Capital Markets: Debt
Global Guide 2024 : South Africa
Band 1
Contact number
+27 11 530 5000About
Provided by Webber Wentzel
The ECM team has consistently acted in the most complex and significant ECM matters in the market, which ensures that the team continues to develop cutting edge expertise and experience. Recognised as leading practitioners in the field by international ratings agencies, this gives the team strength in depth and the ability to manage complicated transactions in expedited timelines whilst still providing quality commercial solutions to clients. We can call on our tax, exchange control and corporate practice areas across a variety of sectors to provide a bespoke ECM solution.
Our DCM team has unmatched experience in structuring and executing on the full debt transaction spectrum. We provide commercially-minded, expert advice and building strong relationships with South Africa's largest corporates, banks and key regulators. Our clients include public and private corporates, banks, financial institutions and public sector issuers. We advise issuers, arrangers and trustees on a range of debt instruments, including domestic and cross-border debt security transactions and programmes, private placements and equity-linked securities. Our expertise includes advising on asset-backed transactions, including securitisations of pension-backed home, auto and mortgage-backed residential and commercial property loans.
Colin du Toit, Partner ([email protected]), Jesse Watson, Partner ([email protected]) or Karen Couzyn, Partner ([email protected]).
Chambers Review
Webber Wentzel operates a distinguished practice across debt and equity capital markets, with an impressive bench and first-rate experience of cross-border inward listings. The firm regularly appears on some of the largest deals in South Africa. It is highly regarded for its representation of issuers, and also has a significant practice advising bookrunners and arrangers. The team's expertise covers the full spectrum of capital markets matters, while its client base includes leading national and international financial institutions and household names from various sectors. The department possesses further experience assisting with corporate restructuring and unbundling mandates, as well as the resulting listings changes. Webber Wentzel offers impressive cross-border capabilities, enhanced by its alliance with Linklaters.
Work Highlights
- Webber Wentzel advised Capitec on the specific issue of ordinary shares, to the value of ZAR1 billion, as part of its broad-based Black Economic Empowerment employee scheme.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Webber Wentzel are extremely professional and knowledgeable and are able to effectively and successfully advise on complex, nuanced legal issues in record time."
"Webber Wentzel are top of their game and have a global reach as their alliance with Linklaters gives them a clear edge on cross-border matters."
"They provide strategic and commercially minded advice; it's a pleasure to work with them."
"Webber Wentzel are extremely professional and knowledgeable and are able to effectively and successfully advise on complex, nuanced legal issues in record time."
"Webber Wentzel are top of their game and have a global reach as their alliance with Linklaters gives them a clear edge on cross-border matters."
"They provide strategic and commercially minded advice; it's a pleasure to work with them."
Notable Practitioners
Christo Els is an exceptionally well-regarded corporate lawyer with significant experience across both the equity market and M&A. In the capital markets field, he has been involved in numerous capital raisings, including private placements and bookbuilding, as well as notable IPO mandates.
"Christo is an excellent practitioner who is very well respected in the market."
"Christo Els is a consummate professional with years of experience. As the senior partner he has vast experience and leads with strength."
Karen Couzyn continues to be a favoured choice for domestic and international banks alike, assisting with the establishment of securitisation and multi-issuer note programmes. She also regularly assists with debt restructuring issues.
"Karen performed outstanding work."
Jesse Watson commands a notable reputation in Johannesburg and across the jurisdiction for his ECM work. He provides counsel to his high-profile client base on a range of complex products, including repurchase programmes and accelerated rights offerings.
"Jesse Watson was able to stay focused and strategic, while remaining on the front foot. He was incredibly flexible and resilient."
"Jesse is sophisticated and highly experienced."
Lindi Marais is recognised as one of the leading names in Johannesburg's debt space. She particularly impresses with her track record of acting for issuers, with her client roster featuring renowned names in the South African telecoms and banking sectors.
"Lindi remains committed to excellent service delivery at all times."
Colin du Toit is a well-known Johannesburg-based lawyer in the South African corporate landscape, with dual expertise in both ECM and M&A transactions. He also has impressive experience in complex restructurings, leading share buy-backs and corporate delistings.
"He is a very capable lawyer with historic activity for big clients in this space."
"He has outstanding service levels, technical ability and business acumen."
Gareth Driver is a well-recognised corporate lawyer in Johannesburg, particularly in relation to capital raisings. He is experienced in advising on shareholder offerings as well as listings and flotations. His expertise also incorporates M&A, joint venture agreements and Black Economic Empowerment transactions.
Ranked Lawyers at
Webber Wentzel
South Africa
Members
Provided by Webber Wentzel