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.
During the research period the firm worked on
acquisition
financings, project
financings,
bond and note issues,
energy and mining projects,
secondary share offerings,
acquisitions and mergers.
Deal highlights of the firm include
the Capitec Bank note issue,
AltVest Capital note issue,
120MW Doornhoek Solar PV Project,
Sun International acquisition of Peermont Holdings and
CPG acquisition of Collins Property Projects shares.
Waterberg JV Resources, HMM, Sibanye Stillwater, PPC, ABSA, Nedbank, True South Issuer,
AltVest Capital, Creation Capital Investments Proprietary, First Energy Capital Proprietary, Anglo American, Arcelor Mittal South Africa, AMEA Power, EnviroServ-SUEZ, Puma Energy, City of Cape Town, Exxaro Resources, Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, Mediclinic International, Remgro, We Buy Cars, Compagnie Financière Richemont (CFR) and Richemont Securities, SA Corporate Real Estate, Vodacom, Airlink, Clientèle,
Telesure and Sun International.
“Deep knowledge and understanding of the transaction. Wealth of experience. Ability to advise on nuanced transactions. Adhering to strict timelines and communicating well. Decent quote and sticking to budget.”
(Banking client)
“They understood the issues and provided practical advice which the bank could implement.” (Banking client)
“Good understanding of the market,
responsive
and they take time to understand the commercial intent behind the transactions.”
(Banking client)
“Very professional, highly skilled, commercial advice, quick responses, solution orientated.”
(Banking client)
“The team is young and dynamic, and their depth of knowledge is also impressive. They are very thorough, are always a phone call away and they provide excellent advice.”
(Banking client)
“Great turnaround time, value for money and readily available.”
(Banking client)
“The CDH team we use is exceptionally good at getting a first draft agreement that requires minimal
additional work. They are also easy to work with and commercial in negotiations.” (M&A client)
“Highly skilled and pragmatic.” (M&A client)
“They
get to the key points of the matter without over-lawyering
abd then
provide
well-rounded advice.” (M&A client)
“Professional, efficient, technically
skilled and knowledgeable.”
(M&A client)
“I have been particularly impressed with the services offered by CDH; their team is extremely timeous, consistently delivering work within tight deadlines.
Moreover, their extensive experience in the field is
evident; they bring a wealth of knowledge that enhances the quality of their advice.
What truly sets them apart is their comprehensive range of offerings. With an entire firm dedicated to various aspects of law and business, they provide holistic and well-rounded guidance, ensuring that all angles are considered in any transaction. Overall, their professionalism and commitment to excellence make them a standout choice for our needs.” (M&A client)
“CDH’s teams understand what the client wants, are pragmatic and clear in their advice and seek the outcome we
desire without getting distracted or stuck in unnecessary or trivial detail.” (M&A client)
“The team is technically good, very pragmatic, available and easy to work with. They have a commercial point of view, which is essential from a corporate perspective.”
(M&A client)
“Excellent relationship,
showed attention to detail,
were quick to respond and provided
sound and balanced advice. They are experienced and know the mining industry and our business.” (Mining client)
“Straightforward, efficient, cost effective, flexible, comprehensive service.” (Private equity client)
“Very experienced team and a very pragmatic approach that is deal-centric and assisted us in closing the transaction in time.” (Project finance client)
“Professional and good at communication.” (Restructuring client)
“Excellent knowledge and advice on terms and conditions in loan agreements as well as other corporate agreements, such a
memorandums of incorporation, subscription agreements, shareholder agreements.” (Restructuring client)
“Very good
communicator responsive
and
likeable.” - Michael Bailey, Banking, Finance & Projects Associate
“Michael is an excellent associate with in depth knowledge of our business. He is readily available and always meets deadlines.” - Michael Bailey, Banking, Finance & Projects Associate
“Jackwell's a great Public and Administrative Law lawyer, with a wealth of experience.” - Jackwell Feris, Head of Industrials, Manufacturing & Trade
“Speed of response, meets and drives deadlines and project timing, effective, maintains constructive relationships with counterparties,” - Andrew Giliam, M&A Director
“He is brilliant at drafting complex legal agreements accurately and quickly.”
- Andrew Giliam, M&A Director
“Excellent
advise on restructuring matters and drafting constitutional documents.” - Ian Hayes, Head of M&A
“Willem is commercial, pragmatic and delivers on the clients' needs in short timeframes
in accordance with their individual negotiating style and approach. He is frank, forthright and we trust him completely.” - Willem Jacobs, M&A Director
“Excellent communicator and very knowledgeable.”
- Haafizah
Khota, M&A Senior Associate
“Mbali has an in-depth understanding of the banking and finance sector in SA, she is very attentive and works well under pressure to meet deadlines.” - Mbali Khumalo, Banking, Finance & Projects Director
“Professional,
efficient and technically excellent.” Dane Kruger, M&A Director
“Excellent lawyer, very knowledgeable and pragmatic. Very calm and never flustered.” - Andre de Lange, M&A Director
“Andre is an exceptional lawyer and pragmatic in his approach. He has a calm demeanor, and nothing is ever too big or difficult for him. He is a huge asset on any transaction.” - Andre de Lange, M&A Director
“Jaco communicates
really well, keeping clients in the loop and making sure everyone is on the same page. His turnaround time is impressive; he consistently delivers
timely responses and solutions that help keep everything moving smoothly. Plus, his experience really shines through when dealing with complex legal issues, allowing him to provide practical and reliable advice.” - Jaco Meyer, M&A Director
“Akhona is diligent, works very hard and has great attention to detail. She is calm and always pleasant. Akhona is an asset on transactions as she is reliable and a safe pair of hands. She has a bright future ahead of her.” - Akhona Mgwaba, M&A Associate
“Anita is a highly experienced projects lawyer and a great lateral thinker across disciplines.
She's very responsive and proactive in solution building and a great lawyer to work with.” - Anita Moolman, M&A Director
“Accessible with industry knowledge. He
manages the team well.” - Mashudu Mphafadi, Head of Banking, Finance & Projects
“Readily available, good turnaround time and a pleasure to work with.”
- Mashudu Mphafadi, Head of Banking, Finance & Projects
“Mashudu is a great Banking and Finance lawyer with
great experience and a great personality.”
- Mashudu
Mphafadi, Head of Banking, Finance & Projects
“Very switched on and very responsive. She has a deep understanding of complexities of the sector.” - Megan Rodgers, Head of Oil & Gas
“Diligent, professional and technically excellent.”
-
Zakiya Shaik, M&A Senior Associate
