About

Provided by ENS

ENSafrica has a dedicated banking and finance team which is well known for its scale and depth, and for its cross-border work throughout Africa.

Our key differentiator is the extent and breadth of our expertise and experience across the full spectrum of banking and finance work, including financial services regulation, leveraged finance, asset finance, debt finance, trade finance and capital markets.

We work with leading African and international financial institutions and blue chip companies, and we are sought after by investors, including development finance institutions, who require our expertise in their complex and high value matters, including cross-border mandates spanning multiple countries.

We have well-established capabilities in local law, English law, French law and OHADA law, which enables us to provide you with legal advice in every jurisdiction in Africa.

ENSafrica is recognised by top ranking agencies for achieving consistently high standards when working on the continent.

Recent work highlights:

  • Multi-currency club loan of ZAR1.2-billion to MTN Zambia by joint lenders, including FirstRand Bank, as lead counsel.
  • ZAR20-billion highly complex group-wide debt restructure of the Edcon Group.
  • Raising of USD2.25-billion in the US market by Sasol Financing USA LLC, guaranteed by Sasol Limited.
    Partial financing by Citibank of the acquisition by Comair of one new Boeing 737 Max-8 aircraft.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance - South Africa

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

ENS remains a prominent force in the market with broad-ranging experience in the South African and international banking and finance spaces. The firm represents clients on both the lender and borrower sides of major refinancings, syndicated credit facilities and acquisition financing. It also regularly advises on debt restructurings. The group is additionally called upon by banks and financial institutions on account of its well-regarded regulatory practice. The team possesses deep experience operating across Africa, with numerous regional offices and complementary strength in English law.

Work Highlights

Provided by ENS

  • ENS assisted IFC and Proparco on the financing of a hotel.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Angela Itzikowitz
1
Angela Itzikowitz
1
Band 1
Angela Itzikowitz maintains her reputation as one of South Africa's pre-eminent regulatory banking lawyers. Her broad expertise includes electronic payment issues, derivatives, insurance regulation, AML and securitisation.
Sean Lederman
2
Sean Lederman
2
Band 2
Sean Lederman is a highly experienced lawyer who is well versed in schemes of arrangement, restructurings, financings and refinancings. He represents groups of lenders in debt restructurings, and acts for borrowers in complex refinancing arrangements.

Sean Lederman's experience and knowledge assists in all ways, from complex transactions to everyday interpretation issues. Sean is always available and responsive.

Anina Boshoff
3
Anina Boshoff
3
Band 3
Anina Boshoff has notable experience acting for both lenders and borrowers on lending transactions, including cross-border matters. She lists a number of notable South African banks among her clients.
4
Craig Saven
4
Band 4

Craig Saven is an increasingly prominent lawyer who specialises in cross-border structured trade and commodity finance. He advises major banks and international financial institutions on sovereign loans as well as debt facilities of various denominations.

He is continuously committed and available.

Craig Saven is an excellent all-rounder, well versed in every aspect of the legal, compliance and regulatory aspects of our business, and banking and finance products.

4
Jessica Blumenthal
4
Band 4

Jessica Blumenthal has experience advising on debt restructuring, preference share transactions and financial services regulation. She has represented major South African banks and consortiums in complex financing transactions.

Jessica Blumenthal is an exceptional lawyer, providing great advice and conviction on critical points.

4
Johann Basson
4
Band 4

Johann Basson represents prominent South African banks as lenders in investment financing and debt restructuring.

He is extremely knowledgeable, and ensures that his client's best interests are protected and promoted.

Johann Basson is a brilliant lawyer who is able to balance legal and commercial considerations effectively.

His ability to distil complex issues and negotiate difficult points is always an asset on transactions.

Ranked Lawyers at
ENS

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

South Africa

Banking & Finance

Sean Lederman
2
Sean Lederman
2
Band 2
Anina Boshoff
3
Anina Boshoff
3
Band 3
4
Craig Saven
4
Band 4
4
Jessica Blumenthal
4
Band 4
4
Johann Basson
4
Band 4
Banking & Finance: Regulatory

Angela Itzikowitz
1
Angela Itzikowitz
1
Band 1

Members

Provided by ENS

Deborah Carmichael

Jessica Blumenthal

Johann Basson

Nzame Qokweni

Roger Rudolph

Head of Department