Bowmans
Bowman Gilfillan Inc is the South African member firm of the pan-African legal practice Bowmans which also has members in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. The firm employs more than 400 specialised lawyers and offices in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Focuses / specialisms
The firm has strong practices in banking, debt and equity capital markets, M&A, project finanace, project development in energy, infrastructure and mining.
Key clients
In banking the firm has developed relationships with Investec Bank, Nedbank, Ninety-One, Standard Chartered Bank, African Rainbow Minerals, ARM Coal, African Rainbow Capital Financial Services Holding Company Proprietary, Absa Bank, Absa Bank Kenya and FirstRand Bank.
In capital markets the firm has developed relationships with International Finance Corporation, The New Development Bank, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, BNP Paribas, Barclays Capital, Imperial Holdings and The Standard Bank of South Africa.
In investment funds the firm has developed relationships with Sanari Capital Proprietary, Knife Capite, Phatisa Fund Managers, Trinitas Private Equity, Mphande Property Fund Managers, Sasfin Private Equity, Rockwood Private Equity, Kasada Capital, International Housing Solutions and SummerPlace General Partners Proprietary.
In M&A the firm has developed relationships with Anheuser-Bush InBev, Harmony Gold Mining Company, Imperial Logistics, Linde, Sasol Group Services, Mr Price Group, Network International, South African Breweries and Tongaat Hulett.
In private equity the firm has developed relationships with Sanari Capital Proprietary, Phatisa Fund Managers, Sasfin Private Equity, Kasada Capital, International Housing Solutions, SummerPlace General Partners Proprietary, South Africa SME Fund, 4D Innovative Capital and Evolution II GP Partners Proprietary.
In projects the firm has developed relationships with Hidroelécta de Cahora Bassa, Newcastle Energy, The Standard Bank of South Africa, FirstRand Bank, Absa Bank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, MMI Group, Vutomi Energy and Vedanta Zinc International.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking, debt and equity capital markets, M&A, project development and project finance.
In banking the firm worked mainly for lenders in the banking, financial services and retail sectors.
In debt capital markets the firm's work focused on bond and note issues for issuers in real estate and financial services.
In equity capital markets worked on secondary share offerings for issuers in the financial services, real estate and consumer goods sectors.
In M&A the firm worked mainly with acquirers from the financial services, telecommunications, consumer goods and energy sectors.
In project development the firm assisted on projects for developers and concessionaires connected with the energy, mining, logistics and transportation sectors.
In project finance the firm worked on financing projects for lenders and developers in the financial services and power sectors.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Allianz SE $1.8 billion joint venture
Barloworld Limited $66 million investment grade bond
Barloworld Limited and Zeda Limited $260 million IPO
Goldwind New Energy South Africa $ 648 million project development
Nedbank Limited, Absa Bank Limited $352 million refinancing
Steinhoff Group $1.7 billion financial restructuring
Straits Gas $19 million project development
Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Bank lending
“Excellent lawyers.”
“Subject matter experts, with a good commercial to legal balance to ensure that transactions proceed, and risk is dealt with. Good lender relationships and ability to work well with other legal firms.”
Capital markets
“Exceptional responsiveness and the only firm in Africa with which I have worked that can perform to US/UK standards.”
“Consistent provider of quality advice that has allowed us to not only executed trades on behalf of our client but also advice that allows us to build our ECM franchise with global best practice re internal policies.”
“The level of pro active commitment has been a hall mark of their service.”
“Deep Market and Industry knowledge. On point regulatory and legislative tech skills.”
“Strong commercial approach; proactive in identify and communicating risks; willing to represent our interests proactively with issuer's counsel.”
“Knowledgeable on subject matter. Highlight focus areas. Manage regulatory requirements and negotiate on client's behalf. Quick response and turnaround times.”
Leveraged finance
“Excellent advice and drafting. Able to deal well with complexity.”
M&A
“They provide a full suite of services through the acquisition process from general advice to tax structures as well as guidance through the complex competition process.”
“Quick to react. Great advice from industry professionals.”
“Bowmans are market subject matter experts on insurance law and competition law. Their governance advice is highly regarded within Old Mutual.”
“They are super reactive and provide timely and professional advice. They are proactively addressing potential issues and are meticulous in following up on the timing of the deal. They have a pragmatic and constructive approach to the deal which enable success for all parties involved.”
