M&A forms the backbone of Bowmans’ transactional practice, and the ‘very responsive‘ team has an excellent track in advising financial institutions, state-owned enterprises, government departments, domestic and international companies and banks on public and private M&A mandates. Joint ventures and private equity deals are other key drivers of work for the group. Charles Douglas and Tholinhlanhla Gcabashe jointly head up the department; Ezra Davids stands out as ‘a superb corporate advisor‘, and Nanga Kwinana assists with domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as equity capital markets and corporate finance work. Naqeeba Hassan is also singled out for her contribution to the practice group. In April 2024 Angela Simpson joined the group.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in South Africa
Bowmans
Responsables de la pratique:
Charles Douglas; Tholinhlanhla Gcabashe
Autres avocats clés:
Ezra Davids; Nanga Kwinana; Naqeeba Hassan; Ashleigh Hale; John Bellew; Lerato Thahane; Angela Simpson
Les références
‘Bowmans’ corporate and M&A team is reliable and has a wealth of knowledge of various industries. This allows them to provide business orientated legal advice and with diligence and care.’
‘Nanga Kwinana provides sound, clear and practical legal advice.’
‘Bowmans’ corporate team is absolutely first-rate. They deliver excellent, business-savvy advice which is practical and commercial.’
Principaux clients
Absa Bank Group Limited
African Rainbow Minerals Limited
AngloGold Ashanti
Aker Horizons
Alexander Forbes
Allianz
Anheuser-Busch Inbev Africa
Ardagh Group S.A and Ardagh Glass Packaging Holdings Africa Proprietary Limited
Barloworld Limited
Digital Realty Inc.
Export Trading Group
Gateway Real Estate Africa Limited
Imperial Logistics Limited
Investec Bank
Lanxess Deutschland GmbH
Mediterranean Shipping Company S.a.r.l
Mondelez
Morgan Stanley
Mr Price Group Limited
MTN Group
Old Mutual Alternative Investments
Old Mutual Limited
One Thousand and One Voices (Mauritius) Limited
Petredec Onshore
Rand Merchant Bank
Royal Bafokeng Platinum
Sasol South Africa Limited
Simmons and Simmons LLP
Sommet Education Sàrl
Sphere Holdings
Standard Bank Group Limited
Sumeru Equity Partners L.P
Telkom Limited
Vendanta Resources plc
Vivo Energy
WSP Group Africa
Yamana Gold Inc.
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Allianz SE on the establishment of a joint venture with the South African financial services group, Sanlam.
- Acting as lead counsel to Kuehne Nagel International AG on implementing a series of interlinked transactions aimed at acquiring some entities in the Morgan Cargo Group, via some of the client’s subsidiaries based in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Kenya.
- Advising Old Mutual on its proposed R2.8 billion BEE ownership transaction.
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
The ‘very practical‘ corporate team at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr has ‘a deep understanding of the South African legal, regulatory and commercial landscape‘, and also garners praise for having ‘an immense amount of experience in closing M&A transactions across various jurisdictions‘. Practice head Ian Hayes handles the full gamut of corporate and commercial work, and advises a roster of blue-chip clients in the telecoms, retail and mining sectors on corporate finance, M&A, takeovers, private equity transactions and restructurings, to name a few areas of expertise. Willem Jacobs is highly regarded for his M&A expertise, and is well known for advising on complex, cross-border transactions. The ‘well-informed‘ Vivien Chaplin acts for mining sector clients, and Jaco Meyer has ‘in-depth knowledge and understanding of his field and provides insightful, expert advice‘. Dane Kruger and Roxanna Valayathum also play important roles in the practice group.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ian Hayes
Autres avocats clés:
Willem Jacobs; Justine Krige; Vivien Chaplin; Jaco Meyer; Roxanna Valayathum; Dane Kruger; Peter Hesseling
Les références
‘They have felt like true partners. They understand our business and objectives, pre-empt next steps and have always made themselves available when we need them most. ’
‘CDH is client orientated and takes time to collaborate with various industry experts to ensure that a client is supported effectively.’
