South Africa

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. 

Highlights 

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. 

Key clients 

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. 

Testimonials 

“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

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.

Highlights 

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. 

Key clients 

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. 

Testimonials 

“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 

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. 

Highlights 

During the research period the firm was active on loan and credit facilities, trade and project financings, bond and note issues, acquisitions, investments and projects. Deal highlights for the firm include the African Infrastructure Investments Managers acquisition of Commercial Cold Storage Group, Federal Airlines Proprietary acquisition financing, Afgri Group Holdings credit financings, Government of Ivory Coast sovereign loan facility, Estcourt hospital Project, Sasol Financing note issue and Sasol Financing USA bond issue. 

Key clients 

City Power OSC, South32 South Africa, Sunrise Energy Proprietary, Midvaal Local Municipality, African Rainbow Energy & Power, Airports Company South Africa, Banco Santander; BMO Capital Markets Limited; Cell C; City Lodge Hotels Limited; City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, RMB, Investec, Stanbic, Engie Southern Africa, Sanlam, Impala Platinum Holdings, Novus Holding, Sasfin Bank, Sasol Group, Sibanye Stillwater and The Foschini Group. 

Testimonials 

“Excellent lawyers.” (Banking client) 

“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.” (Banking client) 

“Proactive management of the transaction process, useful advice and excellent drafting.” (Banking client) 

“Very diligent, knowledgeable and able to tie in the technical and commercial requirements.” (M&A client) 

“Excellent lawyer.” - Johann Basson, Banking and Finance

“Excellent advice, practical solutions, proactive transaction management.” - Anina Boshoff, Banking and Finance

“Excellent lawyer.” - Sean Lederman, Banking and Finance

“Extremely diligent, hard-working and knowledgeable.” - Corné Moodie, Corporate Commercial Senior Associate 

“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.” - Alex Taylor, Banking and Finance

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

Highlights 

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.  

Key clients 

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. 

Testimonials 

“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 

First opening in South Africa in 1995, White & Case's South African office serves clients across the African continent. 

Highlights 

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. Deal highlights of the firm include the CRDB note issue, Standard Bank of South Africa senior unsecured sustainability linked Bond issue, MTN Group revolving credit facility, Motus Group syndicated loan refinancing, A.P. Moller Capital acquisition of Vector Logistics, Triple Crown Project and the Tashkent 16MW Waste-to-Energy Power Plant Project.  

Key clients 

Glencore, The Government of Zambia, Sedibelo Platinum Mines, African Rainbow Minerals, Black Royalty Minerals, Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, International Finance Corporation, Carlyle Group, Bayport, Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, Hosken Consolidated Investments, National Treasury of the Republic of South Africa, Standard Bank Group, International Finance Corporation, African Development Bank and MTN Group. 

Testimonials 

“WC is dedicated and top tier.” (Banking client) 

“Gary is a very able solution and detail-oriented lawyer who has been with us for over 15 years.” - Gary Felthun, Head of M&A 

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. 

Focuses / specialisms 

The firm has a particular focus on M&A work. 

Key clients 

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 

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. 

Highlights 

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. 

Key clients 

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.

Testimonials 

“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