The 'extremely experienced and well-rounded' commercial team at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr is well-known for advising multinationals on acquisitions, restructurings, BEE deals, disposals, joint ventures, and compliance matters. Practice head Ian Hayes has a strong track record of advising blue-chip clients in the mining, telecoms, and retail sectors on takeovers, restructurings, IPOs, and private equity transactions. Willem Jacobs is a leading M&A specialist, advising on cross-border transactions, capital markets, and restructurings, while Peter Hesseling plays a strategic role in M&A transactions, leading major deals for top institutional investors. Vivien Chaplin leads on mining M&A transactions, specialising in private and government-sector deals. Andre de Lange, Anita Moolman, Roxanna Valayathum, and Shameegh Allen are also notable contributors. Eben Smit joined the practice with insurance and financial services law expertise in November 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘This team not only has an exceptional knowledge of the relevant substantive law and regulatory requirements, but finds innovative solutions that meet our business needs, whilst at all times ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.'
- ‘Apart from Peter Hesseling's undoubted legal acumen and the wealth of knowledge he carries from his years' of experience in this field, he always makes sure that he understands his client's business imperatives and is able to craft legal solutions that meet these requirements, whilst conveying complicated legal principles in simple and understandable terms.'
- ‘Extremely experienced and well-rounded team. Always responds timely and are always available even in difficult circumstances.’
- ‘Outstanding quality of work, integrity, great experience, professional, helpful etc.’
- ‘Technical competence and responsiveness.'
- They are highly solution-oriented and thrive in complexity, are highly commercial and don't get caught in 'long grass' items. They have an incredible demeanour.'
Key clients
- ABSA Group
- Accenture
- AFGRI Holdings
- African & Overseas Enterprises
- Africa Fruit Holdings
- Africa Oil
- African Clean Energy Developments
- African Rainbow Capital Investments
- Alaris Holdings
- Aloecap Private Equity Investments
- Ampath
- Arrowhead Properties
Work highlights
Advised both Clientèle and Telesure on Clientèle’s acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of 1Life, from Telesure.
Advised Coronation Fund Managers on the issuance of shares to two trusts to benefit black employees, in a transaction which was named Exxaro BEE Deal of the Year at the 2024 DealMakers awards.
Advised Retailability and its subsidiaries on the disposal to Pepkor Trading and its subsidiaries of 462 retail stores in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and eSwatini.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Ian Hayes
Other key lawyers
Willem Jacobs; Peter Hesseling; Vivien Chaplin; André de Lange; Anita Moolman; Roxanna Valayathum; Shameegh Allen; Akhona Mgwaba; Storm Arends; Eben Smit