‘Good legal advice. Quick turnaround times.’
Principaux clients
ABSA Group
Accenture
AFGRI Holdings
Africa Fruit Holdings
Africa Oil
African Clean Energy Developments
African Rainbow Capital Investments
Alaris Holdings
Aloecap Private Equity Investments
Ampath
Arrowhead Properties
Anglo American
Apple
Associated Fruit Processors
Azelis
Banc of California
BBC Studios
Bentley Systems
Bergson Holdings
Berkshire Hathaway
Blantyre Capital
Brait
Brimstone Investment Corporation
Brose International
Burger King Holdings
Capital & Regional
Capitec Bank Holdings
China Communications Construction Company
Climate Focus
Communicare
Coronation Fund Managers
Curro Holdings
Distell Group
DRDGold
Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas
Enernet Global
EOH Holdings
EPP BV
Ethos
Fidelity Security Group
FirstRand
Harmony Gold
HG Capital
Imperial Logistics
Ipsidy
Irongate Group
Kaap Agri
L1 Health
Leapfrog Investments Holdings
Libstar Holdings
Liquid Telecommunications
Malundi
Masimong Electrical Holdings
Massmart Holdings
Matlosana Medical Health Services
Mediclinic International
Mondelēz International
MSC II Investments
Naspers
NEPI Rockcastle
Nordic Impact Funds
Northern Platinum
Old Mutual
Oppenheimer Partners Africa Advisors
Pioneer Food
PPC
Protea Hospitality Holdings
Prudential Financial
PSG Group
Reinet Investments SCA
Remgro
Royal Dutch Shell
Sabinet Online
Sanlam
Serengeti Energy
Shoprite Holdings
Sibanye-Stillwater
Sinopec
South African Airways
South32 SA Coal Holdings
Sovereign Food Investments
Standard Bank Group
Stellar Capital Partners
Sun International
Tamela Group
Tiso Blackstar Group
Tower Property Fund
Transaction Capital
Transatlantic Investments
Trafigura
Upjohn South Africa
Valeo Capital
Vodacom
Volaris Group
Volkswagen
Vox Telecommunications
Vumatel
Women’s Consortium
Woolworths Holdings
ENSafrica
The corporate practice at ENSafrica has established strength in advising on prominent domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, private equity deals, and joint ventures. Doron Joffe has over two decades of experience in handling corporate restructurings, equity capital markets, corporate finance, and takeovers; he jointly heads up the department with M&A specialist Julius Oosthuizen. Michael Katz is a highly regarded practitioner in corporate law, and Matthew Morrison acts on listed and unlisted mergers for clients in the financial services sector. Practice group co-head Sanjay Kassen is a key contact for BEE matters. Gosego Moroka regularly assists with commercial agreements. Madison Liebmann is another notable name in the team, as is Brad Serebro. Julius Oosthuizen is now in-house at SanlamAllianz.
Responsables de la pratique:
Doron Joffe; Sanjay Kassen
Autres avocats clés:
Matthew Morrison; Michael Katz; Brad Serebro; Gosego Moroka; Madison Liebmann
Les références
‘ENSafrica’s legal expertise is unparalleled. Their team possesses a level of deep experience and insight that is truly impressive.’
‘They go above and beyond to provide exceptional legal services.’
‘The diverse specialties of the broader team under one brand is helpful in a complex transaction.’
Principaux clients
Sanlam Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited
African Infrastructure Investments Managers (Pty) Ltd
Sanlam Emerging Markets Pty Ltd
Sanlam Limited
Impala Platinum Holdings Limited
Novus Holdings Limited
Sanlam Life Insurance Limited
Absa
Investec Bank
Ninety One SA
Adcock
Nampak
Tiger
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Sanlam Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited in regard to the regulatory aspects pertaining to BEE compliance issues arising from a transaction.
