Bowmans > Johannesburg, South Africa > Firm Profile
Bowmans Offices
11 ALICE LANE
SANDTON
JOHANNESBURG 2146
South Africa
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Bowmans > The Legal 500 Rankings
South Africa > Banking and finance Tier 1
At Bowmans, the banking and finance practice has a solid track record in advising on high-profile, complex restructurings, and sustainability-linked funding transactions. The team is noted for its strength in representing borrowers, however the group is equally adept at advising lenders such as investment banks in high-value matters. Shamilah Grimwood-Norley co-heads the department with Ulrike Naumann, who has extensive experience in mezzanine finance, secured and syndicated lending, and debt restructuring. Jan Kruger specialises in handling preference share funding arrangements. Jason Wilkinson and Michael Swartland are also singled out for their contributions to the team.Practice head(s):
Shamilah Grimwood-Norley; Ulrike Naumann
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The people and service are excellent.’
‘Knowledge, skill, speed, commitment is what sets them apart.’
‘They have really committed people.’
Key clients
Absa Bank Limited
African Rainbow Capital
African Rainbow Minerals Limited
Alexander Forbes Group Holdings Limited
Alexander Forbes Life Limited
ARM Coal Limited
Ashburton Fund Managers Proprietary Limited
Bank of China
Capitec Bank Limited
Clindeb
Coca Cola Beverages South Africa Propriety Limited
Development Bank of Southern Africa
Fairfax Africa Investments Proprietary Limited
FirstRand Bank Limited
Future growth Asset Management Proprietary Limited
HSBC Bank plc
Imperial Logistics Limited, Imperial Capital Limited, Imperial South Africa Holdings Proprietary Limited, Imperial South Africa Group Proprietary Limited, Imperial Mobility International B.V., and Imperial Mobility Finance B.V.
Investec Bank Limited
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. (London Branch)
Nedbank Limited
Netcare Limited
Ninety-One Limited
Old Mutual Alternative Investments Proprietary Limited, Old Mutual Hybrid Equity Fund, Old Mutual Specialised Finance
Orion Mine Finance, Orion Resources Partners
Prescient Investment Management Proprietary Limited
RMB International (Mauritius) Limited
Sanlam Investment Management Proprietary Limited
Sanlam Life Insurance Limited
Standard Chartered Bank
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Stanbic Bank IBTC PLC, Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited
Stanlib Management Proprietary Limited
Tongaat Hulett Limited
Trafigura PTE Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the National Treasury on the provision of a sustainable solution to the R440 billion debt burden of Eskom.
- Advised Rand Merchant Bank, The Standard Bank of South Africa and other lenders on the impact of the Heineken scheme of arrangement on Distell Limited’s R6.2 billion funding package.
- Advising a syndicate of financiers on the refinancing of Sun International Limited’s R6 billion debt.
South Africa > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
M&A forms the backbone of Bowmans’ transactional practice, and the ‘very responsive‘ team has an excellent track in advising financial institutions, state-owned enterprises, government departments, domestic and international companies and banks on public and private M&A mandates. Joint ventures and private equity deals are other key drivers of work for the group. Charles Douglas and Tholinhlanhla Gcabashe jointly head up the department; Ezra Davids stands out as ‘a superb corporate advisor‘, and Nanga Kwinana assists with domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as equity capital markets and corporate finance work. Naqeeba Hassan is also singled out for her contribution to the practice group. In April 2024 Angela Simpson joined the group.Practice head(s):
Charles Douglas; Tholinhlanhla Gcabashe
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Bowmans’ corporate and M&A team is reliable and has a wealth of knowledge of various industries. This allows them to provide business orientated legal advice and with diligence and care.’
‘Nanga Kwinana provides sound, clear and practical legal advice.’
‘Bowmans’ corporate team is absolutely first-rate. They deliver excellent, business-savvy advice which is practical and commercial.’
‘Excellent commercial knowledge and approach alongside world class technical skills and expertise.’
‘Charles Young – very good, responsive and pragmatic.’
‘Ezra has unrivalled connections within South Africa which can be invaluable in getting complex deals done.’
‘Nanga Kwinana is a rising star – very diligent and thorough.’
Key clients
Absa Bank Group Limited
African Rainbow Minerals Limited
AngloGold Ashanti
Aker Horizons
Alexander Forbes
Allianz
Anheuser-Busch Inbev Africa
Ardagh Group S.A and Ardagh Glass Packaging Holdings Africa Proprietary Limited
Barloworld Limited
Digital Realty Inc.
