About

Provided by Werksmans Attorneys

The Werksmans Insolvency, Business Rescue, and Restructuring practice is well placed to assist directors of such companies as well as all stakeholders (especially creditors) in dealing with the prospect of entering into a formal process, such as business rescue or liquidation, and to provide effective legal advice to ensure a maximum recovery outcome for all concerned.

Business rescue and insolvency services include:

  • advising companies trading in what may be insolvent circumstances;​
  • advising on whether creditors should make application for business rescue as opposed to liquidation;
  • assisting creditors in attending meetings and dealing with their claims and securities in business rescue;
  • liaising with the business rescue practitioner and existing directors;
  • advising in relation to the provision of post-commencement finance;
  • advising on the general moratorium on legal proceedings against a company which has filed for business rescue;
  • protection of property interests;
  • advising on the effect of business rescue on contracts;
  • dealing with the section 155 compromise between the company and its creditors;
  • advising on the commencement and administration of the insolvency process including proof of claims;
  • advising on cross-border recognition of liquidators and the attachment of assets in foreign jurisdictions; and
  • providing support in forensic legal issues arising from liquidation proceedings.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Restructuring/Insolvency - South Africa
1
Band 1
What the team is known for

Featuring a prominent and impressive restructuring practice, Werksmans represents a range of distressed debtor companies, business rescue practitioners and some of the region’s largest banking institutions. The firm offers clients a deep understanding of both insolvency and restructuring in various industries including healthcare and natural resources, as well as aviation, retail and construction. The team has particular expertise relating to litigation matters arising from liquidations and business rescue proceedings. Werksmans demonstrates notable capability representing international clients and handling mandates with cross-border elements.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
1
Eric Levenstein
Head of Restructuring/Insolvency
1
Band 1

Eric Levenstein maintains a stellar reputation in the market due to his vast experience in all matters related to business rescue, restructuring and liquidation. Based in Johannesburg, he currently chairs the South African Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Association.

"Eric Levenstein has an encyclopedic knowledge of everything about insolvency and business rescue law in South Africa and provides the needed support to secure the best result in a difficult situation."

"He has a very enquiring mind and is a well-known lawyer."

"Eric is a strong restructuring and insolvency partner with wide knowledge of domestic insolvency and who is used to dealing with cross-border matters."

4
Nastascha Harduth
4
Band 4

Nastascha Harduth is a highly regarded lawyer who provides counsel on liquidations, business rescue proceedings and wind-ups, acting for both distressed companies and business rescue practitioners.

"Nastascha Harduth is recognised as a specialist in her field."

"Nastascha is clever and dedicated."

Ranked Lawyers at
Werksmans Attorneys

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

South Africa

Restructuring/Insolvency

1
Eric Levenstein
Head of Restructuring/Insolvency
1
Band 1
4
Nastascha Harduth
4
Band 4

Members

Provided by Werksmans Attorneys

Anine van der Merwe

Brendan Olivier

Eric Levenstein

Head of Department

Frikkie van Tonder

Harold Jacobs

Jaco Niemand

Jennifer Smit

Jonathan Stockwell

Karabo Motshwane

Lauren Becker

Lisa Silberman

Nasthascha Harduth

Rael Gootkin

Walid Brown