- Advised African Infrastructure Investments Managers (Pty) on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of the Commercial Cold Storage Group from the Oceana Group.
- Advised Sanlam Emerging Markets Pty on establishing a pan-African Insurtech alliance with the MTN Group.
Webber Wentzel
Safiyya Patel heads up Webber Wentzel's corporate practice, which continues to handle a high volume of prominent M&A transactions for clients in the technology, media, mining, financial services and healthcare sectors, to name a few areas. Gareth Driver is highly regarded for his expertise in corporate law, with a workload that takes in BEE transactions, joint ventures, corporate finance and corporate governance matters, and firm managing partner Sally Hutton is well known as a private equity specialist. Cross-border transactions form the backbone of Christo Els' practice, while Jesse Watson advises on equity capital markets and public and private M&A deals. Justin Roberts and Colin du Toit also play important roles in the group. In mid-2023 Huneiza Goolam joined the department and Ziyanda Ntshona left the firm.
Responsables de la pratique:
Safiyya Patel
Autres avocats clés:
Gareth Driver; Christo Els; Sally Hutton; Justin Roberts; Huneiza Goolam; Jesse Watson; Colin Du Toit
Principaux clients
Fonzosys (Pty) Ltd
MultiChoice Group
Northam Platinum Holdings
Chemfin Proprietary Ltd
Tyme Bank Holdings
Mediclinic & Manta Bidco Limited
Walmart Inc
Thungela Resources Limited
Ethos Private Equity Proprietary Limited
Ringier ag and BetTech
RMB Holdings
York Timber Holdings Limited
Safari Investments RSA Limited
RCL Food Limited
Infinite Partners
Naspers and Prosus
Woolworths Holdings
Principaux dossiers
- Advised healthcare company Mediclinic on its acquisition by investment firm Remgro, as well as on its subsequent delisting from the JSE.
- Assisted MultiChoice Group with establishing a joint venture with NBCUniversal and Sky to provide a streaming service across sub-Saharan Africa.
DLA Piper Advisory Services (pty) Ltd
Peter Bradshaw heads up DLA Piper Advisory Services (pty) Ltd’s commercial, corporate and M&A team, which continues to advise on high-value, cross-border M&A deals, and has also been kept busy assisting with disposals, joint ventures and restructurings. The group is well known for representing clients in the financial services sector, and recent instructions for the department have come from the energy, technology, retail and consumer goods sectors. André Visser ‘is able to deliver out of the box solutions for complex matters‘. Johannes Gouws, Brian Malcomess, Rakhee Singh and Marita van der Walt are also among the star names.
Responsables de la pratique:
Peter Bradshaw
Autres avocats clés:
Johannes Gouws; Brian Malcomess; Rakhee Singh; Marita van der Walt; André Visser
Principaux clients
FirstRand
Barloworld
Fortress Real Estate
Brait
Nedbank
Altron
Investec
Shoprite Checkers
Outsurance
Reunert Limited
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s corporate and M&A team draws on the firm’s broader global expertise to assist with prominent cross-border transactions. The group is very experienced in advising mining and telecoms clients on high-value transactions and divestments; restructuring matters have also been prominent in the department’s recent workload. Practice head Rudolph Du Plessis is ‘calm and measured at all times‘ and provides ‘exceptional legal advice‘. Ross Lomax handles BEE transactions in the mining, telecoms and renewable energy sectors, and Patrick Leyden assists with joint ventures, corporate restructurings and private equity matters. Huneiza Goolam left the firm in May 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rudolph du Plessis
Autres avocats clés:
Ross Lomax; Patrick Leyden
Les références
‘Breadth of talent in the team and they collaborate together to provide client solutions efficiently.’
‘Ross Lomax brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and a commercial eye to bringing practical, workable solutions to tricky matters. Patrick Leyden has a keen eye for detail and unpacking legal problems.’
‘Ross Lomax’s prior litigation experience is extremely valuable in constructing contracts that envisage all possibilities.’