Export Trading Group
Gateway Real Estate Africa Limited
Imperial Logistics Limited
Investec Bank
Lanxess Deutschland GmbH
Mediterranean Shipping Company S.a.r.l
Mondelez
Morgan Stanley
Mr Price Group Limited
MTN Group
Old Mutual Alternative Investments
Old Mutual Limited
One Thousand and One Voices (Mauritius) Limited
Petredec Onshore
Rand Merchant Bank
Royal Bafokeng Platinum
Sasol South Africa Limited
Simmons and Simmons LLP
Sommet Education Sàrl
Sphere Holdings
Standard Bank Group Limited
Sumeru Equity Partners L.P
Telkom Limited
Vendanta Resources plc
Vivo Energy
WSP Group Africa
Yamana Gold Inc.
Work highlights
- Advising Allianz SE on the establishment of a joint venture with the South African financial services group, Sanlam.
- Acting as lead counsel to Kuehne Nagel International AG on implementing a series of interlinked transactions aimed at acquiring some entities in the Morgan Cargo Group, via some of the client’s subsidiaries based in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Kenya.
- Advising Old Mutual on its proposed R2.8 billion BEE ownership transaction.
South Africa > Competition Tier 1
At Bowmans, the practice’s ‘ability to provide a one-stop-shop for all things competition-related in Africa is invaluable when it comes to navigating complex multi-jurisdictional matters‘. Derek Lötter is ‘extremely knowledgeable in competition law‘, and jointly heads the department with Tamara Dini, who possesses ‘a supreme grasp of the technical nature of competition law‘. The team is highly regarded for advising a client base of blue-chip companies on a broad spectrum of complex competition matters, with noted capabilities in handling abuse of dominance allegations, prohibited practices investigations, and merger control mandates. Heather Irvine regularly acts on cross-border mergers, and Rudolph Labuschagne has solid expertise in advising on competition litigation and cartel and abuse of dominance investigations. Other key practitioners include Xolani Nyali, Sivuyise Lutshiti, and Kayla Abrahams. Disebo Leokaoke joined the practice in late 2022.Practice head(s):
Derek Lötter; Tamara Dini
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Heather Irvine is our trusted SA antitrust counsel. She leads a very strong team. A true leader, smart, organised, technically strong, commercial, patient.’
‘Heather Irvine is outstanding.’
‘They are willing to listen and make sure they fully understand, which culminates in the assistance being 100% spot on.’
‘The competition lawyers at Bowmans (and especially Xolani Nyali) are very competent and extremely responsive. They provide pragmatic and timely advice.’
‘Derek is always willing to assist and his insights and advice is very helpful.’
‘Xolani Nyali is a fantastic lawyer – very competent, pragmatic and accommodating.’
‘Tamara Dini is extremely thorough and attentive, with a supreme grasp of the technical nature of competition law. She really works to get under the skin of the business she is advising in relation to.’
‘Tamara Dini and Xolani Nyali are both fantastic; they are responsive, experts in their fields and extremely user friendly. The advice they provide is always commercial, takes into account the broader strategy and commercial imperatives, and of a high quality no matter how tight the timelines are.’
Key clients
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA NV
The South African Breweries
Amazon
Sasol
Meta Platforms, Inc
NCR Corporation
Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited
Ardagh Glass Packaging
Apple Inc.
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
Vitol (and its subsidiary, Vita Gas (Pty) Ltd)
Engen Petroleum
Beam Suntory
Emirates Airlines
Total Energies
Macquarie Bank
BNP Paribas
Old Mutual Limited
Abbott Laboratories
Booking.com
Mediterranean Shipping Company
Nestlé
Pfizer
beIN Media Group
Eskom Holdings SOC Limited
Petredec South Africa
MTN Group and MTN SA
Royal Bafokeng Platinum
British Airways
Pick n Pay
African Oxygen
The Continental Group
Work highlights
- Representing Facebook Inc, Facebook South Africa (Facebook) and WhatsApp Inc (WhatsApp) (as part of the Meta Group) before the Competition Tribunal in relation to allegations of abuse of dominance brought by the Competition Commission.
- Advising a number of prominent international firms on the ongoing Online Intermediation and Platforms and Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiries.
- Acting for Sasol Limited in relation to the South African Competition Commission’s investigation into excessive pricing of piped gas, following a complaint lodged by the Industrial Gas Users Association (IGUA).
