Department profile
ENS

Corporate/M&A

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa

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ENS

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About

Provided by ENS

ENSafrica’s dedicated corporate commercial team is the largest in Africa and services leading clients across the full spectrum of business mergers and major deals on the continent.

As such, we regularly partner with specialists across the firm, meaning that we are able to assist with all aspects of all matters across all sectors in all African jurisdictions, ensuring that your legal requirements are handled quickly and seamlessly.

By adding financial, tax, competition, regulatory and employment law expertise to our offering, we have become known for our value-generating role in corporate restructuring and commercial contracts in industries as varied as mining, energy, retail and telecommunications. 

Our wide range of clients from the public and private sectors includes large listed companies,  multinational corporations, international agencies, state-owned enterprises, government departments and non-governmental organisations.

Recent work highlights:

  • ZAR38.8-BILLION restructure of the Distell Group’s multi-tiered ownership and Capevin’s interest in Distell.
  • USD1.05-BILLION acquisition by Sanlam Emerging Markets (Ireland), via a subsidiary joint venture with insurer Santam, of Moroccan financial services holding company Saham S.A. and Saham Finances S.A. 
  • ZAR35-BILLION acquisition by the Vodacom Group of a 34.94% stake in East African telecommunications operator Safaricom.

a.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - South Africa

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

ENS houses a large corporate group with a deep bench of experienced lawyers and an excellent reputation in South Africa. The firm plays a key role in market-leading transactions across various industries, including mining, insurance and technology. The department also maintains an enviable client list in the banking, telecoms and publishing sectors, as well as being a notable presence in the private equity market. The team's expertise also covers corporate restructuring and black economic empowerment transactions and investments. The firm's comprehensive multi-jurisdictional capabilities are ably supported by the ENS network.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • ENS represented Absa Investment Management in disposing part of its business to Glacier.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • ENS are able to handle complex and difficult matters pragmatically and offer sound solutions to challenging issues.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • ENS's lawyers are very thorough and available. Their knowledge of the law helps make the communication much better and they are always there to assist when critical issues arise.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • ENS are always responsive in a dynamic and demanding environment and provide a consistent and reliable level of coordinated services.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • One of the things ENS does very well is have experts in different areas of the transaction. What I appreciate the most is that the team members are able to stand their ground with their advice.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael Katz
    Michael Katz

    Michael Katz

    ENS's chairman Michael Katz is one of South Africa's foremost corporate law experts. His experience covers a myriad of high-profile acquisitions, share buy-backs, takeover bids and investments, often of a cross-border nature. His expertise extends to major empowerment transactions and structures.

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  • Doron Joffe
    Doron Joffe

    Doron Joffe

    Doron Joffe is a longstanding lawyer in the field, with considerable experience advising on M&A, disposals and restructurings. He is particularly skilled in transactions involving public companies and investment firms. He acts as joint head of the firm's corporate team.

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  • Brad Serebro
    Brad Serebro

    Brad Serebro

    Brad Serebro often acts on M&A, cross-border corporate structurings and asset acquisitions, as well as providing general corporate advice on shareholding matters.

    • Brad Serebro is extremely diligent and a pleasure to deal with.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • Brad Serebro has an excellent manner with clients and he gets the tasks done.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Sanjay Kassen
    Sanjay Kassen

    Sanjay Kassen

    Co-head of department Sanjay Kassen regularly acts on transactional mandates involving share acquisitions as well as general M&A matters. He has considerable experience with listed companies.

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  • Cheván Daniels
    Cheván Daniels

    Cheván Daniels

    Cheván Daniels regularly handles M&A as well as corporate restructurings. He has a strong reputation in the market.

    • Cheván Daniels is a good commercial lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at ENS (5)

South Africa

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