Corporate/M&A
Global Guide 2024 : South Africa
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+27 11 269 7600About
Provided by ENS
ENSafrica’s dedicated corporate commercial team is the largest in Africa and services leading clients across the full spectrum of business mergers and major deals on the continent.
As such, we regularly partner with specialists across the firm, meaning that we are able to assist with all aspects of all matters across all sectors in all African jurisdictions, ensuring that your legal requirements are handled quickly and seamlessly.
By adding financial, tax, competition, regulatory and employment law expertise to our offering, we have become known for our value-generating role in corporate restructuring and commercial contracts in industries as varied as mining, energy, retail and telecommunications.
Our wide range of clients from the public and private sectors includes large listed companies, multinational corporations, international agencies, state-owned enterprises, government departments and non-governmental organisations.
Recent work highlights:
- ZAR38.8-BILLION restructure of the Distell Group’s multi-tiered ownership and Capevin’s interest in Distell.
- USD1.05-BILLION acquisition by Sanlam Emerging Markets (Ireland), via a subsidiary joint venture with insurer Santam, of Moroccan financial services holding company Saham S.A. and Saham Finances S.A.
- ZAR35-BILLION acquisition by the Vodacom Group of a 34.94% stake in East African telecommunications operator Safaricom.
a.
Chambers Review
ENS houses a large corporate group with a deep bench of experienced lawyers and an excellent reputation in South Africa. The firm plays a key role in market-leading transactions across various industries, including mining, insurance and technology. The department also maintains an enviable client list in the banking, telecom and publishing sectors, as well as being a notable presence in the private equity market. The team's expertise also covers corporate restructuring and black economic empowerment (BEE) transactions and investments. The firm's comprehensive multi-jurisdictional capabilities are ably supported by the ENS network.
Work Highlights
- ENS advised Sanlam on the public offer for a controlling stake in AfroCentric.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"ENS' service is very good. The law firm is commercial and pragmatic. They understand our needs and offer practical solutions."
"ENS has a broad team of diverse specialists that can be drafted into the work where needed."
"ENS' lawyers are extremely aware of commercial matters and are certainly ahead of the game."
"The services offered by ENS are exceptional."
"ENS' service is very good. The law firm is commercial and pragmatic. They understand our needs and offer practical solutions."
"ENS has a broad team of diverse specialists that can be drafted into the work where needed."
"ENS' lawyers are extremely aware of commercial matters and are certainly ahead of the game."
"The services offered by ENS are exceptional."
Notable Practitioners
Michael Katz is one of South Africa's foremost corporate law experts. His experience covers a myriad of high-profile acquisitions, share buy-backs, takeover bids and investments, often of a cross-border nature. His expertise additionally extends to major empowerment transactions and structures.
Doron Joffe is a long-standing lawyer in the field, with considerable experience advising on M&A, disposals and restructurings. He is particularly skilled in transactions involving public companies and investment firms. He acts as joint head of the firm's corporate team.
Brad Serebro often acts on M&A, cross-border corporate structurings and asset acquisitions, as well as providing general corporate advice on shareholding matters.
"Brad Serebro has expertise in his field of law, with enormous practical experience gained over many years."
"His attention to detail is exceptional. He is very deadline-driven and communicative."
Sanjay Kassen joins the rankings thanks to increased visibility on high-profile transactions. He regularly acts on transactional mandates involving share acquisitions and general M&A matters. He has considerable experience with listed companies.
"Sanjay Kassen is an excellent practitioner."
Cheván Daniels is a newly ranked lawyer who regularly handles M&A as well as corporate restructurings. He has a strong reputation in the market.
"He is a very good lawyer."
Ranked Lawyers at
ENS
South Africa
Members
Provided by ENS
Altair Richards
Brad Serebro
Chevan Daniels
Head of Department
Isaac Fenyane
Julius Oosthuizen
Head of Department
Shafeeka Hartley
Tony Lee
Witness Makhubele