Private equity
“Best team in town, led by Charles Douglas.”
Project finance
“Good broad range of services and advice covering all areas requiring legal advice. Good structuring solutions provided and good subject matter understanding and expertise. Response to our needs.”
Restructuring
“Articulate legal advisory to the board.”
Andrew Parsons
“Great relational approach to legal work. Good depth of knowledge with practical overlay.”
Casper van Heerden
“Knowledge expert. Provide clear and concise feedback.”
“Excellent listener. Fastidious with turnaround time. Practical solution provider.”
Charles Douglas
“Industry leader. Brilliant knowledge. Sage advice. Cool head.”
David Yuill
“Highly commercial; good legal knowledge; good client relationship skills.”
Daryn Webb
“Very experienced. Commercially orientated.”
Dirk Wessels
“He is a great guy, who other than being personable and available is extremely knowledgeable and good at his job.“
“Extremely competent . In-depth knowledge. Always on time.”
Ezra Davids
“Superior legal knowledge and skills.”
Ian Kirkman
“I do a lot of work in Africa and regularly utilize local counsel. Ian is the most sophisticated attorney with whom I have worked. He operates on a global, rather than local, standard and does a tremendous job of putting South African legal concepts into practice in ways that clients can easily understand.”
Josh Janks
“Innovate solutions. Good understanding of our business.”
Julia Power
“So helpful, knowledgeable about her area. Always responsive, love working with her.”
Lance Fleiser
“Lance is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to engage, no matter how trivial the matter.”
Lyndon Norley
“Technically astute.”
Mark Kyle
“Great subject knowledge, good sense of humor and great client relationship focus.”
Megan Black
“Megan is such a wonderful attorney to work with. With her warm demeanor and absolutely behemoth legal knowledge, working with Megan is always a pleasure. Her drafting abilities are fantastic and her communication and turnaround times are exceptional given the size of the firm.”
Michael Katz
“Vast legal experience and knowledge.”
Mohamed Saib
“Mohammed and his team excel in several key areas that are of interest to me as part of a deal team: 1. Drafting ability 2. Knowledge of relevant legislation 3. Speed of work carried out 4. Provision of on-going project feedback 5. Cost of engagement. All of which (based on above 5 criteria), Mohammed and his team more than exceed expectations on.”
Ryan Wessels
“Ability to distill key messages and unpack legal concepts for a broader audience.
Innovative solutions for complex situations.”
“Offers depth across various corporate law disciplines (M&A, capital markets, regulations) and so it able to provide fulsome advice and guidance.”
"Highly organised and forward-thinking, which helps him identify potential issues before they materialise; very good at aligning with his client against the other side, when necessary.”
“A pleasure to work with in general.”
Tholinhlanhla Gcabashe
“Tholi is an excellent lawyer, with a pragmatic business approach and a great knowledge of his clients and transactions he is involved in. He is always on top of things, providing constructive solutions and involving teams when and as needed to support the deal. The communication with the client is also easy, open and transparent.”
Ulrike Naumann
“Excellent lawyer”
"She is very clever, great to deal with, so well respected.”
Xolani Nyali
“Xolani's competition knowledge is unmatched and his considered, pragmatic advice is highly regarded by OM.”
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
(CDH) is a South African firm with a pan-African focus. Founded in 1853, it has grown to its current state through mergers and now employs more than 350 lawyers across offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Stellenbosch.
Focuses / specialisms
The firm engages in high-end, complex work in all areas covered by the ranking tables and has large teams focused on practice areas and industry sectors.
The firm has a particular focus on M&A work where they are in the top tier, but they are also very active in banking, debt and equity capital market and project development and finance.
Sectors of focus for the firm include agriculture, aviation, construction, engineering, energy, mining, and oil and gas.
The firm advises on deals structured under a range of laws in addition to South African, including those of Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as Chinese, English, and Portuguese law.
Key clients
The firm has developed strong relationships within the banking arena with Nedbank, Richemont, A2X Markets, Hyprop, Investec Property Fund, Harmony Gold and Transcend Residential Property Fund.
In the capital markets area, the firm developed relationships with clients Nedbank Group, Creation Capital Investments Proprietary, True South 1 Proprietary, Capitec Bank, FirstRand Bank, Richemont, Mediclinic, Remgro, Redefine, Stor-Age and Hyprop.
