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DLA Piper LLP

Corporate/M&A

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa

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DLA Piper LLP

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You can learn more about our practice at dlapiper.com.


Chambers Review

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Corporate/M&A - South Africa

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

DLA Piper's South African corporate team represents a range of major international investment funds and corporations in cross-border transactions in sectors such as consumer goods, manufacturing and financial services. It provides guidance on the full spectrum of transactions and corporate advisory work, encompassing joint ventures, capital raisings, mergers and demergers. Clients of the Johannesburg office also benefit from its ability to leverage the strength of the greater DLA Piper network, particularly the Africa network which comprises offices in 20 other jurisdictions.

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Work Highlights

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  • DLA Piper acted for Dogstar Mauritius on its proposed merger with SolarAfrica.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • To me, DLA Piper stands out for its availability and for having the soundboard and expertise in this space.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • DLA Piper has an experienced and trusted team with a strong African network.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • The DLA Piper team has a very strong technical knowledge base, coupled with a breadth of fields, which yield a holistic solution to complex problems. They have a strong solution-driven mindset.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • DLA Piper are always solution-driven and the team helps to handle complex matters successfully.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • One of DLA Piper's key strengths is the ability to provide both a sound legal and commercial lens when providing advice on legal documentation, which is a valuable input for M&A transactions.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Johannes Gouws
    Johannes Gouws

    Johannes Gouws

    Johannes Gouws is particularly renowned for his experience leading complex cross-border M&A deals. As well as acting as the firm's South Africa managing partner, he is engaged by clients hailing from a range of industries, including financial services and consumer products.

    • Johannes Gouws is very commercial, and frank in his feedback. I think the fact he's done quite a lot of deals in that space and is knowledgeable about what he wants to do is a real strength.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • I would recommend Johannes Gouws to absolutely anyone. He is really the consummate professional with how he engages with clients and with counterparties.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • Johannes Gouws does an amazing job of guiding us through the transactions.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • He is a great practical and solution-driven lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Peter Bradshaw
    Peter Bradshaw

    Peter Bradshaw

    Head of department Peter Bradshaw maintains a solid reputation, with a strong client following of international investors and financial services providers. He also has experience advising on issues relating to share acquisitions and equity raisings.

    • Peter Bradshaw has a strong commercial approach to transactions and is able to engage in a collegiate manner with a broad range of individuals.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • Peter Bradshaw is my favourite lawyer. He responds in a timely manner and you can ask him anything. He gives advice that is easy to understand and apply.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • Peter Bradshaw is a really sharp, well-thought-out lawyer. He's able to focus the conversation and get proper legal advice and make sure we think holistically. He cuts through the noise.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • We have a really wonderful relationship with Peter Bradshaw. He's very commercially minded and takes negotiations very seriously. He definitely is the one with the presence in the room on a deal.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Marita Van der Walt
    Marita Van der Walt

    Marita Van der Walt

    Marita Van der Walt often handles transactional mandates such as M&A, asset transfers and share subscriptions as well as corporate reorganisations. Her clients operate in a range of sectors, including the food, telecoms and financial services industries.

    • Marita Van der Walt has a good level of both legal rigour and practical application of the law.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • Marita Van der Walt is a super-smart lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at DLA Piper LLP (3)

South Africa

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