Bowman Gilfillan
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.
The firm is a strong player in the South African market. During the research period the firm was active on syndicated loans, financial restructurings, project financing, bond and note issuances,
secondary share offerings,
acquisitions, spin offs and renewable energy projects.
Deal highlights of the firm include
the Foschini Retail Group Proprietary debt restructuring, Transnet syndicated loan facility,
The New Development Bank debut bond issue, AECI note issue,
the Northern Cape power and battery project,
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners take-private acquisition of Textainer Group Holdings and Prax Group acquisition of National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa stake.
Morgan Stanley & Co. International,
Pick n Pay Stores,
Sanlam Life Insurance,
Sanlam Africa Core Real Estate Investments,
The New Development Bank,
AECI, Transnet SOC,
Absa Bank,
Stor-Age Proprietary Reit,
Groupe Canal +,
Kuehne + Nagel International,
Peermont Global Hotels and Resorts,
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, TotalEnergies,
First National Bank, The Standard Banks of South Africa,
Nedbank,
Investec Bank,
African Rainbow Minerals and
AgDevCo.
“Bowmans is exceptional in terms of service and expertise. They are viewed as trusted advisors to our business.”
(Banking client)
“Depth of knowledge and expertise of the team, and the relationship (and reputation) they have built
with out clients and all the major lenders in South Africa. They are efficient and have great turn-around times.” (Banking client)
“Their up to date understanding of the various stakeholder requirements to make legal acceptance more efficient and experience around correct legal phrases for commercial working.” (Capital markets client)
“Great capital markets expertise; highly commercial and proactive approach to supporting us as the banks on transactions.” (Capital markets client)
“The extensive knowledge and experience of the team that worked on the transaction. Ezra Davids and Ian understood the law and provided
advise in all aspects of the transaction.” (M&A client)
“Communicates well and provide practical solutions.”
- Tholinhlanhla
Gcabashe, Head of Corporate/M&A
“Incredible client relations, always available and responsive. He has a deep knowledge and extensive experience in his area of expertise. His advice and contributions have been invaluable
to the implementation of
numerous transactions involving several of our clients.”
- Jan Kruger, Regulatory partner
“James is a fantastic dispute lawyer who has supported us through numerous difficult disputes. He is a trusted advisor. He is accessible, likeable and has the ability to manage stressful situations with ease.”
- James McKinnell, Disputes partner
“Mike is a fantastic banking and finance lawyer. He communicates effectively, meets deadlines and is upfront
regarding any potential pitfalls in a transaction.”
- Michael
Swartland, Finance partner
“Makes himself available, deep experience of capital markets. Strong relationships of other stakeholders within DCM. Up to date on changes relevant to DCM and experience on transactions commercially and legally to look through event experience.”
- Casper Van Heerden, Capital markets partner
“Very proactive, partners very well with banks through processes; extremely personable and a pleasure to work with; excellent product knowledge.”
- Ryan Wessels, M&A partner
“Communicative, responsive and with good product knowledge.”
- David Yuill, M&A partner