In M&A, the firm has developed ties with Accenture, AFGRI Holdings, African Clean Energy Developments; African Rainbow Capital Investments; Anglo American; ArcelorMittal South Africa; Ampath, Arrowhead Properties; Azelis; Berkshire Hathaway; Blantyre Capital; Brait; Brimstone Investment Corporation; Burger King Holdings, Capital & Regional and Capitec Bank Holdings.
In project development the firm works with Phakwe Witkop Investments, Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas, Cennergi, Lephalale Solar Project, Africa Energy Corp, Anglo American, Anglo Gold, Rustenburg Platinum Mines, ArcelorMittal, CAPM African Precious Metals and BHP Billiton South Africa in the mining and oil and gas space.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking, debt and equity capital markets, M&A, and project development in the mining and oil and gas space.
In banking the firm worked for a mix of lenders and borrowers in the financial services, mining, technology, healthcare and renewables sectors.
In debt capital markets the firm worked on note and bond issues for issuers in financial services.
In equity capital markets the firm worked on secondary share offerings for clients in financial services and real estate.
In M&A worked on acquisitions and mergers for clients in technology, financial services, real estate, energy and agriculture.
In project development worked on projects for clients in the mining, financial services, energy and real estate sectors.
The firm also worked on deals for clients in the mining and infrastructure sectors.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Eco (Atlantic) oil and gas project development
Nedbank ZAR 1 billion note issues
Waterberg JV Resources mining project
Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Banking and finance
“Strategic advice, detailed guidance, availability and great turnaround times.”
Insolvency
“Good relationship management. Fair pricing.”
M&A
“Professional. Knowledgeable. Responsive. Considered. Thorough. Inspire confidence.”
“They provide overall professional knowledge and guidance; since they have been involved in many matters going back many years, we are able to draw from that institutional knowledge and background context. Very prompt, on-time service delivery.”
“Excellent knowledge base with very good practical application.”
“This was a complex transaction with three parties and three legal teams involved. Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr stood out for me in their commercial astuteness in getting the deal across the line and the breadth of services across commercial, human capital and tax advisory services. I also appreciated the time taken by the Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr team to explain the intricacies of the deal to the management team.”
“CDH provides a full suite of legal services and has extensive experience in M&A transactions in South Africa. This is evident in their practical and solution-driven approach to transactions. Their turnaround times are excellent and they are always available when needed (even if that means after midnight).”
“CDH has a wide range of legal expertise. They offer innovative and reliable advice to us. They are very accessible to their clients and have deep knowledge of the subject matter. They offer pragmatic advice and solutions to complex legal and commercial problems, as was the case here. CDH takes the time to truly understand all aspects of a transaction and in this case took time to understand the business of the company we were investing in in order to mitigate any risks and/or highlight benefits to us.”
“Exceptional understanding of the process and drafting of the sale agreement. Above average understanding of our business.”
“They provide timely, practical legal advice that fits our business requirements. The team is responsive, having deep institutional knowledge of our business and risk appetite.”
“The team spent time unpacking the risks and opportunities of the M&A, so we could make commercial decisions on the transaction.”
“The thoroughness of every aspect that they handled was astonishing. The care taken to protect our interest and the managing of deadlines was of high standard.”
“They are always available, understand our business, and always gives us outstanding legal advice.”
Private equity
“They proactively identify and address issues.”
“Expert and timely advice and very competent service delivery.”
Project development
“They are efficient, knowledgeable and have good network contacts.”
"They provide good industry and regulatory knowledge, practical solutions-driven advice, good client service, and a broad knowledge base and service offering. Good partner interaction backed up by solid support ensures that issues are addressed quickly and efficiently.”
André de Lange
“An excellent lawyer with great knowledge base. André has a very calm and controlled demeanour which is great for M&A.”
"He takes the time to understand the business of our clients and the relevant transaction. He has extensive experience and is solution-driven. He is always available as a sounding board. He does not simply delegate instructions to junior members of his team, but is always hands-on.”
Andrew Giliam
“Excellent across all desired attributes.”
Brian Jennings
“Brian has a very good and in-depth understanding of our business. He is responsive, providing practical and high-quality legal advice, whilst having due consideration to the business's needs and requirements. Brian is particularly strong in the corporate – Commercial sector.”
