The Legal 500

Baker & McKenzie’s team, which clients ‘rate highly on all counts’, combines leading South African attorneys with genuinely experienced international lawyers, such as Scott Brodsky. It has been advising sponsors and lenders on projects under the government’s renewable energy programme. Other recent work includes deals throughout sub-Saharan Africa, such as Namibia’s Diaz Wind Power project. Wildu du Plessis and Chris Moraitis are prominent project finance practitioners.

Bowman Gilfillan reinforced its project finance credentials with the arrival of Joz Coetzer and Craig Whitley from DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. Anton Barnes-Webb is a key figure in the renewable energy and independent power project (IPP) sectors. Daryn Webb and Patrick Hirsch are also recommended. The firm also worked on infrastructure PPP matters, including the Gautrain rapid rail link project, as well as mining, natural resources and energy project financing transactions.

DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr lost Joz Coetzer and Craig Whitley to Bowman Gilfillan but hired project finance expert Biddy Faber from ENS (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs). Kieran Whyte and public procurement and PPP specialist Claire Barclay are key members of the team, which has been closely involved in the government’s renewable energy projects and also advised Exxaro on a R4bn power plant development. It has represented Eskom on a regular basis, and other clients include Kumba Resources, Exxaro Resources, Nedbank, and Investec.

Although ENS (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs) lost senior project finance lawyer Biddy Faber to DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, it retains an experienced team with a strong record in power, mining and infrastructure developments. Key lawyers include Eric Le Grange, who is recommended for his ‘service delivery’, ‘commercial acumen’ and ‘industry knowledge’; Andrew van Niekerk, who is ‘very pragmatic’, ‘very approachable’ and ‘very knowledgeable’; and John Ferraz.

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP’s merger with Bell Dewar makes it ‘one of the best in project finance and banking’, and it can now provide English law advice on contracts. ‘Consummate professional’ Lara Bezuidenhoudt leads the team, which has a wealth of experience in mining finance, toll road PPP deals and other infrastructure projects, and is increasingly active in the power sector. The firm is best known for its lender-side representations, but does advise a number of borrowers in the mining industry. Senior figure Mike Van Vuren, power expert Blaize Vance and the up-and-coming Ashen Jugoo are recommended.

Norton Rose South Africa (Incorporated as Deneys Reitz Inc) is closely involved in PPP and IPP developments in South Africa and throughout the sub-Saharan region. Renewable energy and transport infrastructure mandates have been key sources of work recently, and, for example, the team advised the Mauritian Road Development Authority on financing phase 1 of the Port Louis-Curepipe corridor road decongestion and toll road programme. Lender clients include Standard Bank, Nedbank, RMB, and Absa, alongside a growing borrower client base. Gavin Noeth, Jackie Midlane, Julian Jackson, and construction specialist Gary Rademeyer are highly recommended.

Webber Wentzel is ‘excellent’ in projects and infrastructure matters. The ‘outstanding’ and ‘commercial’ Brigette Baillie is representing Development Bank of South Africa in its renewable energy IPP procurement programme, and a number of bidders and lenders are also instructing the firm on this project. The team has also experienced a considerable upswing in mining finance mandates. Karel Potgieter and Jason van der Poel are also recommended.

Werksmans Attorneys has a solid record in projects and infrastructure, thanks in part to the efforts of leading figure Richard Roothman. The team, which has worked on a series of PPPs, recently advised Absa Capital as lead arranger to the Imvelo consortium on the PPP financing transaction to develop the Department of Environmental Affairs’ new head office.

White & Case LLP International Lawyers’ South Africa practice is strongly focused on the power sector. It recently advised regular client Eskom on the government’s renewable energy IPP programme, and is also representing two sponsors involved in the same matter. The office is also able to leverage the firm’s global expertise in oil and gas. Shamilah Grimwood is the lead partner.