South Africa > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Headed up by Lusanda Raphulu, the dispute resolution practice at Bowmans ‘is in a class of its own‘ for some. The team stands out for being ‘particularly strong in complex commercial, company law and shareholder disputes, and is exceptional at providing strategic advice‘. Jonathan Sahli and Lyndal Anderson co-head the litigation department, which continues to handle a high volume for contentious work for mining, financial services, insurance and food and beverage sector clients. Tim Gordon-Grant has an excellent track record in handling international arbitrations and audits-related litigation; Adam Anderson‘s expertise includes banking, construction, corporate and insurance disputes; and James McKinnell is ‘a seasoned litigator with good commercial acumen‘. Jonathan Barnes has established experience in class action litigation.Practice head(s):
Lusanda Raphulu; Jonathan Sahli; Lyndal Anderson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The work is of exceptional quality. Transparency and strong expertise is a unique feature of the team and their availability at all times makes them a valued and trusted partner.’
‘Jonathan Barnes is an exceptionally-trained and experienced lawyer with robust experience in dispute resolution.’
‘Spot on class actions advice.’
‘Their service, specifically their responsiveness, is a distinguishing characteristic. Work product is also extremely high quality.’
‘Jonathan Barnes was a star and met all of our needs. Extremely easy to work with and it was clear he had all of the answers. Very practical.’
‘The team’s expertise covers a wide range of disputes. Their knowledge of the different markets within which clients operate is unparalleled.’
‘James McKinnell has a strong knowledge of the law. He has the ability to identify creative solutions to problems and to persevere through long running disputes. He is resilient, persuasive and has strong problem solving and negotiation skills. He is also likeable and courteous.’
‘The people at Bowmans are very friendly and easy going. You don’t feel uncomfortable or intimidated when discussing your situation and they are always willing to give good guidance.’
Key clients
Public Investment Corporation SOC Limited (PIC)
African Rainbow Minerals Limited and Patrice Motsepe
Delta Beverages (Private) Limited, Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited and Delta Corporation Limited
KPMG Incorporated
Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI)
Coronation Fund Managers Limited
Old Mutual Limited
Public Investment Corporation SOC Limited // KPMG Incorporated
The South African National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC), the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the Robben Island Museum (RIM)
Royal Bafokeng Platinum
Work highlights
- Acting for the Public Investment Corporation SOC Limited in litigation, mediation and settlement negotiations concerning its multi-billion Rand dispute arising from the Steinhoff collapse.
- Defending African Rainbow Minerals Limited and Patrice Motsepe against a US$195 million claim for alleged breach of contract.
- Assisting KPMG with an ongoing damages claim for approximately ZAR860 million, brought against the client by VBS Mutual Bank (in liquidation), arising out of KPMG’s alleged breach of its services contract with VBS.
South Africa > Employment Tier 1
Bowmans’ employment and benefits practice houses ‘an exceptional team of lawyers, with an unwavering commitment to excellence coupled with a pragmatic and strategic approach to solving complex issues‘. Led by Helen Wilsenach, the group routinely advises on a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Karen Fulton fields expertise in advising financial services sector entities on employment issues, and Jerry Kaapu is sought after for his experience in advising on collective bargaining and restructurings. Nadine Mather provides ‘practical, commercially sound advice on anything employment-related‘. Rosalind Davey advises on outsourcings and dismissal disputes, and Talita Laubscher handles discrimination claims. Graham Damant and Mbali Mnyandu are key names in the department.Practice head(s):
Helen Wilsenach
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Bowmans has excellent expertise, experience, robustness and attention to detail. The team is highly diversified in terms of different aspects of employment and labour law.’
‘Karen Fulton, Rosalind Davey, and Mbali Mnyandu have been stellar in their work. Their ability to immediately provide assistance for complex matters is unique. Would always highly recommend these individuals and practice team.’
‘Nadine Mather is extremely knowledgeable and readily available to assist.’
‘They are a pragmatic team, providing practical advice.’
‘Nadine Mather has very keen commercial acumen and provides best-in-class legal advice.’
‘The team is diverse with a number of legal minds from various backgrounds which brings a wealth of experience and perspective to their advice.’
‘Graham Damant and Rosalind Davey have provided exceptional service. Their advice is always pragmatic.’
Key clients
Transnet Soc Ltd
Pick n Pay Retailers (Pty) Ltd
Standard Bank Limited
FLSmidth
HCL Technologies Proprietary Limited
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
South African Local Bargaining Council and its parties (SALGA, SAMWU and IMATU)
University of Cape Town (UCT)
NBCCI
CCBSA
Foskor (Pty) Limited
SAB // Khumalo
Work highlights
- Advising Transnet on investigations into allegations of impropriety and misconduct within a division of the company.
- Advised HCL Technologies on the outsourcing/ transfer of key IT services across South Africa by Anglo American, a UK based diversified mining company, to HCL.
- Defending the South African Local Bargaining Council and its parties before the High Court against a challenge to the validity of a collective agreement concluded in the bargaining council that restructured retirement fund arrangements in the local government sector, brought against the client by various pension funds.
