Bowmans‘s banking and finance team combines local expertise with international reach, leading complex financial transactions across Africa. Co-led by Ulrike Naumann and Allen Lueta, the team specialises in large-scale restructurings, mining deals, debt refinancing, sustainability-linked financing, and multi-jurisdictional transactions. Naumann is well-known for major cross-border financings, including a USD2.3bn mining acquisition. Jason Wilkinson has led major restructuring and multi-billion-dollar financing transactions. Pride Jani advises on leveraged finance, preference shares, and corporate lending with a commercial focus, while Jan Kruger is an expert in preference share funding and acquisitions. Michael Swartland brings expertise in private equity finance, syndicated lending, and restructurings. Ryan Nelson, Kelle Gagne and Amanda Jones joined from A&O Shearman in 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Jan Kruger provides practical, commercial advice and is a pleasure to work with.'
- ‘The Bowmans team understands the competitive environment we are operating in. There is a lot of innovation and competition from a wide range of different businesses. They understand our business and the way we innovate and compete.’
- ‘'They are aware that there is more to our business than just banking and finance, and their partners are also working on innovative ideas. They speak to each other, do not work in silos and can provide us with holistic and well-informed ideas and advice.’
- ‘Consistently high-quality work, ability to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional issues, good value.'
- ‘Ryan Nelson and Amanda Jones have strong technical skills, market and regional knowledge.'
- ‘Exceptional client service. Superior expertise. Execution excellence. Solution-focussed.’
Key clients
- Absa Bank Ltd
- AbInBev, The South African Breweries
- African Rainbow Capital
- African Rainbow Minerals Ltd
- Alexander Forbes Group Holdings Ltd
- Alexander Forbes Life Ltd
- ARM Coal Ltd
- Ashburton Fund Managers Proprietary Ltd
- Bank of China
- Capitec Bank Ltd
- Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Propriety Ltd
- Development Bank of Southern Africa
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Allen B Leuta; Ulrike Naumann
Other key lawyers
Jason Wilkinson; Pride Jani; Jan Kruger; Michael Swartland; Ryan Nelson; Kelle Gagne; Amanda Jones