Department profile
Baker McKenzie

Corporate/M&A

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa


Baker McKenzie

Rankings

About

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Our Johannesburg Corporate M&A team combines local knowledge and Baker McKenzie's global reach to advise local and multi-national clients on a range of transactions not only in South Africa, but across the African continent. We advise both public and private companies on corporate compliance and governance, global corporate reorganizations, joint ventures, strategic alliances, multinational acquisitions & disposals, post-acquisition integration, private equity & venture capital M&A, private & public M&A, corporate finance & structuring, leveraged and management buy-outs, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, tax, debt and equity capital markets transactions and other related matters.

Our interdisciplinary team (working with our market-leading tax, competition and employment practices), collaborate with our highly skilled and experienced colleagues across the globe. Our experience in servicing our multinational client base distinguishes our offering from that of many other firms operating in the South African market. As one of only a handful of law firms with a dedicated global reorganizations practice, we guide clients through all stages of their transactions.

Our sector expertise spans mining, financial institutions, fintech, insurance, logistics, chemicals, projects, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, security, construction, industrial, water & waste management, healthcare, consumer goods & retail, private equity, telecommunications, media, technology and real estate.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - South Africa

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Baker McKenzie is a recognised player in the South African corporate legal market, with experience handling major transactions. The team is ably supported by the firm's expansive international network in the management of high-stakes cross-border mandates. In addition, the firm is experienced in corporate reorganisations, capital raisings and navigating the country's regulatory regime. Its lawyers also possess notable expertise regarding transactions in the manufacturing, mining, technology and financial services sectors.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie advised Royal Bafokeng Holdings on its acquisition of Swiftnet from Telkom.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie's global perspective, technical excellence and strategic acumen makes it an invaluable asset to any organisation navigating the complexities of today’s legal landscape.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Full service, Baker McKenzie provides market intelligent advice that is oriented to its clients. The team is excellent at driving negotiations forward and complexity does not faze them.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Baker McKenzie doesn't just provide legal advice in isolation; it integrates it seamlessly with our commercial objectives.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Baker McKenzie offers practical advice and is confident in its advice and approach. The lawyers are respected by the regulators as subject matter experts.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Their ability to manage multi-workstream processes efficiently while maintaining precision and responsiveness makes Baker McKenzie a trusted and effective partner on high-impact matters.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Lydia Shadrach-Razzino
    Band 2Lydia Shadrach-Razzino

    Lydia Shadrach-Razzino

    Head of department Lydia Shadrach-Razzino is a renowned corporate lawyer with notable prowess in the private equity market, advising on buyouts, disposals and portfolio investments. She is also noted for her significant experience with empowerment structures and corporate governance issues.

    • Lydia Shadrach-Razzino goes above and beyond what is asked and I love the way she negotiates. She is so calm and she is not afraid to stand her ground, which I appreciate.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Lydia Shadrach-Razzino is very commercial, detail-focused and very strategic. She can keep her eye on the big picture while understanding the micro nuances. She is very outcome-driven.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • She is very technically strong, commercial and smart.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Lydia Shadrach-Razzino's exemplary client service and unparalleled general level of service are marked by exceptional responsiveness, proactivity and consistent delivery of top-tier work.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Band 5Verushca Pillay
    Band 5Verushca Pillay

    Verushca Pillay

    Verushca Pillay often advises clients in the telecoms and mining sectors, with a notable track record in cross-border deals. She has additional experience in black economic empowerment transactions.

    • Verushca Pillay seeks to ensure that all her clients' needs are met by her firm and that she has oversight on the standard and quality of delivery. This makes her a key relationship partner.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Verushca Pillay is very good and easy to work with.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Verushca Pillay is very thorough, intelligent and pleasant to work with.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Baker McKenzie (2)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie has rankings in the following guides

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