Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+27 11 669 9000About
Provided by Bowmans
Competition law presents various challenges for companies doing business in Africa. The number of competition law regimes across Africa has increased significantly in recent years and national regulators across the continent are becoming increasingly active. There are also a number of regional intergovernmental organisations regulating competition, for example, the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).We are at the forefront of developments in African competition law. We monitor competition law developments in various jurisdictions.
Our internationally recognised competition law experts participate in special committees on competition law; actively comment on draft legislation, guidelines and amendments in a variety of African countries; and regularly contribute to local and international competition law publications.
We provide a full range of competition and anti-trust law services in relation to: merger control, cartels and markets, abuse of dominance and other restrictive practices, and trade issues such as the implications of commercial and exclusivity agreements, joint ventures and strategic alliances. We also provide competition law compliance training and conduct competition law audits.
Chambers Review
Bowmans is a market-leading law firm with competition specialists based in Cape Town and Johannesburg. It is sought out for its deep subject matter expertise and its involvement in some of the largest matters in the domestic market, across the African continent and globally. The practice advises blue-chip domestic and multinational clients on the competition aspects of high-value M&A transactions in industries such as manufacturing and technology. It offers experience of merger filings not only before the South African authorities but also in Kenya and Nigeria. The group houses a respected contentious practice with notable experience representing clients in Competition Commission market investigations, as well as investigations into alleged cartel conduct, price fixing and abuse of dominance.
Work Highlights
- Bowmans assisted Aramco with notifying its USD2.65 billion acquisition of Valvoline to the competition authorities in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"All members of the Bowmans team are highly competent and experienced."
"The team has demonstrated a thorough understanding of our industry and our business."
"The depth of knowledge and experience in the Bowmans competition/antitrust team enables them to assist with every eventuality."
"What sets the team apart is its awareness, respect and practical experience of the local cultures in the various jurisdictions."
"Bowmans' lawyers are very responsive, available at short notice, quick when matters are time-sensitive, and they work in a collaborative and open way."
"All members of the Bowmans team are highly competent and experienced."
"The team has demonstrated a thorough understanding of our industry and our business."
"The depth of knowledge and experience in the Bowmans competition/antitrust team enables them to assist with every eventuality."
"What sets the team apart is its awareness, respect and practical experience of the local cultures in the various jurisdictions."
"Bowmans' lawyers are very responsive, available at short notice, quick when matters are time-sensitive, and they work in a collaborative and open way."
Notable Practitioners
Practice co-head Derek Lötter has a wealth of experience in the space and is routinely instructed to advise on investigations into allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and sector inquiries. He is based in the firm's Johannesburg office and acts on the competition law aspects of some of South Africa's most high-profile and high-value mergers and acquisitions.
"Derek Lötter provides exceptional advice on complex matters."
Heather Irvine is a highly respected lawyer who advises on cartel investigations and merger clearance mandates. Based in Johannesburg, she is particularly noted for her representation of financial services organisations and TMT companies.
"Heather Irvine has an exceptional understanding of South African competition law. We found her advice and guidance commercially sound and very practical."
"Heather gives you the comfort that the matter is being handled carefully and well."
Co-head of the practice group Tamara Dini is sought out for her counsel on the merger control aspects of high-value international transactions. She additionally represents clients in Competition Commission investigations into allegations of anti-competitive behaviour, including potential excessive pricing.
"Tamara Dini delivers excellent expertise and service on which we rely to navigate the business through the various commercial and competition challenges."
Johannesburg-based partner Claire Reidy has wide-ranging experience of prohibited practices in South Africa. She regularly represents her clients before the Competition Tribunal in complaints of anti-competitive behaviour in the technology sector. In addition, she advises on merger clearance mandates, including acting for third-party intervenors.
"We received exceptional service delivery from Claire Reidy."
Johannesburg-based Judd Lurie has recent experience in assisting clients with the notification of multi-jurisdictional acquisitions to competition authorities in South Africa and other neighbouring countries.
"Judd Lurie is responsive and pragmatic and has a great knowledge of the South African competition regime."
Rudolph Labuschagne is noted for his representation of clients in Competition Commission investigations, relating to issues such as collusive conduct. Based in Cape Town, he acts on behalf of domestic and international clients from sectors including transportation and finance.
"Rudolph Labuschagne's clear, insightful, strategic and very practical approach is highly valued."
Xolani Nyali's practice includes advising on the competition aspects of mergers and acquisitions. He also supports the team in dealing with investigations and dawn raids.
"Xolani Nyali has taken the time to get to know our business and its strategy and culture, and he has become our primary contact for competition law matters."
"I have always found him incredibly pleasant and lovely to deal with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bowmans
South Africa
Members
Provided by Bowmans
Head of Department
Lebohang Mabidikane
Lital Avivi
Maryanne Angumuthoo
Head of Department
Xolani Nyali
Clients
Provided by Bowmans
AB InvBev
AT&T Time Warner
Afrox
Anglo Gold Ahanti
British Airways
Du Pont
GE
Nestle
Pfizer
Sasol
Industries
Provided by Bowmans
Aerospace & Defence
Banking
Charities/ Not for Profit
Commercial and Professional Services
Consumer Product Manufacturing
Financial Services
Food & Drink Producers
Forestry & Paper
Government
Industrial Engineering
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Private clients/individuals
Transportation
Travel and Leisure