South Africa > Investment funds
Investment funds
Norton Rose South Africa (Incorporated as Deneys Reitz Inc) has a strong focus on hedge funds, where it acts for a number of asset management firms and financial institutions. Additionally, it advises South African and regional pension funds, and is also attracting work from regional private equity houses. The firm recently represented African Development Bank as lead investor in the pan-African Summit Development Fund. Other clients include Investec Asset Management, Absa Capital, Catalyst Principal Partners, Novare Equity Partners, and Sovereignty Capital. Lance Roderick and Gareth Weston are key contacts.
‘Top-calibre investment funds firm’ Webber Wentzel primarily focuses on the private equity sector, with many of its clients having a strong interest in the mining, infrastructure, telecoms and energy sectors. The firm has a longstanding relationship with Ethos Private Equity, while newer clients include Vantage Mezzanine Capital and African Infrastructure Investment Management. It advised the latter on establishing and closing a $1.7bn fund. Senior partner John Bellew has 15 years’ experience in investment funds, and Nicole Paige’s practice is fully dedicated to funds.
Bowman Gilfillan’s up-and-coming practice has a solid record in collective investment schemes and hedge funds work, and the firm’s strong reputation among major financial institutions is an obvious asset. It recently advised Public Investment Corporation on its equity investment into Ecobank, and acted for Renaissance Asset Managers to obtain approval for the marketing of two sub-funds in South Africa. Francisco Khoza is recommended.