Principaux clients
IHS Holding Limited
Huge Group Limited
Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V
Unigreen
Engie
Scatec ASA
African Thunder Platinum Ltd
African Phoenix Investments Limited
Pearson
Bel Fromagerie
EDF
Creadev
NTT
Harmony
Anglo American
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Mulilo Renewable Energy South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Extract Group Limited
River Energy South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Bundu Power
Principaux dossiers
- Providing ongoing advice to Lagos-based IHS Holding Limited on the acquisition of 5,709 towers from MTN South Africa.
- Acting as South African legal advisors to Capital and Counties Properties Plc in relation to the ongoing, proposed all-share merger with Shaftesbury Plc by way of a scheme of arrangement in terms of English law.
Werksmans Attorneys
With experience in handling prominent transactions, M&A, corporate finance and complex takeovers, Kevin Trudgeon heads Werksmans Attorneys‘ practice. The ‘very solution-orientated‘ team has an excellent track record in handling a wide spectrum of corporate transactions, including restructurings and hostile bids. The client base includes insurance, mining, banking, telecoms and retail sector companies. Stephan Lochner handles BEE transactions, and banking and finance expert Elliott Wood advises on private equity matters and corporate restructurings. Wesley Vos is singled out for his contributions. Roelof Bonnet joined the department in February 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kevin Trudgeon
Autres avocats clés:
Stephan Lochner; Elliott Wood; Wesley Vos; Roelof Bonnet
Les références
‘Focused on timely execution. Professional and skillful in negotiating, and comfortable working to very tight deadlines.’
‘Kevin Trudgeon and Stephan Lochner both manage projects well and are very proactive in seeking solutions while at the same time achieving the desired outcomes. Appreciated the wise counsel received from Kevin Trudgeon.’
‘Integrity, experienced and dedicated.’
Principaux clients
Anglo American Inyosi Coal Proprietary Limited
Thungela Operations Proprietary Limited
Vivo Energy Investments B.V.
Investec Limited
Investec Property Proprietary Limited
Novomatic Namibia Gaming Proprietary Limited
Lenmed Health Proprietary Limited
Trident Steel Africa Proprietary Limited
Steinhoff International Holdings N.V.
Capital Appreciation Limited
Sasfin Holdings Limited
Dometic Sweden AB / Cadac International
Madden International
Liberty Two Degrees Limited
Shoprite Checkers Proprietary Limited
Viking Fishing Group Administration Proprietary Limited; and Odin Investments Proprietary Limited
The Atose and Monica Aguele Trust; Hentiq 1647 Proprietary Limited
Steinhoff International Holdings N.V.
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Vivo Energy Investments B.V. on the acquisition of Petronas Marketing International SDN.BHD’s 74% stake in Engen, including the acquisition of the stake in Engen held by Phembani and Phembani’s reinvestment into Engen.
- Advised Capital Appreciation Limited on its acquisition of Dariel Solutions Proprietary Limited.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP‘s South African corporate and M&A practice leverages the strength of the firm’s wider network to assist financial institutions, private equity funds, commercial real estate, pharmaceutical and mining clients with multijurisdictional corporate matters. Department head Gary Felthun has established expertise in handling M&A and private equity deals, and Craig Atkinson is well versed in assisting with prominent cross-border transactions. Sandile Mathebula is particularly strong at assisting mining and private equity clients with corporate transactions, and Tiaan De Wit is widely recognised for his excellent track record in equity capital markets work and public and private M&A.
Responsables de la pratique:
Gary Felthun
Autres avocats clés:
Craig Atkinson; Sandile Mathebula; Tiaan De Wit
Principaux clients
Anglo American
A.P. Moller Capital
Actis
Black Royalty Minerals (Pty)
Danny’s Auto Body Parts Proprietary Limited
Eco-bat Technologies
Heaven Sent Gold South Africa
Sanofi-Aventis
The Carlyle Group
Glencore International
Government of Zambia
RMI
Mitsui
Seriti Resources Pty
Sedibelo Platinum
SOL
Zip co Limited
Tsogo Sun Limited
Southern Sun Limited
Castleview Property Fund Limited
Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited
Montauk Holdings Limited
Harith General Partners Limited
Montauk Renewables Inc
Frontier Transport Holdings Limited
Deneb Investments Limited
FPG Holdings Proprietary Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Carlyle on the sale of its shares in Amrod to investment company Oppenheimer Partners Ltd, forming an exit strategy for the client.
