Competition/Antitrust
Global Guide 2024 : South Africa
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+27 11 535 8000About
Provided by Werksmans Attorneys
Werksmans' competition lawyers are at the forefront of developments in competition law in South Africa and have assisted a number of large corporate clients with the competition law aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). These clients including mining, manufacturing, telecommunications and financial services companies, and foreign multinationals. They also regularly advise on prohibited practices such as cartel conduct, bid rigging and abuses of dominance. Members of our Competition Practice have acted in cartel proceedings in steel, airline, construction, engineering, vehicle, fuel and much more.
South African competition law differs from foreign models in that the focus is not purely on competition and antitrust issues, but also on certain public interest and social goals. These include the promotion of small businesses, the interests of employees and black economic empowerment. Our deeply experienced competition lawyers bring with them a complementary blend of legal and business skills, and a focus on finding practical solutions and the best possible outcome for the client.
Additionally, our Competition e-Learning Tool provides robust competition law training for all company employees around key areas of competition law.
Our Competition Law services include competition and antitrust services; specifically mergers, investigations and referrals, and compliance matters.
Chambers Review
Werksmans Attorneys enjoys a well-established reputation in the competition market, frequently advising on competition clearance for high-profile mergers and acquisitions in South Africa. The practice demonstrates further proficiency participating in multi-jurisdictional mandates, particularly those pertaining to the wider African continent. The department also has an active practice representing clients in Competition Commission investigations relating to bid rigging and market inquiries. The firm maintains a strong client base in the healthcare, consumer goods and technology sectors.
Work Highlights
- Werksmans Attorneys represented Vitol in the competition clearance of its acquisition of Engen and its subsidiaries from Petronas.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Werksmans Attorneys has a highly competent team with strong leadership."
"Werksmans is quick to react to critical legal matters."
"The team as Werksmans has a high knowledge of competition law and can break down complex concepts into usable information that enables us to negotiate preferred outcomes."
"The lawyers communicate very well. I like the idea that they always come back to you to advise on the next steps."
"The lawyers are always very responsive."
"Werksmans Attorneys has a highly competent team with strong leadership."
"Werksmans is quick to react to critical legal matters."
"The team as Werksmans has a high knowledge of competition law and can break down complex concepts into usable information that enables us to negotiate preferred outcomes."
"The lawyers communicate very well. I like the idea that they always come back to you to advise on the next steps."
"The lawyers are always very responsive."
Notable Practitioners
Head of practice Paul Coetser is a well-known and well-respected lawyer in the competition field. Based in Johannesburg, he possesses a wealth of experience dealing with the Commission in merger clearance notifications.
"Paul is a senior practitioner who has a great grasp of the issues and understands business."
"He has in-depth knowledge in competition law, provides impactful advice, always meets deadlines and is at the top of his game."
Based in the firm's Johannesburg office, Ahmore Burger-Smidt is regularly engaged by clients to provide competition advice on corporate transactions, as well as acting for third-party interveners on merger clearance investigations.
Johannesburg-based Paul Cleland covers the full spectrum of competition mandates, including merger filings and market inquiries.
Ranked Lawyers at
Werksmans Attorneys
South Africa
Members
Provided by Werksmans Attorneys
Dominique Arteiro
Graeme Wickins
Petra Krusche
Pieter Steyn
Rudolph Raath
Samantha Sinden
Seroshan Padayachy
Willie Oosthuizen