“Excellent technical knowledge on company law-related matters in particular. He has developed commercial acumen and provides excellent commercially orientated legal advice.”
Charl Williams
“His attention to detail and commercial acumen in deal negotiation and execution is exceptional. Charl Williams' expertise and commercial finesse shows, as well as his ability to resolve the complex underlying commercial aspects of a deal, provide pragmatic solutions for parties, and resolve complexities arising in the transaction to ensure that his client's interests are protected. Charl is very diligent and thorough, ensuring all aspects of the deal are considered, and his attention to detail and analytical thinking is exceptional. He also provides innovative solutions.”
"He is extremely thorough and has brilliant negotiation skills.”
David Thompson
“Professional. Knowledgeable. Responsive. Considered. Thorough. Inspires confidence.”
Haafizah Kota
“Available. Friendly. Excellent communication. Responsible.”
Ian Hayes
“Excellent technical knowledge of corporate law; thorough understanding of our business as well as the broader mining industry requirements, combined with excellent commercial insight. He is what I would call a 'trusted adviser' in every respect.”
Imraan Mahomed
“Imraan guided us on the labour law aspects of the transaction. He provided a wealth of in-depth knowledge and guidance in a clear and meaningful manner.”
Lara Granville
“She is efficient and very knowledgeable in her legal field, which is specifically competitions law. Readily available and fees are reasonable. Top professional.”
Megan Rodgers
“She has very good industry and regulatory knowledge, can bring in expertise where required, provides good client service, and is solution driven.”
Phetole Modika
“He is available to clients, always providing thoughtful insights, client and solutions-oriented, and he has his finger on the pulse of market developments.”
Quintin Honey
"Readily available within a few hours; an exceptional legal mind; highly honorable and ethical; and fees are reasonable. He is simply a pleasure to work with.”
Rachel Kelly
“Rachel has good institutional knowledge of our business and the industry. Rachel can cut to the chase immediately and I don’t need to waste time explaining context to her. She is responsive and available, knowledgeable about the industry and the law and provides practical and commercial advice. Rachel is particularly strong on black economic empowerment, mining and logistic matters.”
Roux van der Merwe
“Roux ensures that he understands our business and has our best interests in every deal.”
Tamarin Tosen
“Very considerate, good human relations, transparent, well-educated and very reliable.”
"Takes a personal interest and takes time to understand our business.”
“Tamarin is thorough in her execution in all she does. She is able to understand the business in a very short period.”
Vivien Chaplin
“Vivien was the lead partner from CDH in the transaction. I found her to be knowledgeable, commercially astute and with a high work ethic in meeting our tight timelines. She is very personable, easy to work with and took the time to explain the complexities of the transaction.”
“Efficient, knowledgeable and has good network contacts.”
ENSafrica
Founded in South Africa in 1905, ENSafrica
is now a large pan-African law firm with a focus on commercial law. It employs more than 600 hundred lawyers across as offices in Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. The South African branches are located in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and Stellenbosch.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm engages and is experienced in banking, corporate, capital markets, M&A, and project development and finance transactions.
The firm has performed strongly specifically across banking, debt and equity capital markets, M&A, and energy projects as well as project finance.
The firm advises on deals across industries, including agribusiness, aviation, banking, energy, infrastructure, and real estate.
The firm advises not only on the legal systems within African jurisdictions, but has also advised on English, Indian, Irish, and Swiss legal systems.
Key clients
The firm has developed strong relationships within the banking arena with irstRand, Standard Bank, Absa, Capitec, Ecobank, Sasfin, Nedbanka and Standard Chartered Bank.
In capital markets the firm’s clients are Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, Investec Bank Limited, Land Bank, Lewis Group, Numis Securities Limited and JP Morgan Securities.
In M&A the firm has connections with Sanlam Investment Holdings Proprietary, African Infrastructure Investments Managers, Sanlam Emerging Markets Pty Ltd; Sanlam Limited and Sanlam Life Insurance Limited; Impala Platinum Holdings Limited; Novus Holdings Limited, a company listed on the JSE Limited.
In project development it has ties with City Power OSC Limited, South32 South Africa Limited, Sunrise Energy Proprietary Limited, Midvaal Local Municipality, Engie, African Rainbow Energy & Power, Engie Southern Africa, Development Bank of South Africa, RMB Namibia and Scatec Solar.
