Restructuring/Insolvency
Global Guide 2024 : South Africa
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+27 11 535 8000About
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
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
"The lawyers at Werksmans are considered to be top in their field in respect of cross-border insolvency and restructuring matters."
"It is a very established and settled team, with vast experience in restructuring and insolvency matters."
"The lawyers are brilliant, practical and technically astute."
"The lawyers at Werksmans are considered to be top in their field in respect of cross-border insolvency and restructuring matters."
"It is a very established and settled team, with vast experience in restructuring and insolvency matters."
"The lawyers are brilliant, practical and technically astute."
Notable Practitioners
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."
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
South Africa
Members
Provided by Werksmans Attorneys
Anine van der Merwe
Brendan Olivier
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