Werksmans Attorneys is a corporate and commercial firm founded by Nathan Werksman in 1917. The firm is a founder member of Lex Africa.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a strong practice in all ranked practice areas in South Africa with a particular focus in its work on M&A transactions for sellers.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Absa Bank, Absa Corporate and Investment Bank, Shoprite Holdings Ltd and Shoprite Investments Investec Bank, Transaction Capital Risk Services, Rand Merchant Bank First National Bank, South African Reserve Bank, Nedbank, Sanlam, BMW Financial Services, Glencore, Peregrine Holdings, Vestas, Raubex, Old Mutial Life Assurance and WBHO Construction.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period, the firm was active in banking, debt capital markets, equity capital markets, M&A, project development and project finance.

In banking the firm worked on loans, acquisitions financings and refinancing deals for a mix of borrowers and lenders connected with the banking, investment management and financial services sectors.

In debt capital markets the firm worked mainly on note issuances for issuers and arrangers connected with banking and financial services.

In equity capital markets the firm worked on secondary share offerings for clients connected with the retail sector.

In M&A the firm worked on mergers, acquisitions and ventures for a mix of buyers, sellers and merger parties linked with financial services, mining, retail, technology and consumer goods.

In project development the firm worked on projects for developers and sponsors in the mining, construction and infrastructure sectors.

In project finance the firm worked on financing projects for developers and sponsors linked with the construction, social infrastructure, transportation and renewables sectors.

During the research period two associates joined the firm. Kyle Changlraym joined the firm from Hogan Lovells as an associate and Sandy Hyde joined the firm from White and Case as a senior associate.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Gautrain Management Agency ZAR 3 billion project development

GIBB Crede Wind Farm Investments Proprietary $255 million renewable energy project

The Standard Bank of South Africa ZAR 1 billion note issue

Vantage Mezzanine Fund IV Proprietary ZAR 430 million financing

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking and finance

“They understand our requirements and provide good turnaround time at a reasonable price.”

Capital markets

“They offer experience, and ease of doing business and costs.”

"Detail-orientated. Commercially minded. Available and accessible.”

M&A

“Brilliant legal advisers.

"Werksmans are a leading Law firm that clearly understands their clients' needs, are efficient and very productive, and are committed to strict deadlines and very successful when closing difficult, complex transactions.”

Restructuring

“They gave good advice, and proceeded with conscientious and accurate drafting to ensure we successfully acquired all the approvals to advance the restructure.”

David Gewer

“He has legal technical excellence and understands his clients exceptionally well.”

"Excellent technical lawyer.”

Elliott Wood

“Very good understanding of the sector and what is best practice.”

Eric Levenstein

“Shows excellence in his core legal especiality.”

"Excellent technical lawyer.”

Jarryd Mardon

“Fast, efficient and responsive to our needs.”

Richard, Roothman

“Accessible, commercially minded and responsive.”

Tracy-Lee Janse van Rensburg

“Knowledge, urgency, timeously.”