The Legal 500

Bowman Gilfillan’s impressive resources and industry expertise attract numerous blue-chip corporate clients. It illustrated its international and cross-border credentials when it advised Pinault Printemps Redoute on the R12bn sale of Conforama France to Steinhoff International Holdings. The eminent Ezra Davids heads the practice, which also includes Rudolph du Plessis, who has ‘insight into the application of local law’ and has completed numerous deals for Standard Bank, as well as Carl Stein and Robert Cohen.

DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr is ‘in the ascendancy’ thanks to its ‘big share of meaty deals’. Historically, it has dominated the black economic empowerment (BEE) arena and has close connections with government and state-owned enterprises. Brent Williams recently acted for Growthpoint Properties and The Public Investment Corporation on their landmark R9.72bn acquisition of the entity operating the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Ian Hayes, Chris Ewing, Willem Jacobs, Jo Neser and Peter Hesseling are also recommended.

ENS (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs)’ ‘large team’ has ‘excellent depth of experience’. It acted for Massmart during its acquisition by Wal-Mart. Chairman Michael Katz has an ‘astute business and legal mind’, and is ‘ever present’ on major deals; Doron Joffe has ‘in-depth knowledge’ and is ‘excellent on the spot’; Koos Pretorius is ‘particularly experienced’ with ‘a great deal of practical know-how and contacts’; Jason Valkin is ‘very solid’; and Cecil Wulfsohn has ‘excellent business acumen’ and is ‘very approachable’. Stephen Lewis and Miranda Feinstein are also recommended.

Webber Wentzel has ‘a vast number of excellent lawyers’, and is a leader in the private equity buyout space. The team recently advised FirstRand and Momentum in the R18bn sale of Momentum to Metropolitan, which involved an exchange for new shares. The firm also acted for Wal-Mart on its headline bid for Massmart. Key individuals include the ‘very polished’ and ‘solutions-driven’ Christo Els; the ‘unfailingly professional’ Johannes Gouws; the ‘extremely bright’ Colin du Toit; and Stephen Meltzer, who has ‘great business acumen’.

Werksmans Attorneys adopts a ‘commercial’ and ‘solutions-oriented’ approach, and it is a regular adviser on many of South Africa’s headline M&A transactions. It has a particularly strong record in the resources sector, and is developing strong relationships with several Chinese and Indian companies. It also represents big brands such as Glencore, which it recently advised on acquiring a stake in Umcebo Mining. The departure of mining sector M&A specialist Morne van der Merwe to Dewey & LeBoeuf (PTY) Limited was a blow, but the department still fields the widely respected Gareth Driver, Kevin Trudgeon, Shaun Teichner, and the ‘solutions-oriented’ David Walker.

Glyn Marais gives ‘balanced’ and ‘commercial’ advice to some of South Africa’s largest corporates. It acts for Sanlam across Africa and other emerging markets, and advised Growthpoint on its joint acquisition of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Private equity deals are also a growing strength. Francois Marais and Roux van der Merwe are highly regarded, as is the ‘commercial’, ‘astute’ and ‘widely experienced’ Willem De Villiers.

Norton Rose South Africa’s standing is on the up, thanks in part to the eminence and experience of Kevin Cron and other talented individuals such as Ross Lomax. Cron and his team recently acted for Sappi on its R814m sale of a 30% stake to a BEE consortium. He also advised FirstRand on the R450m acquisition of Barnard Jacobs Mellet Holdings through a scheme of arrangement. The practice has core expertise in mining and financial services, and benefits from a leading pan-Africa practice and global resources.

The ‘excellent’ Bell Dewar remains a key player in the mining and resources sectors, with Andrew Mitchell’s ‘sound commercial judgement and pragmatism’ and David Hoffe singled out for praise. The firm also has leading expertise in BEE deals.

Eversheds continues to develop its expertise in the mining, minerals and resources sectors. It recently advised Keaton Energy on its acquisition of a 74% equity stake in Leeuw Mining and Exploration, and acted for Jubilee Platinum on its acquisition of 70% of Thos Begbie. Warren Drue is the key partner.

Though relatively small, boutique firm Tabacks has a strong profile in general corporate transactions and mining sector deals. Mervyn Taback and mining sector guru Chris Stevens are highly regarded.

Though more associated with mid-cap transactions, Brink Cohen Le Roux is one of the most widely respected firms in South Africa, most notably in the mining and resources sector. The industrious Johan Brink has excellent industry knowledge and business acumen.

Fluxmans is an active mid-market player. The ‘highly skilled’ Ira Epstein is regularly praised, as are senior figures Phillip Vallet and Costas Carides. BEE transactions are a particular area of strength.

White & Case LLP International Lawyers advised Life Healthcare Group Holdings Limited on its R5.25bn IPO on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Steven Raney is the lead corporate partner.