Commercial, corporate and M&A

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Client Satisfaction

At Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, the corporate and M&A team has established strength in cross-border M&A transactions and often advises mining, energy, and financial services clients with a broad range of corporate matters. Ross Lomax continues to assist telecoms, renewable energy, and mining entities with BEE transactions. Private equity, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings form the backbone of Patrick Leyden‘s practice. New practice head Ziyanda Ntshona joined from Poswa Incorporated in March 2025, augmenting the firm’s strength on the M&A front, following Rudolph du Plessis’ departure in February 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'They have a great breadth of experience.'
'Ross Lomax is a master legal craftsman.'
'Experienced, well resourced, and friendly.
'They provide an excellent service, with sound and balanced advice.'

Key clients

Huge Group Limited
Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V.
Comcast Corporation
Engie
Scatec ASA
African Phoenix Investments Limited
Country Bird Holdings
Bel Fromagerie
EDF
Creadev
NTT
Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited
Anglo American
BHP plc
Mulilo Renewable Energy South Africa Proprietary Ltd
Extract Group Limited
River Energy South Africa Proprietary Limited Ltd
IHS Holding Limited
Standard Chartered
Barclays plc

Work highlights

Advised ENGIE and G7 on the structuring and implementation of the sponsors' equity investment in the project company of the Oya Energy Hybrid project.
Advising African Phoenix on a scheme of arrangement matter.
Advising Norilsk Nickel Africa Property Limited on the sale of its partnership interest in a joint venture to African Rainbow Minerals Limited.