South Africa > Shipping and transport Tier 1
At Bowmans, Craig Cunningham is a highly regarded practitioner in the shipping space, and is sought after by marine insurers, charterers, shipowners, suppliers and financiers for his expertise in advising on cases involving maritime casualties, ship finance and the arrest and attachment of vessels. Andrew Pike stands out for his focus on port infrastructure and development work. Heather Manson leads the aviation practice, and is well known for her specialist expertise in aviation insurance, also a key area of strength for Claudia Jackson. Mark van Velden specialises in charterparty matters, and is equally adept at handling shipping litigation and mortgage foreclosures; Jeremy Prain‘s workload includes rail and road transportation matters and ship finance work; and Lana Stockton fields expertise in cross-border shipping insolvency matters.Practice head(s):
Craig Cunningham; Heather Manson; Andrew Pike
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has in-depth knowledge of the infrastructure deal space in South Africa, which makes them very useful advisors.’
‘Andrew Pike has become my go-to partner for all infrastructure deals in English-speaking South Africa.’
‘The firm is very efficient and professional.’
‘Heather Manson and Claudia Jackson are very knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and approachable. The team are all very good to work with and their individual knowledge is exceptional.’
Key clients
Macquarie
Standard Bank
South African Civil Aviation Authority
The American Club
Britannia
The Charterers Club (the MECO group)
Gard
Guardrisk
Infiniti
The London Club
NorthStandard
The Norwegian Hull Club
Santam Limited
Starr Underwriting Managers
The Shipowners Club
Skuld
Steamship
Tokio Marine
The Swedish Club
The UK Club
Thomas Miller Specialty
West of England
HFW
Hill Dickinson
Ince
Kirkland & Ellis
MFB Solicitors
Nautica Law
Reed Smith
Rajah & Tann
Shoreside Law
Stephenson Harwood
Watson, Farley & Williams
Wikborg Rein
Work highlights
- Advising the South African Civil Aviation Authority and its insurers in relation to an aircraft accident.
South Africa > Tax Tier 1
The highly-regarded practice at Bowmans is well-versed in handling a wide range of complex tax matters, with noted strength in tax litigation and the tax aspects of international trade. Barry Garven advises on corporate and international tax matters, as well as tax dispute resolution; he co-heads the department with Mike Benetello, an expert in advising on mining taxation, the tax aspects of business rescue, private equity and mergers and acquisitions. Wally Horak‘s broad experience includes transfer pricing, exchange control and the development of tax-efficient structures for inbound and outbound investments. Kelly Wright is sought after for her expertise in assisting corporate clients and financial institutions with tax litigation. Alan Keep, Robyn Berger and Esther Geldenhuys are also practitioners to note.Practice head(s):
Barry Garven; Mike Benetello
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent tax support on restructuring; technical excellence; always available for urgent advice.’
‘Technical excellence; understand our unique challenges; easy to work with, supportive and understanding.’
‘Strong team.’
‘Mike Benetello is excellent and a pleasure to work with.’
‘The partners of this firm are very commercial in their approach and great problem solvers, delivering effective solutions for the client.’
‘The firm provides practical and insightful advice which is necessary for structuring complex transactions.’
‘The experience and knowledge of Mike Benetello in particular was crucial in the process of analysing and deciding between alternative options at various points in the evolution of the transaction structure.’
‘Bowmans have an excellent team of specialists, who are experts in their fields.’
Key clients
South African Breweries Proprietary Limited
AB InBev / Tanzanian Breweries Limited
The Standard Bank of South Africa
The AfriSam group of companies
Mr Price Group limited
Barloworld Limited
Corteva Inc
African Rainbow Minerals
MTN
Crossfin
Work highlights
- Acting as South African counsel to AngloGold Ashanti Limited on the tax aspects of the client’s ZAR 162.3 billion international group restructuring.
- Provides ongoing assistance to technology company Vantage Data Centres regarding tax and exchange control matters.
- Assisting Allianz SE with ongoing exchange control and income tax issues arising from its implementation of its joint venture with Sanlam.
South Africa > Investment funds Tier 2
Bowmans’ investment fund group acts from within the firm’s private equity practice, and is well known for assisting an established client base of limited partners and private equity houses with high-value, often cross-border fund structuring and formation matters. Private equity specialist John Bellew leads the team and is highly regarded for advising private equity industry stakeholders within multiple African countries. Jutami Augustyn is well-versed in representing South African funds and private equity houses in transactions, and Joshua Janks specialises in venture capital mandates.Practice head(s):
John Bellew
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very deep and knowledgeable team on alternative assets.’