In the project finance space, the firm has relationships with Richards Bay Alloys, Sasol, EY, Kalagadi Manganese, Abengoa, Vitol, Old Mutual, Longyuan Engineering, African and Absa Bank Limited.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking, debt capital markets, M&A, project development and project finance.
In banking the firm worked on debt and financing deals for a mix of borrowers and lenders for clients in the banking, financial services, TMT and energy sectors.
In debt capital markets the firm worked mainly on note issues for arrangers or issuers in the banking, financial services and energy sectors.
In M&A the firm worked mainly on acquisitions for acquirers connected with financial services and TMT.
In project development the firm worked on projects for developers and sponsors in the power, renewables, mining and oil & gas sectors.
In project finance worked on financing projects for mainly lenders and sponsors from the social infrastructure and renewables sectors.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Absa Bank Limited $1.3 billion solar power plant project finance
Development Bank of Southern Africa $52 million sovereign financing
Sasol group establishment of ZAR15 billion Domestic Medium Term Note Programme
VS Hydro Africa and MOL Power Hydroelectric Energy $14 million project
Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Banking and finance
“Excellent lawyers.”
“They managed and recorded technical banking issues and provided clear and concise feedback on all meetings and the various 'to do' lists. They managed a number of demands from the four banks involved and dealt with the client's legal team. It was a very drawn-out process, which was managed very well by the ENS team. They are a very approachable and friendly legal team, always able to make time for me and respond to the various questions I raised. A very professional approach.”
“Proactive management of the transaction process, useful advice and excellent drafting.”
M&A
“Very diligent, knowledgeable and able to tie in the technical and commercial requirements.”
Alex Taylor
“She is on top of her game – always prepared, able to deal with complex issues (especially when dealing with a number of parties), professional in her meeting notes and 'to do' lists and easy to get along with. I know she will deliver.”
Anina Boshoff
“Excellent advice, practical solutions, proactive transaction management.”
Corné Moodie
“Extremely diligent, hard-working and knowledgeable.”
Johann Basson
“Excellent lawyer.”
Julius Oosthuizen
“He understands our business and the requirements and is able to marry the commercial and the legal aspects required in a transaction.”
Sean Lederman
“Excellent lawyer.”
Webber Wentzel
Webber Wentzel is a full-service law firm in South Africa founded in 1868. The firm has over 450 lawyers and has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The firm is also in a collaborative alliance with Linklaters.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is a leader across the market, ranked tier 1 for banking, debt and equity capital markets, all ranked for all types of project development, and project finance.
Within these areas though the firm has developed a particular specialism for working with clients from financial services on a range of transactions.
Key clients
The firm has developed strong relationships within the banking practice with Rand Merchant Bank, Absa Bank, The Standard Bank of South Africa, Nedbank Limited, China Development Bank and Mpact Facilities.
In the debt capital markets arena the firm has developed connections with Absa Bank Limited, UBS, Nqaba Finance, Citigroup Global Markets, JP Morgan and Merrill Lynch International.
In equity capital markets the firm has ties with Anglo American, Gold Fields Limited, Naspers, Woolworths, Rand Merchant Bank and Stefanutti Stocks Holdings.
In M&A the firm has ties with Vunani Capital Proprietary, Cashbuild, Grobank, Isuzu Motors, Welkom Yizani, Ethos Direct Investments GP Proprietary
In the project development space, the firm has relationships with Nordex Energy South Africa, Astron Energy, Windlab & Seriti Green, Nyanza Light Metals, Inyanda Mine Holdings, Sishen Iron Ore Company, Transnet National Ports Authority, MMG Limited, Acciona Energy South Africa Group, Netcare Limited and de Beers Group.
In project finance the firm has connections to Coca Cola, AP Moller, Anglo American, Sasol, Standard Bank, RMB, Investec, Nedbank and Ethos.
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 a variety of loans and refinancing deals for a mix of mainly borrowers and lenders in the banking and financial services sectors.
In debt capital markets the firm's work focused on bond deals for issuers and arrangers in financial services.
In equity capital markets the firm's work focused on secondary share offerings for clients connected with financial services, TMT and consumer goods.
