Bowmans
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 has offices in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The firm is a strong player in the South African market.
The firm advised Capitec Bank on its $333 million acquisition of Avafin Holding.
The firm advised The Standard Bank of South Africa and FirstRand Bank on the ZAR2bn granted to The Spar Group to facilitate the disposal of its Polish business.
Nedbank, Rand Merchant Bank, Pick n Pay Stores, Rand Merchant Bank, The Standard Bank of South Africa, and Anglo-American Platinum.
“They understand our business. They understand the regulatory environment and the need to innovate.” - Banking and finance Client
“Pragmatic, efficient, and quick turn around.” - Banking and finance Client
“The quality of work is excellent, seamless service across disciplines.” - Banking and finance Client
“They are highly collaborative, share information promptly, provide sensible reasoned views and present joined up work products. They are a very high calibre of firm.” - Equity Capital markets Client
“They are the best in the business. Easy to work with, smart, available, up to date on all relevant issues, very well integrated into the SA ecosystem.” - Equity Capital markets Client
“Great competence, highly commercial approach and enjoyable people to work with.” - Equity Capital markets Client
“Charles is a first-class operator. He leads client relationships with gravitas and humour. He is an instinctive problem-solver and drives quality.” - Charles Douglas
“Great product knowledge and extensive deal experience, which he brings to bear on all transactions. David is also a pleasant individual to work with.”- David Yuill
“Just everything. Great lawyer.” - David Yuill
“Expert knowledge. They have vast experience in banking. Understand our business very well.” - Jan Kruger
“Availability, accessibility, pragmatic solutions, and sector knowledge.” - Jason Wilkinson
“Very responsive, client focused.” - Ulrike Naumann
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. The firm advised on acquisition financing, project financing, bond and note issues, energy and mining projects, secondary share offerings, acquisitions and mergers.
The firm advised Retailability and its subsidiaries on the disposal to Pepkor Trading and its subsidiaries of 462 retail stores in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and eSwatini.
The firm is advising
Old Mutual on funding the development of a 13.5MW hydro generation plant in Eswatini known as the Middle Lusutfu Hydropower electricity project.
The firm advised Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) and
Standard Bank on all aspects of a ZAR 2 billion bond issuance.
Central Energy Fund, Standard Bank of South Africa, MTN, Redefine Properties, and Trident Energy
Fragomen.
"Johan De Lange from Banking, Finance & Projects at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr advised on the complex transaction which included different class of funders, from Development Finance Institutions and an Australian Bank.” - Banking and Finance Client
“Experienced financing team and the ability to tap expertise across different sectors in the market offering the best service to the clients. Works well under pressure and complex deals. It has been a great source of support for Ashburton Legal to ensure our legal risks are managed on credit investments.” - Banking and Finance Client
“Deep knowledge, responsiveness, and tactical execution.” - M&A Client
“Good relationship management, good turnaround time, team is commercial, and mandates are properly managed.” - M&A Client
“Value-add and Communication.” - M&A Client
“The team is dynamic, solutions driven and have quick turnaround times.” - M&A Client
“Very professional, great advice, great to work with.” - M&A Client
“Great industry-specific knowledge; highly responsive team that is easy to work with.” - M&A Client
“Dedication and responsiveness.” - Project finance Client
“The team have exceptional knowledge, and they are always able to call on someone who is a specialist in the field.” - Restructuring Client
“He is solutions driven, always calm and has a depth of knowledge.” - Andre de Lange
“Very professional, great solutions, great to work with, efficient.” - Andre de Lange
“Highly knowledgeable, good attention to detail, great response and turnaround time.” - Dane Kruger
“His knowledge of our business is deep, and he matches that with outstanding core knowledge in the work we need him for.” - David Thompson
“Excellent knowledge of our business, has a great team working for him, ability to explain complex legal matters, ability to find solutions to complex issues.” - Ian Hayes
“He is able to distill very complex issues into manage complex situations.” - Johan de Lange
“Engagement and quality advice.” - Mashudu Mphafudi
“Mohammed is the lead partner for the Ashburton engagement; he brings depth of experience to the deals and provides comfort that our legal position will be protected. He is always accessible, which is key given the tight deadlines for our deals." - Mohammed Saib
“She rounds up the team as necessary and gets goal congruence within the team.” - Zakiya Shaik
“Communicates well and meets deadlines.” - Zakiya Shaik
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. The firm is active in loan and credit facilities, trade and project financings, bond and note issues, acquisitions, investments and projects.
The firm advised Standard Bank on the $40 million multicurrency term loan provided to Ctrack Holdings incorporated in Mauritius.
The firm advised Absa Investment Management Services Proprietary on its disposal of Link Investment Service Provider (LISP) business to Glacier.
The firm advised Citigroup Global Markets and Goldman Sachs International on the $2 billion issuance by the Government of the Republic of South Africa of 7.100% Notes due 2036 and the issuance of$1.5 billion 7.950% Notes due 2054.
Citigroup Global Markets, Goldman Sachs International, The Standard Bank of South Africa, Nedbank, and Transnet SOC.