‘Depth of knowledge and experience.’
‘Jutami Augustyn and her team provide a really excellent service – always available, quick responses and quality advice.’
‘Jutami has been a consistently good adviser – rigorous, sensible, helpful. ’
Key clients
Absa Bank Group Limited
Adenia Partners Limited
AlphaTalents Limited
Big Brother
Climate Fund Managers
Enza Capital II LP
Everstrong Capital
Frontend Ventures
Grit Services Limited
International Housing Solutions
LR Africa Holdings Limited
Ninety-One SA Pty Limited
SA SME Fund Limited
The SA SME Fund of VC Funds I
Sanari Capital (Pty) Ltd
SOIC Community Development Trust
TLCom Capital LLP
4D Innovative Capital (Pty) Ltd
A large South African Retirement Fund
Work highlights
- Advising Climate Fund Managers on the establishment of a green hydrogen investment fund in Namibia, as well as in relation to its broader global funds.
- Advising SA SME Limited on the formation of its R1 billion venture capital fund of funds.
- Advised Sanari Capital Proprietary Limited on the establishment and subsequent closings of the Sanari 3S Growth Fund and the investments by 27four Black Business Growth Fund II Partnership, various Riscura managed investors and the National Fund of Municipal Workers.
South Africa > Mining Tier 2
At Bowmans, the team fields particular expertise in handling mining-related corporate and M&A mandates for large mining companies, financial services entities and technology clients. The practice is also highly regarded for its capabilities in handling employment disputes, financial matters and environmental work, and the group reports an uptick in instructions focusing on regulatory issues. M&A expert Charles Young leads the department, and Wandisile Mandlana is a key name for assisting mining houses and suppliers in the industry with mining titles, disputes concerning mineral rights, and environment impact matters. Claire Tucker handles a wide spectrum of mining law matters, and is noted for her strength in regulatory work.Practice head(s):
Charles Young
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Charles Young is excellent and should be recognised as one of the leading mining lawyers in South Africa.’
‘Very experienced, skillful and professional team. They make sure that they know and understand their client.’
Key clients
African Rainbow Minerals Limited
Anglo American
AngloGold Ashanti
Assmang
Barrick Gold
Caledonia Mining
Harmony Gold9
Ivanhoe Mines
Lanxess Deutschland GmbH, Lanxess Proprietary Limited
Merafe Resources Limited
Minerals Counsel of South Africa
Northam Platinum Limited
Orion Mine Finance, Orion Resources Partners
Richards Bay Titanium Proprietary Limited
Rio Tinto
Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited
Sibanye-Stillwater
Seriti Resources
South 32
Trafigura PTE Limited
Vendanta Resources plc, Black Mountain Mining
Work highlights
- Advising Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited on a contested bid for its control by Impala Platinum Limited (Impala) and Northam Platinum Limited (Northam).
- Represented various industry representative bodies, as well as a number of key mining manufacturing clients, in a direct application to the Constitutional Court to challenge the amendment to the definition of “waste” and related provisions in the National Environmental Management Waste Act 59 of 2008 (Waste Act). The amendments are contained in the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Act 2 of 2022.
South Africa > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2
Bowmans’ project finance practice is led by Shamilah Grimwood-Norley, who heads the firm’s banking and finance department, and Patrick Hirsch, who leads the project finance group. Grimwood-Norley has ‘deep knowledge of the infrastructure space‘ and acts for sponsors, lenders and government entities in PPP and IPP projects; Hirsch is sought after by mining, energy and transportation clients for his expertise in transactional matters. Daryn Webb and Anton Barnes-Webb are key practitioners in the team.Practice head(s):
Shamilah Grimwood-Norley; Patrick Hirsch
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has good turnaround time.’
‘Excellent expertise in the field of infrastructure from Shamilah Grimwood-Norley and Daryn Webb. They also seem to have a good network within Africa.’
‘Daryn Webb has excellent and deep knowledge of the infrastructure space in Africa.’
Key clients
FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank Division)
Norsk Solar AS
Futuregrowth Asset Management Proprietary Limited
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) Limited
Development Bank of Southern Africa Limited
iNguza Investments (RF) Limited
Straits Gas (Pty) Ltd
Goldwind New Energy South Africa
Sonnedix Prieska Disposal
Work highlights
- Advising RMB in connection with the restructure of the Old Mutual Ideas Fund, one of South Africa’s largest domestic infrastructure equity funds, valued at ZAR21,3m.