- Advised U Reit Collins (Pty), a subsidiary of Castleview Property Fund, on the sale of its controlling stake in Collins Property Projects (Pty) to Collins Property Group.
Fasken
Led by Conor McFadden, the corporate and commercial practice at Fasken is well known for handling complex, multi-jurisdictional M&A mandates, joint ventures, capital-raising transactions and securities matters. The client base includes agriculture, infrastructure, financial services, mining and energy companies. Samantha van Breda handles private M&A matters, and primarily acts for domestic and international energy and mining companies on joint ventures and restructurings. Dimitri Cavvadas focuses on cross-border acquisitions, M&A deals and disposals, as well as capital markets transactions, and Lesley Morphet advises on the competition law aspects of prominent mergers.
Responsables de la pratique:
Conor McFadden
Autres avocats clés:
Samantha van Breda; Dimitri Cavvadas; Lesley Morphet
Principaux clients
Etion Limited
Rockwell DiamondsThor Explorations Ltd.
Eyesizwe (RF) (Pty) Ltd
Impala Platinum Holdings Limited
Lombard Insurance Company Limited
Eastern Platinum Limited
Alstom
Amcor Flexibles South Africa Proprietary Limited
Agrarius Sustainability Engineered and 27four Investment Managers
Principaux dossiers
- Acted as co-counsel with the firm’s London office in assisting Thor Explorations Ltd with the preparation of a due diligence report relating to the client’s intention to seek admission for trading common shares on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market.
- Advised Agrarius Sustainability Engineered (as issuer) and 27four Investment Managers (as transaction manager) on the JSE listing of a R10 billion Shari’ah compliant, sustainability-linked asset-backed note programme in the agriculture sector.
Norton Rose Fulbright
At Norton Rose Fulbright, the corporate M&A and securities team acts for mining, life sciences, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, technology, and financial services clients in a broad spectrum of corporate matters, and is also noted for its strength in capital markets work. Practice head Stephen Kennedy-Good focuses on cross-border M&A, and derivatives expert Shawn Barnett is well known for advising on domestic and international private equity transactions. Tamara Gerwel acts on restructurings and joint ventures, while Christina Pretorius assists with commercial matters, with a key focus in the mining sector. Willem de Villiers advises financial institutions and listed and unlisted corporate clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Kennedy-Good
Autres avocats clés:
Christina Pretorius; Shawn Barnett; Tamara Gerwel; Willem de Villiers
Principaux clients
DNV South Africa Proprietary Limited
Good Falkirk and Taylor Maritime Investments Limited
Sanlam Investment Holdings Proprietary
AfroCentric Investment Corporation Limited
Sanlam Limited
Hollard Insurance Company of Namibia Limited
Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)
Insurance Company of Namibia Limited
Sandvik AB
Brentwood Nexus Proprietary Limited
International Finance Corporation
Tickmill Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Sanlam Limited and Sanlam Investment Holdings Proprietary on combining its asset management businesses with Absa Group Limited’s in which the Sanlam Group will hold the controlling interest.
- Advised DNV South Africa Proprietary Limited (DNV) on its acquisition of PSD Consulting Engineering Proprietary and Technova’s business.
- Advising Brentwood on the listing of its ZAR25 billion domestic medium term note programme on the Cape Town Stock Exchange.