In M&A the firm worked on acquisitions for mainly acquirers in the agriculture, mining and consumer goods sectors.
In project development the firm worked on projects for clients connected with the energy, construction and mining sectors.
In project finance the firm worked on financing projects for clients connected with the mining and financial services sectors.
During the research period a number of partners joined the firm. Partners Hielien Ventre joined from Clyde& Co and Calvin Nchabeleng joined from Ledwaba Mazwai Attorneys.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
China Development Bank $219 million Coporate debt restructure
Rand Merchant Bank and Morgan Stanley $1.8 billion notes issue
Rand Merchant Investment Holdings ZAR 30billion restructuring and reorganisation of shares
Sanlam ZAR 33 billion joint venture
Astron Energy oil and gas project development
Netcare Properties project development
Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Banking and finance
“The bench strength of the team is unmatched in the market. The expertise and commercial advice that they always bring to the table is invaluable.”
“Technical knowledge.”
“Webber Wentzel works as part of the project team and effectively focuses on solutions and strictly legal matters to enable internal counsel to focus on the organizational risk matrix on the project.”
“The WW team is efficient and proactive. They are very commercial and solutions-driven and are a great asset to have on the team when negotiating complex structures. They have deep expertise in various areas. They are my preferred counsel for complex cross-border transactions.”
“Flexible, problem-solving, manage costs, have brilliant understanding of the local market.”
“Very quick turnaround time and expertise.”
Restructuring
“They are innovative, operate under pressure and turnaround quickly.”
M&A
“The team at Webber Wentzel is more responsive and hard-working than any other legal team I have worked with in my eight years of working alongside lawyers on transactions. They continuously work long hours or on weekends to achieve deadlines set by clients or regulators. To add to that, they also provide the most comprehensive and sound legal advice when compared to any other lawyers I've worked with. They think outside of the box and really apply their minds. We pride ourselves on advising on unique, bespoke, first-to-market transactions with complex transaction structures. This makes the lawyers' lives very difficult to draft agreements and make sure that the transaction fits within all regulatory parameters. In my opinion, there is no one better in the business than the team at Webbers when it comes to this sort of work.”
“Excellent technical and sector knowledge and expertise. Strong negotiation skills. Positive commercial approach to transaction work.”
“Efficient and knowledgeable.”
“Webber Wentzel are extremely professional and knowledgeable and are able to effectively and successfully advise on complex, nuanced legal issues in record time. In the context of a hostile takeover attempt, this is very important and allows the client to always put its best foot forward.”
Dawid de Villiers
“Very thorough and knowledgeable.”
Janine Lamb
“Efficient and knowledgeable, very approachable and helpful.”
Johann Scholtz
“He is a very good communicator and always prompt in his responses.”
Justin Roberts
“Justin is extremely efficient and is able to handle a very heavy workload whilst maintaining the quality of his work. Justin has very good client communication skills and is always a phone call away and very pleasant to deal with.”
“Justin is an excellent lawyer with a fantastic track record of transactions at such a young age. He always provides excellent service and is extremely helpful in providing legal advice and preparing documentation for our firm or for our clients.”
Khurshid Fazel
“Problem-solving, incredible depth of experience, maintains excellent relationships with clients.”
"Khurshid is one of the leading lawyers in our markets and has a keen ability to provide simple solutions for complex problems. She also has an excellent team which she manages well.”
"Innovative, supportive and solution driven.”
“Khurshid is an industry specialist and extremely knowledgeable.”
Lilia Franca
“Technical knowledge.”
"Lilia is an exceptional lawyer with an unparalleled level of expertise when it comes to corporate actions in South Africa. She has the ability to continuously think out of the box and come up with solutions to problems arising on transactions. We seldom see this from other lawyers.”
"She has strong technical skills and experience and builds great rapport with clients and understands their needs. Great balance between commercial approach and transaction risk mitigation.”
“Lilia has an extremely broad depth of knowledge and is the ultimate professional. She is able to effectively handle and deal with complex legal issues and her work is always of an extremely high quality. Lilia's clients have extreme confidence in her work and her advice.”
Lindi Marais
“Lindi understands our organization well and our risk matrix, she is commercial in her approach and delivers innovative solutions and quality products.
Rashaad Carrim
“Rashaad is responsive, commercially minded and always willing to assist. If you want your deal to close efficiently, he is your man.”
