Johannesburg, Pre-eminent African law firm Bowmans was recognised for its role advising on South Africa’s largest and most impactful transactions at the DealMakers Awards ceremony held in Johannesburg last night (19 February 2026).
Chairman and senior partner, Ezra Davids, says, "South Africa remains a compelling location for sophisticated dealmaking. There are also great opportunities for investors willing to take a long-term view further afield on the continent. These results are therefore very pleasing. They reflect the calibre of the Bowmans team in today’s deal environment where strategic thinking, technical excellence, and commercial realism are vital."
The firm placed first by deal flow in the M&A Unlisted Transactions category; second by deal value and fourth by deal flow in the M&A Listed Transactions category; and second by transaction flow and transaction value in the General Corporate Finance category. Bowmans was also recognised for advising on the transaction named Brunswick Deal of the Year - the demerger and accelerated placement of Valterra Platinum.
In this transaction Bowmans advised Valterra Platinum in its demerger from Anglo American and its subsequent USD 2.5 billion accelerated equity placement. It is the largest deal of its kind in South African history and has successfully established Valterra as a premier independent producer with dual listings on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges.
Davids concludes, "I’m proud of what Bowmans continues to achieve and grateful to the clients who entrust us with their most important transactions and matters."
