Hi,
YES, A private limited company can become partner in a partnership firm.
There are no requirements under the companies act 1956 and Indian partnership act 1932 in this case.
However it is always a good corporate practice to pass a board resolution. This resolution is not required to be filed with ROC.
Sample board resolution is :
“RESOLVED THAT the Company be and is hereby authorised to become partner in Partnership Firm under the name and style of “XXX”
“FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the company be and is hereby authorised to make investment in partnership firm “XXX” for the future prospects.”
“FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Mr. M and/ or Mrs. M, Director of the Company be and are hereby authorized to negotiate and finalise the terms and conditions of proposed investment, to execute all such papers, documents, and agreements as may be required in this connection and do all such acts, deeds or things as may be required or considered necessary or incidental for giving effect to the above resolution.”