The Legal 500

Bell Dewar is widely acknowledged to have a leading practice in infrastructure, power, mining and PPP deals. The firm has a prestigious history in this sector, acting for major clients such as the South Africa National Roads Agency. Project finance specialist Lara Bezuidenhoudt is an immensely experienced and respected figure, who recently advised a consortium of lenders on the R3.7bn re-financing of South Africa’s N4 West Toll Road.

Bowman Gilfillan has an impressively broad and immensely capable practice. Project finance and PPP is central to the practice, with Anton Barnes-Webb and Daryn Webb having excellent reputations. In 2010, the firm advised Eksom on the €530m financing of the first portion of its Medupi base load power plant. It also represents many of South Africa’s leading lenders.

DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr has a tremendous record in the PPP environment, thanks in part to its excellent connections to government institutions in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. It has particular experience in the transport, water, power and accommodation sectors. The firm advised the Road Development Agency of Mauritius in connection with its ring road and harbour bridge PPP. Kieran Whyte and Claire Barclay are recommended.

Deneys Reitz Inc has a formidable project finance practice, built on its widespread connections to prominent sponsors and lenders. In 2010, the firm represented the lenders on the €530m financing of the first portion of Eskom’s Medupi base load power plant. Clients include FirstRand Bank, Standard Bank and several government ministries. With Gavin Noeth consistently impressing with his leading project finance expertise and the firm’s wider Africa practice gaining further recognition, the firm is well placed in advance of its merger with Norton Rose LLP in 2011.

The ‘excellent’ Webber Wentzel continues to set the standard in project finance and PPP. Much credit goes to Brigette Baillie, who is ‘responsive’, ‘highly commercial’ and ‘one of the best project finance lawyers in Johannesburg’. The firm recently acted for the lenders on the $400m Lekki Toll Road project in Nigeria, and represented Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire on the R3.6bn refinancing of the N1/N4 Platinum Corridor Toll Road. Partner Jason van der Poel is ‘extraordinary’, ‘a go-getter’ and ‘good communicator and presenter’.

Dewey & LeBoeuf (PTY) Limited has a massive global presence in the energy sector and is making consistent progress in South Africa. In 2010, energy specialist Ben Donovan relocated to Johannesburg from London. Renewable energy is a key area for the firm in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. It recently represented Aeolus Power Generation Namibia on the first project financed wind projects in Namibia. Scott Brodsky is highly recommended.

ENS (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs) is making considerable headway in the project finance and PPP sectors. The firm was appointed by Airports Company of South Africa Limited to advise on its participation in the funding, design, construction and tolling of interchanges on the N2 and N3 roads, Bloemfontein Airport and the proposed King Shaka International Airport in Swaziland. John Ferraz and Eric le Grange are part of a team that is ‘very friendly’ and ‘willing to be helpful’.

Werksmans Attorneys’ role as adviser to the South African National Roads Agency on the R44bn Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, illustrates the firm’s high standing in South Africa. In the PPP environment, the firm has represented the Department of Correctional Services on a series of prison projects and the relocation of its head office. Wildu Du Plessis and Richard Roothman are the senior members of the team.

White & Case LLP International Lawyers has a lengthy record in project development in South Africa and across the African continent. This includes the PPP sector in which the firm has worked on the Lesotho Public Hospital in Maseru, Lesotho, followed by representing the lenders on the project financing of the Department of Correctional Services’ prisons PPP. Shamilah Grimwood is the lead partner.