The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Bowman Gilfillan is a first tier firm,

Bowman Gilfillan, which has one of the market’s largest and most successful banking practices, recently hired senior banking lawyer Joz Coetzer and real estate finance specialist Craig Whitley from DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. The firm has a leading position in leveraged and acquisition financing transactions as well as debt restructuring and refinancings, and is also rapidly developing its real estate finance
expertise. Highlights for the practice included advising AfriSam on its R25bn debt restructuring and refinancing as well as acting for senior lenders on the R5.8bn financing of Actom Proprietary’s acquisition of Savcio Holdings. Other clients include domestic banks and international investment banks. The ‘outstanding’ Lionel Shawe has ‘great business acumen’ and ‘industry knowledge’. Casper van Heerden is a leading debt capital markets specialist.

Within Competition, Bowman Gilfillan is a first tier firm,

Bowman Gilfillan’s large team has extensive experience in merger control and litigation, and recently has been involved in major cartel investigations. It advised Kansai Paint on the merger control aspects of its takeover bid for Freeworld Coatings. This ‘diligent’ and ‘experienced’ group features Jean Meijer, who is ‘helpful’, ‘technically excellent’ and gives ‘multidimensional advice’; the ‘excellent’ and ‘pragmatic’ Derek Lotter; the experienced Robert Legh; and cartel expert Tamara Dini.

Within Corporate and M&A, Bowman Gilfillan is a first tier firm,

Despite a general market slowdown in transactions, Bowman Gilfillan worked on a number of headline deals. It acted for Minmetals Resources on its R10.5bn acquisition of Canada’s Anvil Mining. It also advised Shanduka and shareholders on the sale of a 25% stake to China Investment Corporation. Department head Ezra Davids is recommended along with the highly experienced Carl Stein and chairman of the firm Jonathan Schlosberg.

Within Dispute resolution, Bowman Gilfillan is a first tier firm,

Bowman Gilfillan’s large, multi-talented department is ‘excellent’ and ‘outstanding’, and has particular strength in healthcare, construction and infrastructure disputes as well as insolvency and administrative law matters. The ‘strong’ and ‘professional’ Tim Gordon-Grant heads the department, which represented Eskom in a R350m debt recovery arbitration against EB Steam. It also acted for Onecare Health in a significant arbitration matter. James McKinnell, Jason Smit and Peter Whelan are also highly rated. Sadly, leading litigator Greg Higgins passed away in 2012.

Within Investment funds, Bowman Gilfillan is a second tier firm,

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.

Within Labour and employment, Bowman Gilfillan is a first tier firm,

The ‘fabulous’ Bowman Gilfillan is commended for its ‘strategic thinking’, ‘industry knowledge’ and ‘going the extra mile’ for clients. It has substantial experience in representing clients in the higher education, food and beverages, hospitality, retail, transport, and banking sectors. The practice has been closely involved with advising on strike actions, and represented Pick n Pay Retailers in a major restructuring and unfair dismissal cases. It also advises on executive dismissals, most notably for public sector clients, and employee benefits, which is an area of expertise for Rosemary Hunter. Graham Damant is ‘highly skilled’ and ‘experienced’, Robin Carr is ‘an excellent litigator’, and Chris Todd is ‘highly intelligent’ and ‘forward-thinking’. Karen Fulton is also recommended.

Within Mining, Bowman Gilfillan is a second tier firm,

Bowman Gilfillan’s greater focus on the mining sector led to the appointment of senior corporate and competition partner Robert Legh as head of the mining, energy and resources department. He has taken over from experienced environmental and regulatory expert Claire Tucker. The firm recently represented African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation in a Supreme Court appeal review application. It also advised African Rainbow Minerals on joint venture financing of the Konkola North copper mine development.

Within Projects and infrastructure, Bowman Gilfillan is a first tier firm,

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.

Within Shipping, Bowman Gilfillan is a first tier firm,

Bowman Gilfillan is a leader in ship casualties and disputes work, where it is ‘pre-eminent’ and ‘has the edge technically’, and is also particularly strong in ship financing. The firm represents owners and insurers, and recently acted for RBS in the highly contested foreclosure of the motor tanker, Vasi. The ‘decisive’, ‘commercial’ and ‘practical’ Craig Cunningham has substantial experience and ‘in-depth knowledge’. Jeremy Prain is ‘user-friendly’, ‘responsive’ and ‘technically very good’.

Within Tax, Bowman Gilfillan is a second tier firm,

Bowman Gilfillan is ‘high quality’, ‘sensible’ and ‘pragmatic’, and has genuine capabilities in most areas of tax but particularly leads the way on M&A and capital markets work. The team recently advised Marsh on acquiring Alexander Forbes’ insurance broking assets in seven jurisdictions. Barry Garven is commended for his ‘technical knowledge’ and ‘market knowledge’, ‘years of experience’, and ‘people skills’. Alan Keep is ‘excellent’, and Wally Horak is a leading international tax law specialist.