Corporate/M&A
Global Guide 2024 : South Africa
Band 1
About
Provided by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
CDH's work on many of the market-first and most complex transactions across a wide variety of industry sectors demonstrates our ability to combine sector-specific expertise with our technical excellence and legal innovation. Our transactional experience and depth of expertise is reflected in the market recognition we have received and the top tier rankings we have achieved in the most respected global professional directories. We have considerable experience and a proven track record in multi-jurisdictional corporate activity. Our entrenched relationships with leading law firms and specialist lawyers throughout Africa and other jurisdictions, enables us to provide cross-border legal services efficiently and in an integrated manner. For the last 13 out of 14 years, CDH has won the DealMakers Listed M&A Deal Flow award, demonstrating exceptional consistency by remaining the preferred M&A legal advisers to more listed clients than any other corporate legal advisory firm in South Africa. In 2022, CDH advised on 37 listed M&A deals with a combined value of over R89bn. This saw CDH assume a listed M&A deal flow market share of 17.62%. CDH’s top honours achieved at the 2023 Ansarada DealMakers Annual Awards, included 2022 1st by Listed M&A Deal Flow, 2022 3rd by Listed M&A Deal Value, Unlisted M&A Deal Value, Unlisted M&A Deal Flow and General Corporate Finance Deal Value. CDH was also legal advisers in two shortlisted ‘DealMakers Brunswick Deal of the Year 2022’ transactions.
Chambers Review
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr is highly regarded for its handling of major M&A transactions in South Africa. Additionally, the firm is sought out for its counsel on corporate restructurings and shareholder rearrangements. With strength in depth emanating from its Cape Town and Johannesburg offices, CDH possesses an excellent track record in the mining, consumer goods and financial services sectors. The team regularly assists domestic and multinational clients with high-value transactions, often taking on deals with cross-border elements. The firm offers additional experience in real estate and telecoms, and frequently acts for dual-listed companies and investment funds, and on black economic empowerment (BEE) initiatives.
Work Highlights
- Cliffe Dekker represented Mediclinic International (as South African counsel) in its multibillion-dollar proposed joint takeover by Remgro and MSC.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They provide different thoughts on a number of key points, both from commercial and legal perspectives."
"We have done several cross-border deals with them and the lawyers at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr are consistently excellent."
"Their knowledge of the law is outstanding. They are always practical in their commercial approach, and to the point."
"The team's approach and advice is solution-based and strategic."
"They provide different thoughts on a number of key points, both from commercial and legal perspectives."
"We have done several cross-border deals with them and the lawyers at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr are consistently excellent."
"Their knowledge of the law is outstanding. They are always practical in their commercial approach, and to the point."
"The team's approach and advice is solution-based and strategic."
Notable Practitioners
Ian Hayes maintains his impressive reputation in the South African market, with an enviable portfolio of blue-chip clients in the mining, telecoms and retail sectors. In addition to his transactional skills, he possesses further experience advising clients on major restructuring plans.
"Ian Hayes' legal knowledge, combined with superior commercial acumen, makes him a preferred adviser."
Peter Hesseling is an experienced M&A and corporate finance lawyer with a particularly strong track record. He is regularly retained for advice on BEE transactions, delistings, corporate restructuring and equity raising.
"Peter Hesseling has a very commercial and businessman-like approach to matters."
Willem Jacobs is recognised for his skill in a range of corporate deals, including M&A, disposals, investments and BEE transactions. His formidable client roster features prominent telecom players as well as notable PE houses and holding companies.
"Willem Jacobs is a very practical and well-informed attorney. He delivers promptly and I enjoy working with him."
Cape Town-based David Thompson regularly assists clients with M&A and investments in South Africa, with standout clients in the technology and renewable energy sectors.
"David Thompson has a very good knowledge of the law and grasps the commercial aspects of a transaction very well."
Vivien Chaplin joins the rankings following an increased market presence and good client support. She regularly handles transactional mandates such as M&A and asset purchases. She also acts on BEE matters. Her clients operate in a range of sectors including logistics, aviation and technology.
"Vivien Chaplin is very dedicated to the assignment and 100% committed to engineer the best possible contract for the transactions."
"She understands our business and industry, is responsive and provides practical and commercial advice."
Ranked Lawyers at
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
South Africa
Members
Provided by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
Alistair Young
Allan Hannie
Allan Reid
Andre de Lange
Andrew Giliam
Anita Moolman
Brent Williams
Carmen McKinlay
Charl Williams
Christelle Wood
Clem Daniel
Dane Kruger
Head of Department
Jaco Meyer
Jess Reid
John Gillmer
Kate Anderson
Megan Rodgers
Quintin Honey
Rachel Kelly
Roux Van Der Merwe
Roxanna Valayathum
Tamarin Tosen
Tayyibah Suliman
Tessa Brewis
Vivien Chaplin
Wayne Murray
Yaniv Kleitman