Banking & Finance
Global Guide 2024 : South Africa
Band 2
About
Provided by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
CDH's finance and banking services and advice cover debt capital markets, project finance, public-private partnerships (PPPs), commodity trade finance, acquisition finance, general banking and investment structures, and pension and employee benefits. On the funding side (general lending and project finance), our team advises banks across Africa, as well as the major international banks, and those with a particular focus on South Africa and Kenya. We are often mandated to advise on banks’ lending arrangements and compliance with the country’s banking and financial services regulatory framework. Our mandate for foreign banks at times extends to advice on establishing representative offices in South Africa, investment in local banks and related aspects of the regulatory framework. Our clients range from local and offshore financiers to major corporations that enter into local and offshore finance transactions. We advise borrowers from the public and private sectors as well as financial services providers and other organisations that have direct and indirect interests in lending arrangements. These organisations include asset managers, developmental finance institutions, private equity funds, insurance underwriters, rating agencies, security trusts and guarantors.
Chambers Review
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr has a longstanding reputation in the market, and is known for its extensive acquisition and leveraged finance experience. It frequently handles borrower-side mandates for clients in the mining and telecoms sectors in both domestic and cross-border contexts. The law firm also continues to advise major financial institutions on regulatory issues as well as on lending packages and debt restructurings that include preference share facilities.
Work Highlights
- Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr represented Harmony Gold in a multi-currency debt package, valued in excess of ZAR10 billion and consisting of syndicated, multi-tranche, sustainability-linked term loans, as well as sustainability-linked revolving credit facilities.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"A key component of their advice and work is their understanding of the commercial aspects and concepts of the transaction, which adds extreme value to the process."
"Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr was exceptional in its ability to handle the complexity of the transaction and propose sophisticated and effective solutions to all issues that were identified."
"A key component of their advice and work is their understanding of the commercial aspects and concepts of the transaction, which adds extreme value to the process."
"Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr was exceptional in its ability to handle the complexity of the transaction and propose sophisticated and effective solutions to all issues that were identified."
Notable Practitioners
Ludwig Smith is a highly esteemed practitioner in the banking and finance market in South Africa, with longstanding experience across a vast range of financings. He continues to advise investment firms and funds as well as telecommunications companies on transactions, providing funding, structuring and tax expertise relevant to these matters.
"Ludwig has an encyclopedic knowledge and an incredible ability to translate that knowledge into practical solutions."
Deon Wilken is a well-respected lawyer who acts for both borrowers and lenders. He demonstrates experience across syndicated and mezzanine loans, revolving credit facilities and investment vehicles.
"Deon Wilken is a well-experienced and skilled finance lawyer who is tactical and strategic in providing solid legal advice in the context of complex financial transactions."
Ranked Lawyers at
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
South Africa
Members
Provided by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
Adnaan Kariem
Johan de Lange
Mashudu Junior Mphafudi
Head of Department
Mbali Khumalo
Phetole Modika
Pitso Kortjaas
Sabelo Goma