Standing out for its 'collaborative culture', Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr's competition team frequently leads on merger filings and investigations across African jurisdictions, working closely with local regulators and counsel. Department lead Chris Charter advises large, multinational and blue-chip clients across a variety of sectors. Andries le Grange handles merger control and behavioural matters, Albert Aukema works on complex collusion cases, Susan Meyer has led on landmark competition mandates, and Lebohang Mabidikane focuses on merger assessments and cartel and dominance investigations. Reece May and Mmakgabo Mogapi are also key contacts.
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.
- ‘What sets this group apart from competitors is their ability to function not just as legal advisors, but as strategic partners. They listen carefully, understand the business context, and tailor their advice accordingly—avoiding the one-size-fits-all responses that are too common elsewhere. There is also an evident culture of respect, humility, and collaboration within the team that makes them a pleasure to work with. Susan Meyer has been particularly outstanding in this regard.’
- ‘The team has depth at both partner and associate level, with sufficient expertise and seniority allocated. Strong knowledge of the banking industry and willing to learn new and complex aspects on the technical details of the case.'
- ‘Albert Aukema has strong expertise, is responsive, available and showed a keen understanding of complex matters.'
- ‘In addition to having an in-depth knowledge of the latest industry developments and the legislation, the team also has a deep understanding of our clients' businesses and needs.'
Key clients
- ABI
- AdvTech
- African Bank
- African Blue Sky Investments
- Anglo American
- ANZ
- Apex Partners
- AutoX
- Aveng
- Avon Justine
- Azelis
- Babcock Plant Services
Work highlights
Advised ANZ, the third-largest bank by market capitalisation in Australia, on its successful appeal in a long-running and complex cross-border dispute, at the Competition Appeal Court, securing the dismissal of the referral against ANZ of allegations of collusion in the foreign exchange market.
Advising a long-standing, high-profile global client on the competition aspects of its strategic acquisitions in Africa, as well as on general compliance matters in South Africa and across the African continent.
Advised Vodacom on its acquisition of a joint controlling stake in DFA and Vumatel, the leading South Africa-based open access infrastructure providers, through Newco, a leading South Africa-based provider of broadcasting and audio-visual services.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Chris Charter
Other key lawyers
Andries le Grange; Albert Aukema; Susan Meyer; Lebohang Mabidikane; Reece May; Mmakgabo Mogapi