Werksmans Attorneys
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.”
White & Case
White and Case is an international law firm based in New York City. Founded in 1901, the firm has 46 offices in 31 countries worldwide. White & Case is one of the top ten law firms worldwide in terms of revenue.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is known for its outstanding practice in mining and energy M&A-related transactions.
The mergers and acquisition team performs consistently well in representing clients on the acquisition of shares and international stock exchanges as well as concluding millionaire streaming arrangements and debt facilities.
The firm’s focus in South Africa is primarily on financial services, energy/natural resources, real estate, telecommunications, aviation and mining.
Key clients
Key clients include African Development Bank, African Royalty Minerals, Daimler AG, Mitsui & Co, The Carlyle Group, Black Royalty Minerals and MC Mining Limited.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
In mergers and acquisitions the firm advises clients from financial institutions, private equity, real estate and mining. In the private equity space, the firm advised on the disposal by Carlyle and its co-investors of their entire interest in Global Credit Rating Company Limited Moody’s Group Cyprus Limited.
The firm’s mining team
advised on acquisitions, disposals, financing and mining regulatory, including commercial agreements.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Actis and Seriti Resources Holdings Proprietary $153 million divestment
Brightbridge Real Estate $110 million acquisition
Sedibelo Resources Limited $100 million financing
Seriti Resources Holdings Proprietary $55 million acquisition
Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
M&A
“The White & Case team is very practical and commercial in their approach. Their turnaround times are outstanding.”
“Having a highly knowledgeable and commercially minded lead partner has been invaluable for us. The team has shown great attention to detail at all times. This is important in a complex transaction involving seven separate businesses in disparate industrial sectors. W&C's international network and contacts in other southern African jurisdictions has also been helpful given the multinational nature of this transaction.”
"They have good M&A lawyers.”
"Reliable, professional, detailed in their work and thinking, conscious of time issues.”
Craig Atkinson
“Exceptionally responsive to client needs and provides detailed feedback and assistance within very tight deadlines.”
Gary Felthun
“He is a leader and good M&A lawyer.”
“Gary is highly experienced and very commercial in his perspective. He contributed greatly to shaping the transaction tactics. He also managed well a number of changes in his junior team to ensure continuity of service.”
"Gary is an excellent commercial lawyer. He is knowledgeable, commercial and very practical. His turnaround time is excellent. He provides outstanding client service and support.”
Sandile Mathebula
“Sandile is an excellent commercial lawyer. He is knowledgeable and very thorough. He is also very practical and solution-focused. It is my strong preference that he is involved in all commercial matters that I brief White & Case on.”
Tiaan De Wit
“An excellent M&A lawyer and human being.”
Adams & Adams
Adams & Adams is a South African law firm established in 1908. The firm has its head office in Pretoria and other offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
The firm has a particular focus on
M&A work.
Key clients of the firm include
ArdanLivvey Investors and South African Postbank.
Research period review:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was active in M&A.
In M&A the firm's work focused on acquisitions by
domestic
acquirers.
Deal highlights:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
ArdanLivvey Investors acquisition of
Atlantis Foundries Proprietary
Allen & Overy
Allen & Overy is the South African branch of the international Allen & Overy law firm and is based in Johannesburg. Traditionally lender focused, Allen & Overy remains focused on banks in all manner of transactions. A member of the UK ‘Magic Circle’ the firm has 44 offices in 31 countries.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a strong practice in banking achieving top tier status in South Africa. The firm is also very active in debt and equity capital markets and project finance.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include The Standard Bank of South Africa, Rand Merchant Bank, Nedbank, Turner & Townsend and Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Bank lending: Borrower side
"Excellent."
Bank lending: Lender side
"Efficient and very effective, able to provide explanations to the client to assist them in understanding some of the legal requirements, competitive on price, and always available for quick calls to take lender/client through some explanations."
Dentons
In 2012 Dentons and KapdiTwala established an association that was considered 'a first-of-its-kind' between a Black law firm and an international law firm. Dentons have two offices in South Africa located in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Dentons is an international law firm serving 81 countries at 205 locations.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on energy project development but is also very active in mining project development.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Microsoft, Total, ABSA, Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), Amazon, Barloworld, BP, Eskom, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), ODA, Old Mutual and Par Equity.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper is the South African presence of the international law firm of the same name. The South African office is based in Johannesburg.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on banking work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include FirstRand Bank, Nedbank, The Standard Bank of South Africa, Investec Bank, Brait, Consol and RAIN.