South Africa > Real estate Tier 2
The commercial property team at Bowmans has ‘superior industry knowledge when it comes to real estate transactions, and certainly adds value to any real estate deal‘. Led by property finance expert Craig Schafer, the practice has an excellent track record in assisting developers, banks, listed and unlisted property funds, as well as mining and renewable energy companies, with a wide spectrum of real estate matters. Schafer acts for commercial property lenders in relation to the financing of property acquisitions and developments, and Samantha Saffy is well-versed in advising on the registration of notarial and mortgage bonds as security for project finance. Julia Power has experience in conveyancing matters. Philippa Sutherland also plays an important role in the team.Practice head(s):
Craig Schafer
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Julia Power is an excellent lawyer, so responsive and helpful.’
‘Julia Power is always willing to assist her clients in understanding complex legal issues. Highly recommended.’
‘The team is pragmatic, solution oriented and has quick turnaround times.’
‘Samantha Saffy stands out – she builds good relationships with clients and shows understanding of their needs.’
Key clients
First Rand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division)
The Standard Bank of South Africa (Commercial Property Finance)
Absa Bank Limited (CIB and CPF Divisions)
West Property Fund Limited
Vantage Data Centers South Africa
Growthpoint Healthcare Property Holdings (RF) Proprietary Limited
Zara Retail South Africa Proprietary Limited
Sanlam Life Insurance
African Rainbow Minerals Limited
Assmang Proprietary Limited
Grindrod Holdings (South Africa) Proprietary Limited
Capitec Bank Limited
SOM Group Proprietary Limited
Flanagan & Gerard
Barloworld Limited
Transnet Property
Coca Cola Beverages South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Regus Management Group Pty Ltd
Engen Petroleum Limited
Mpande Property Fund
West BG Properties Proprietary Limited
LSG Sky Chefs South Africa Proprietary Limited
South Africa > Construction Tier 3
At Bowmans, the team stands out for its ‘great legal acumen‘ and ‘very good construction capabilities‘. Practice head Lize-Meré Ludick has ‘outstanding knowledge‘ of contentious construction matters, while Bavesh Pillay brings experience in handling non-contentious construction work, with a focus on front-end instructions involving contractual matters. Diana Burger is also singled out for her contributions. Stephanie McDonald left the firm.Practice head(s):
Lize-Meré Ludick
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team from Bowmans was very intellectual, with great experience and insights. They brought not only great legal acumen to the table, but also commercial awareness.’
‘Lize-Meré is particularly sharp, efficient and contextualises a legal problem well. ’
‘They get the job done and offer timely advice where it can add value.’
Key clients
Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB)
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc of Jersey
NovaSource Power Services SA Proprietary Limited
Hass-Consortium-GVR Infra Limited of Kenya
Intex Construction Ltd of Kenya
Babcock Africa Group and Babcock Ntuthuko Engineering Proprietary Limited
Uphondo Lwe Nyathi Implementation and Training Proprietary Limited
STANLIB
Projectos Dinamicos LDA
Goldwind New Energy South Africa
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
TMMSA (Pty) Ltd
Thales South Africa Systems (Pty) Ltd No
Siemens Mobility Proprietary Limited
Kropz Elandsfontein (Pty) Ltd
BTE Renewables
MSC Cruises SA of Geneva and subsidiary KwaZulu Cruise Terminal (Pty) Ltd
African Clean Energy Developments
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc
Rail Refurb CC
Work highlights
- Advised Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa on procuring two major refurbishment projects at the 2075MW Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Power Plant in Mozambique.
- Acting for Babcock in ongoing litigation against Eskom regarding boiler maintenance works on various Eskom power stations; the team recently advised the client on an urgent interdict and successful review application against Eskom concerning the termination of a boiler maintenance contract.
- Advised Goldwind New Energy South Africa on various sub-contracts for wind projects in South Africa.
Kenya > Banking, finance and capital markets
With a strong foothold in complex domestic and cross-border finance transactions, Bowmans assists a wide range of clients, including lenders and borrowers across the energy, telecoms, real estate, and financial services sectors. Leveraged and acquisition finance, structured finance, derivatives, securitisation, subordinated debt, and insolvency and restructuring lie within the strengths of the practice, in addition to a dedicated fintech team. Practice head Cornelius Kigera has most recently been engaged by lenders in the oil and tea sectors on commodity finance matters, while Dominic Indokhomi is the go-to for queries relating to digital assets. Managing partner Paras Shah supports on complex transactions, including IPOs and sovereign bonds.Practice head(s):
Cornelius Kigera
Other key lawyers:
Dominic Indokhomi; Paras Shah; Candice Kola; Cynthia Amutete
Key clients
KCB Bank Kenya Limited
NCBA Bank Kenya PLC
ABSA Bank Limited
IndusInd Bank Limited
Sibed Transport Company Limited
International Finance Corporation
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited
Lendable Asset Management LLC
Nedbank Limited
The Land Degradation Neutrality Fund SLP
Work highlights
- Acted for KCB Bank Kenya Limited in advancing an Open Tender System facility to Galana Oil Kenya Limited and advised on the preparation of the loan and security documents.
