Khaitan & Co Mumbai has made two partner-level hires from Thakker & Thakker, which was closed at the end of last year by its founding partner in order to follow philanthropic pursuits full-time.

Majmudar & Co and K&L Gates have advised on e-commerce enterprise Rearden Commerce’s world-wide acquisition of Ketera Technologies, which was advised by DLA Piper and Thakker & Thakker that will cease operating at the end of this year.

The sole proprietorship law firm model has certain advantages. Depending on the proprietor such firms may have stronger strategic direction and decisions can be made quickly, for example.

Thakker & Thakker will cease operations by the end of this year, following founding partner Bijesh Thakker’s surprise decision to retire form law and work on philanthropic projects. The firm’s lawyers are understood to be in the process of seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Luthra & Luthra has advised Abbott Laboratories in its 20 per cent open offer of the Indian subsidiary of Solvay Pharmaceuticals as part of the €5.2bn global acquisition of the Belgium-based pharma company.

Platinum Partners has expanded with a second partner in Mumbai, hiring Thakker & Thakker partner Gautam Bhat.

Thakker & Thakker and venture capital (VC) boutique law firms Sand Hill Counsel and Menon Associates have advised on the series A investment into a Hyderabad mobile TV start-up, giving several angel investors a partial exit.

Thakker & Thakker has made up its first female partner, growing its partnership to a total of five.