer experience is at the heart of our customers’ Business 4.0 transformation journeys. Over the years, we have invested in state-of-the-art design studios, content studios, design labs and distributed agile engineering centres staffed with cutting edge multidisciplinary talent to help them in these journeys.

“With its bold, provocative and visionary approach to design, W12 Studios adds to TCS Interactive’s portfolio of services as it helps the world’s leading brands innovate, create and deliver unique digital experiences across the entire user journey.”

W12 was started in 2012 by Fabian Birgfeld, chief executive officer, and Michael Albers, chief creative officer. The studio, which has won several industry awards including the Econsultancy Top 100 Digital Agencies 2018 Consumer’s Choice Award, will retain its current name, branding and location in London’s historic Metropolitan Wharf in Wapping. The two co-founders will continue to lead W12 Studios and maintain their current roles.

Rustam Dubash commented: “We are delighted to have advised TCS on its first digital acquisition, which serves to further strengthen its already impressive array of creative and experience services.”

Penningtons Manches’ dedicated India group specialists are recognised as advisers of choice in the EMEA–India corridor. They offer significant experience in India and an in-depth understanding of the global transactional environment.

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