“Pragmatic advice and efficient execution of the instructions, at a lower cost than most other firms offering similiar services (whether from Johannesburg or the UK).” - Banking and finance Client
“Extremely responsive and competent. They really understand their clients' requirements; staff deal appropriately and deliver outstanding service.” - Banking and finance Client
“They are efficient, professional, have their finger on the pulse of the deal and great to work with.” - Banking and finance Client
“ENS are true business partners and approach their way in an extremely client centric manner, they do not just execute they lead from the front and literally pull the client through the M&A transactions they manage without the client having to think about anything. I would not use any firm but ENS for M&A work." - M&A Client
“Team has depth and breadth of knowledge. Always available!” - - M&A Client
White & Case
First opening in South Africa in 1995,
White & Case's South African office serves clients across the African continent.The firm has a particularly strong practice in banking, achieving tier 2 status in this practice During the research period the firm worked on acquisitions, investments, project financings, loans and investments as well as bond, sukuk, green note and structured bond issues and energy and mining projects.
The firm advised VDC JNB 12 Propco Proprietary, VDC JNB 12 Opco Proprietary, VDC JNB 11 Propco Proprietary, VDC JNB 11 Opco Proprietary and VDC JNB 21 Proprietary
with acquiring funding from FirstRand Bank Limited and Investec Bank Limited in order to fund the development, construction and commissioning of certain data centres.
The firm advised Harith InfraCo on the $360 million acquisition of the Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund’s (PAIDF) interests in an infrastructure portfolio with significant stakes in assets across six Sub-Saharan African countries.
African Development Bank, International Finance Corporation, MTN Group, Nedbank, and The Standard Bank South Africa.
“Willingness to work around the clock - important for an investment bank and also to find client solutions.” - Banking and finance Client
“Find client solutions.” - Lindani Mthembu
“WC is dedicated and top tier.” - Banking and finance Client
“Gary is a very able solution and detail-oriented lawyer who has been with us for over 15 years.” - Gary Felthun
A&O Shearman
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."
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
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."
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.
The firm is a leading player in the South African market achieving tier 1 status across all ranked practice areas. During the research period the firm was active
on project
financings, revolving credit facilities, financial services regulatory advisory work,
energy and infrastructure projects, note issues, secondary share offerings and acquisitions. Deal highlights of the firm include
South Sahara African Trading acquisition of New Pier Trading Proprietary,
iCON Infrastructure acquisition of Alliance Medical
AcquisitionCo,
Pele Green Energy Proprietary project financing,
Maziv Group syndicated financing,
LGL acquisition of L2D shares and the Mpumalanga
3.2 GW wind energy project.
Naspers,
Liberty,
Standard Bank,
Bank of China,
FirstRand Bank,
Thungela Resources,
iCON Infrastructure,
MTN Group,
The Phembani Group,
RCL Foods, Nedbank, The Standard Bank of South Africa, FirstRand Bank, UK Climate Investments, Sea Harvest Corporation,
Exxaro Resources,
Anglo American,
Ivan Plats,
Sasol Mining, Royal
Bafokeng Platinum,
Envusa Energy Proprietary,
Sasol South Africa,
Exxaro Resources,
Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and
Globeleq South Africa Management Services.
“The depth of knowledge and expertise within the team is
absolutely fantastic.
They have a team filled with top notch banking lawyers who are able to advise on all aspects of a transaction. You are assured of an expert in any field of law when dealing with this team.” (Banking client)
“Her understanding of the industry and expert knowledge is beyond compare. When you work with Kathy you have an
exception legal expert in your corner and the confidence that she provides that your matter is in capable hands
id brilliant. She
definitely has your back and the legal
expertise to back you.” - Kathy Shepherd, Banking and finance partner
“He is always available and willing to help. He's industry knowledge and client communication are fantastic. Although he has an exceptionally busy practice, he has a way of making you feel like you are his only client. Just brilliant working with such a great individual.” - Rashaad Carrim,
Banking and finance partner
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.
The firm is a market leader in mining
work achieving tier 1 status for this practice area but is also highly active
in all other practice areas achieving tier 2 status in all other areas.
During the research period the firm was active on acquisitions, mining projects,
investments, loans, syndicated facilities, energy and infrastructure projects,
securitisations and secondary share offerings.
Deal highlights include
Garatouw Platinum Mine Project,
WMA Africas acquisition of
Boshoek Manganese Mine,
Multichoice Group syndicated term
loan and the
Afgri Group Holdings restructured syndicated credit facility.
Pallidus Capital,
Investec Bank,
First National Bank,
Merchant West Capital Markets,
Crede Power and Infrastructure Investments,
Steinhoff International Holdings, FirstRand Bank, Rand Merchant Bank,
Afgri Group Holdings Proprietary,
Liquid Telecommunications South Africa Proprietary,
Energy Infrastructure Management Services Proprietary,
Investec Bank,
Standard Bank, Absa Bank,
Nedbank,
Into Africa Mining Proprietary,
Samancor Chrome,
Anglo American,
Vivo Energy Investments,
Sasfin Holdings,
Life Healthcare Group and
Ibex Investment Holdings.
“They are extremely approachable and have specialised departments which can provide focused solutions.”
(Banking client)
“Very prompt and expert feedback at a very competitive rate.”
(M&A client)
“He is an exceptional leader in his field of expertise.”
-
Chris Stevens, Head of the Mining & Resources