- Acted for NCBA Bank Kenya PLC in connection with facilities by NCBA to Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Management Services Limited in the sum of $150m.
- Acted as Kenyan counsel to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in connection with the $25m loan to be extended to Platinum Credit Limited and Premier Credit Limited.
Kenya > Real estate and construction
Dividing its attention between private city master plan developments, construction law matters, conservation projects and commercial leases, Bowmans enjoys a strong position in the fields of real estate and construction. Real estate transactions, construction contracts, private conservancy foundations and land development, and land rights disputes count among the team’s strengths. Practice head Cornelius Kigera is a heavyweight in real estate financing transactions, and is supported by the complex projects-focused Alex Njage, construction law specialist Simon Kiriba, conveyancing and property development expert Paras Shah, and commercial property expert Philip Coulson.Practice head(s):
Cornelius Kigera
Other key lawyers:
Alex Njage; Simon Kiriba; Paras Shah; Philip Coulson; Njeri Maina
Testimonials
‘Bowmans has provided an excellent team for our construction advice requests. They are very practical, on point, efficient and professional. They understand our needs very well and provide very realistic advice.’
Key clients
Tatu City Limited and Tatu City Phase 2 SEZ Limited
And Beyond Holdings (Pty) Limited
Sunbird Support Services Kenya Limited
Gateway Real Estate Africa Limited
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Borana Conservancy
Great Plains Conservancy Ltd
Shompole Plains Ltd
Tajano Limited
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Goodison Nine Limited
Base Titanium Limited
Superior Homes (Kenya) PLC
Lake Turkana Wind Power Limited
Base Titanium Limited
The Nature Conservancy
Work highlights
- Advised And Beyond Holdings (Pty) Limited in the incorporation of Kenyan subsidiaries and acquisition of two parcels of land measuring approximately 50 acres each for purposes of establishing tourist luxury accommodation within Suyian Ranch, which sits on a 44,010-acre parcel of land.
- Advised Lake Turkana Wind Power Limited on land law matters relating to the ownership of property on which the client has built and operates a 310MW wind power project.
- Acted for Ol Pejeta Conservancy in leasing various parcels of land within the conservancy for tourism and conservation purposes.
Bowmans > Firm Profile
About Bowmans South Africa: With more than 300 specialist lawyers and a total staff complement of over 650, Bowmans’ South African practice is widely regarded as one of the leading corporate law firms in the country.
Its specialist legal services cover the spectrum of corporate and commercial law, banking and finance law and dispute resolution. The team is recognised for its professionalism and ability to assist clients in the region.
Clients include investment banks, industrial conglomerates, financial institutions, governments and state authorities from both South Africa and around the world.
Awards: Chambers Africa Awards: South Africa Law Firm of the Year, 2023
Who’s Who Legal: Country Firm of the Year: South Africa, 2023 and 2022
IFLR Africa Awards: Jurisdictional Firm of the Year: South Africa, 2022
IFLR Africa Awards: National Law Firm of the Year: South Africa, 2021
About bowmans: Bowmans helps its clients manage legal complexity and unlock opportunity in Africa. Its enviable track record of providing legal services to the highest professional standards on the continent, spans corporate, finance, competition, taxation, employment, technology and dispute resolution matters.
With over 500 specialist lawyers, Bowmans draws on its unique knowledge of the business and socio-political environment in Africa to advise on a wide range of legal issues.
The firm delivers integrated legal services from nine offices (Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, Durban, Johannesburg, Lusaka, Moka, Nairobi, Swakopmund and Windhoek) in six countries (Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia).
Everywhere it operates, Bowmans offers its clients a service that uniquely blends expertise in the law, knowledge of the local market, and an understanding of their businesses. The firm’s aim is to assist its clients to achieve their objectives as smoothly and efficiently as possible while minimising the legal and regulatory risks.
The firm works closely with its Alliance firms Aman & Partners LLP in Ethiopia and Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie in Nigeria. Bowmans has special relationships with firms in Mozambique and Uganda; a non-exclusive co-operation agreement with French international law firm Gide Loyrette Nouel that provides access to lawyers in francophone west and north Africa; regularly works with other leading independent law firms across the rest of Africa; and is a representative of Lex Mundi, a global association of independent law firms in more than 125 countries.
