Department profile
Webber Wentzel

Capital Markets: Debt

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa

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Webber Wentzel

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About

Provided by Webber Wentzel

The ECM team has consistently acted in the most complex and significant ECM matters in the market, which ensures that the team continues to develop cutting edge expertise and experience. Recognised as leading practitioners in the field by international ratings agencies, this gives the team strength in depth and the ability to manage complicated transactions in expedited timelines whilst still providing quality commercial solutions to clients. We can call on our tax, exchange control and corporate practice areas across a variety of sectors to provide a bespoke ECM solution. 

Our DCM team has unmatched experience in structuring and executing on the full debt transaction spectrum. We provide commercially-minded, expert advice and building strong relationships with South Africa's largest corporates, banks and key regulators. Our clients include public and private corporates, banks, financial institutions and public sector issuers. We advise issuers, arrangers and trustees on a range of debt instruments, including domestic and cross-border debt security transactions and programmes, private placements and equity-linked securities. Our expertise includes advising on asset-backed transactions, including securitisations of pension-backed home, auto and mortgage-backed residential and commercial property loans.

Colin du Toit, Partner ([email protected]), Jesse Watson, Partner ([email protected]) or Karen Couzyn, Partner ([email protected]).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Capital Markets: Debt - South Africa

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Webber Wentzel operates a distinguished practice across debt and equity capital markets, with an impressive bench and first-rate experience of cross-border inward listings. The firm regularly appears on some of the largest deals in South Africa. It is highly regarded for its representation of issuers, and also has a significant practice advising bookrunners and arrangers. The team's expertise covers the full spectrum of capital markets matters, while its client base includes leading national and international financial institutions and household names from various sectors. The department possesses further experience assisting with corporate restructuring and unbundling mandates, as well as the resulting listings changes. Webber Wentzel offers impressive cross-border capabilities, enhanced by its alliance with Linklaters.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Webber Wentzel advised Anglo American on two accelerated bookbuild offerings of shares in Anglo American Platinum.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The service we receive from Webber Wentzel is exceptional, and the counsel are always responsive and attend timeously to questions and comments.

    Capital Markets: Debt respondentGlobal

  • Webber Wentzel offers in-depth knowledge of the product, experience and credibility in the specific sector.

    Capital Markets: Debt respondentGlobal

  • They have a deep understanding of the market and are pragmatic in their approach when providing advice and offering solutions.

    Capital Markets: Debt respondentGlobal

  • The bench strength of the department makes the firm stands out, as well as its excellent understanding of our industry.

    Capital Markets: Debt respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Christo Els
    Christo Els

    Christo Els

    Christo Els is an exceptionally well-regarded corporate lawyer with significant experience across both the equity market and M&A. In the capital markets field, he has been involved in numerous capital raisings, including private placements and bookbuilding, as well as notable IPO mandates.
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  • Jesse Watson
    Jesse Watson

    Jesse Watson

    Jesse Watson commands a notable reputation in Johannesburg and across the jurisdiction for his ECM work. He provides counsel to his high-profile client base on a range of complex products, including repurchase programmes and accelerated rights offerings.

    • He has a knack of delivering legal expertise in a way that is practical, impactful and understood by clients.

      Capital Markets: Debt respondentGlobal
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  • Karen Couzyn
    Karen Couzyn

    Karen Couzyn

    Karen Couzyn continues to be a favoured choice for domestic and international banks alike, assisting with the establishment of securitisation and multi-issuer note programmes. She also regularly assists with debt restructuring issues.

    • Karen Couzyn is a longstanding capital market leader. She is very highly regarded.

      Capital Markets: Debt respondentGlobal

    • Karen's ability to understand the problem is exceptional. She is very experienced, commercially astute and can tailor for the requirements of each transaction.

      Capital Markets: Debt respondentGlobal
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  • Lindi Marais
    Lindi Marais

    Lindi Marais

    Lindi Marais has a strong track record of work for issuers on the issuance of notes, with her client roster featuring renowned names in the South African telecoms and banking sectors.

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  • Colin du Toit
    Colin du Toit

    Colin du Toit

    Colin du Toit is a well-known Johannesburg-based lawyer in the South African corporate landscape, with dual expertise in both ECM and M&A transactions. He also has impressive experience in complex restructurings, leading share buy-backs and corporate delistings.
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Ranked Individuals at Webber Wentzel (5)

South Africa

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