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland is a law firm in South Africa. The firm has three offices in South Africa, two in Johannesburg and one in Durban.
Eversheds Sutherland is an international law firm with over 200 relationship firms worldwide and 74 offices in 35 countries.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on M&A work.
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland is the South African presence of the international law firm of the same name. The firm has offices in Durban and Johannesburg.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on debt capital markets and M&A work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Corteva Agriscience Group, Eaton Group, Diale Mogashoa, Kone South Africa and Vas-X.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"Quality and professional approach towards advising and assisting on the legal matters, as well as prompt responses and availability."
M&A
"Pragmatic team with great skills. Assisted in getting the transaction through. Transparent in billing. Understood the client's perspective."
"Small, dedicated team. A lot of partner attention. Easy to approach and work with. Excellent legal advice. Value for money."
Fasken
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin is a Canadian-headquartered law firm in South Africa which has had an established presence in Africa for over 130 years with the founding partner in South Africa commencing practice as an attorney in Grahamstown in 1879 before moving to Johannesburg in 1886. The firm has one office in Johannesburg.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a strong practice in both infrastructure project development and also project finance, achieving top tier status in both categories. The firm is also very active in energy and mining project development.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Investec Bank, Nedbank, Rockwell Diamonds, Decentral Energy Capital, Sharpeville Breweries Proprietary, Sunstone Capital, Rand Merchant Bank, West African Energy, DNG Energy and Absa Bank.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
"Excellent and high-quality work in project finance."
Capital markets : Equity
"Expertise in the applicable legislation and regulatory environment."
Glyn Marais
Glyn Marais is a South African law firm established in 1990. The firm has two offices, located in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on banking, debt and equity capital markets, M&A and mining project development.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Sanlam, Naspers, Investec Bank, Anglo American, AfroCentric Group, Growthpoint Properties, Sinosteel Corporation, DRA Global Holding Proprietary, Accelerate Property Fund and Absa Capital.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
"Very responsive and very knowledgeable."
Hogan Lovells
Hogan Lovells is the South African branch of international law firm Hogan Lovells. The firm is led by managing partner Wessel Badenhorst and has one office in Johannesburg.
Hogan Lovells is an international law firm first established in Washington DC in 1904. The firm has over 45 offices globally in 24 countries and employs over 2800 lawyers.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on banking, M&A and mining project development.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Nedbank, African Development Bank, Credit Suisse, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Barak Fund.
Client Feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Bank lending: Lender side
"Knowledgeable, quick turnaround times, reasonable costs and responsive to questions or queries. They manage expectations well and have excellent negotiation skills. "
Lawtons Africa
Lawtons Africa is a South African law firm based in Johannesburg.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on equity capital markets and M&A.
Key clients
A key client of the firm is the Public Investment Corporation.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"Always explain the opinion in ’plain language’ before issuing the final document. Willing to go the extra mile, they are proactive and anticipate our needs."
M&A
"They are quick and responsive and provide well researched and reasoned advice."
LnP Beyond Legal
LNP Attorneys is a South African law firm established in 2017. Nikita Lalla is the firm’s chief executive, and the firm has one office in Johannesburg.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on project development work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Lucara Diamond Corporation, Lucara Botswana, Canadian Solar and its related companies, Amarenco Group and General Electric.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project development : Energy
"Assisted with sorting out vendor finance and master services agreement."
Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa
Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa is the South African part of the international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright. The firm has over 200 lawyers and offices in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Norton Rose Fulbright is an international business law firm with more than 3700 lawyers and other legal staff working across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on project related work, achieving top tier status in South Africa for energy, infrastructure and mining project development as well as for project finance. The firm is also very active in banking work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Absa Bank, Barclays Bank, BNP Paribas, Nedbank, Total, Development Bank of South Africa, PPC, Exxaro, Shell and RTI International.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
"They understand commercials, drafting & negotiating agreements, and the transaction closing process."
"Excellent work ethic, deep bench of global experts, great attention to detail, adaptability to complex financing structures."
Project development : Energy
"Give practical & commercial advice and negotiate well."