Clients include domestic and foreign corporates, multinationals, funds and financial institutions, across a range of industry sectors, as well as state-owned enterprises and governments.
Offices
Kenya: Nairobi
5th Floor, ICEA Lion Centre, West Wing, Riverside Park, Chiromo Road, Nairobi
T: +254 20 289 9000
E: info-ke@bowmanslaw.com
Mauritius: Moka
3rd Floor, The Dot, Avenue De Telfair, Moka
T: +230 460 5959
E: info-ma@bowmanslaw.com
Namibia: Swakopmund
No. 6 Antonius Garten, c/o Hendrik Witbooi Str & Theo-Ben Gurirab Avenue, Swakopmund
T: +264 64 406 320
E: info-na@bowmanslaw.com
Namibia: Windhoek
33 Schanzen Road PO Box 3516, Windhoek
T: +264 61 382 800
E: info-na@bowmanslaw.com
South Africa: Cape Town
22 Bree Street, Cape Town
T: +27 21 480 7800
E: info-cpt@bowmanslaw.com
South Africa: Durban
Ground Floor, Compendium House, 5 The Crescent, Westway Office Park, Harry Gwala Road, Westville, Durban
T: +27 31 109 1150
E: info-dbn@bowmanslaw.com
South Africa: Johannesburg
11 Alice Lane, Sandton, Johannesburg
T: +27 11 669 9000
E: info-jhb@bowmanslaw.com
Tanzania: Dar es Salaam
2nd Floor, The Luminary Cnr Haile Selassie and Chole Roads, Masaki,
Dar es Salaam
T: +255 76 898 8640
E: info-tz@bowmanslaw.com
Zambia: Lusaka
3rd Floor, Evexia Commercial Building, Plot Number 1014, Church Road, Lusaka
T: +260 21 135 6638
E: info-zb@bowmanslaw.com
Key areas of specialisation:
Banking and financial services regulatory
Commercial property
Competition
Corporate investigations
Corporate services
Data protection
Debt capital markets
Dispute resolution
Employment and benefits
Environment, sustainability and climate change
Equity capital markets
ESG
Finance
Fintech
Governance, compliance and investigations
Government contracting and public procurement
Intellectual property
International arbitration
Litigation and arbitration
Local content and broad-based black economic empowerment
Media, entertainment and broadcasting
Mergers and acquisitions
Oil and Gas
Pensions law
Private equity
Project finance
Regulatory services
Restructuring
Shipping, aviation and logistics
Tax
Technology
Telecommunications
Key areas of practice:
Aviation
Construction
Consumer goods
Education
Energy
Financial institutions
Hotels and leisure
Industrials
Infrastructure
Insurance
Mining
Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
Ports, rail and logistics
Technology, media and telecommunications
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Chairman and Senior Partner | Ezra Davids | ezra.davids@bowmanslaw.com | +27 11 669 9000 |
Group Managing Partner | Alan Keep | alan.keep@bowmanslaw.com | +27 11 669 9000 |
Office Managing Partner, Cape Town | Deon de Klerk | deon.deklerk@bowmanslaw.com | +27 21 480 7800 |
Office Managing Partner, Durban | Yasmeen Suliman | yasmeen.suliman@bowmanslaw.com | +27 31 109 1150 |
Senior Partner, Kenya | Richard Harney | richard.harney@bowmanslaw.com | +254 20 289 9000 |
Managing Partner, Kenya | Paras Shah | paras.shah@bowmanslaw.com | +254 20 289 9000 |
Managing Partner, Mauritius | Fazil Hossenkhan | fazil.hossenkhan@bowmanslaw.com | +230 460 5959 |
Senior Partner, Namibia | Irvin Titus | irvin.titus@bowmanslaw.com | +264 64 406 320 |
Managing Partner, Namibia | Stephen Vlieghe | stephen.vlieghe@bowmanslaw.com | +264 64 406 320 |
Senior Partner, Tanzania | Wilbert Kapinga | wilbert.kapinga@bowmanslaw.com | +255 76 898 8640 |
Managing Partner, Tanzania | Michael Strain | michael.strain@bowmanslaw.com | +255 76 898 8640 |
Managing Partner, Zambia | Mabvuto Sakala | mabvuto.sakala@bowmanslaw.com | +260 21 135 6638 |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Total staff : 1000+ Lawyers : 500+Languages
EnglishMemberships
Lex Mundi - The World's Leading Association of Independent Law Firms- Banking and finance
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Competition
- Dispute resolution
- Employment
- Shipping and transport
- Tax
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Investment funds
- Mining
- Projects and infrastructure
- Real estate