Baker McKenzie Johannesburg
Under the leadership of Lydia Shadrach-Razzino, the corporate and M&A practice at Baker McKenzie Johannesburg has a solid track record in representing multinational and domestic clients in a broad range of matters, including disposals, acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity transactions and corporate compliance issues. Marc Yudaken is a key contact for clients in the energy, mining, oil and gas and infrastructure sectors, while Ashlin Perumall has established strength in handling technology sector mandates. Verushca Pillay is well versed in handling BEE transactions. Angela Simpson left the firm in April 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lydia Shadrach-Razzino
Autres avocats clés:
Marc Yudaken; Verushca Pillay; Ashlin Perumall
Les références
‘Lydia Shadrach-Razzino is one of the leading M&A practitioners in South Africa.’
Principaux clients
Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers
Alterra Capital
Anglo American
Equinix
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Massmart Holdings Limited
PayPal
RCL Foods Limited
Royal Bafokeng Holdings
Suez
The Foschini Group Limited (TFG)
Principaux dossiers
- Advised PayPal on a Series A funding round venture capital investment into a South Africa-based FinTech API start-up.
Clyde & Co LLP
Clyde & Co LLP‘s ‘formidable‘ corporate team has solid expertise in advising on cross-border mandates, and has been kept especially busy assisting clients in the financial services, insurance and tech sectors with large-scale acquisitions and restructurings. Gasant Orrie has over three decades of experience in the corporate and commercial space, and co-heads the practice with Ernie Van Der Vyver, who has an excellent reputation for handling M&A and joint venture matters. Financial regulatory law expert Nicole Britton stands out for her ‘depth of knowledge‘, and acts for insurers and reinsurers in corporate matters. Raeesah Gani focuses on corporate transactions and commercial contracts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Gasant Orrie; Ernie Van Der Vyver
Autres avocats clés:
Nicole Britton; Raeesah Gani
Les références
‘Clyde and Co’s depth of expertise is evident.’
‘Deep technical knowledge and approach to problem solving.’
‘Gasant is an exceptional listener.’
Principaux clients
Grand Parade Investments Limited
Premier Fishing and Brands Limited
Old Mutual Limited
Communicare NPC
African Equity Empowerment Investments Limited
Sekunjalo Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited
CMS South Africa
Yushanta Rungasammy and Kabelo Dlothi jointly head the corporate and commercial practice at CMS South Africa, which has been kept busy advising on corporate restructurings, BEE transactions, disposals, corporate finance and acquisitions. Rungasammy advises hospitality, mining, commodities, private equity and financial services entities, and Dlothi counts BEE work as a key strength. Sihle Bulose and Aphelele Binta are singled out for their contributions.
Responsables de la pratique:
Yushanta Rungasammy; Kabelo Dlothi
Autres avocats clés:
Sihle Bulose; Aphelele Binta
Principaux clients
Exxaro Resources Limited
Transglobe Holdings Proprietary Limited (previously known as SeaTrade Shipping Services Proprietary Limited)
Massmart Holdings Limited
Maia Capital Proprietary Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised on the disposal of Exxaro Resources Limited’s equity interest in Exxaro Coal Central Proprietary Limited through a bidding process.
- Assisted Massmart Holdings Limited with the sale of a range of retail and wholesale businesses in Kwa Zulu Natal.
Lawtons Africa
At Lawtons Africa, the corporate practice has a solid track record in advising on M&A, private equity transactions, BEE transactions, disposals, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. Department head Jeff Buckland is ‘an experienced professional‘, and has established expertise in assisting private equity funds with acquisitions and disposals. Zaakira Haffejee handles a broad range of corporate matters, and is also noted for her experience in regulatory compliance and corporate governance issues. Riëtte Engels-Van Zyl left the firm in April 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jeff Buckland
Autres avocats clés:
Zaakira Haffejee
Les références
‘The team is well balanced in terms of experience.’
‘Jeff Buckland’s work has been of the highest quality and in good time.’
Principaux clients
Richards Bay Coal Terminal Proprietary Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Richards Bay Coal Terminal Proprietary Limited on a disposal of shares and coal export rights in the company.