DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Webber Wentzel

Capital Markets

6 ranked lawyers

Band 1

South Africa

Global 2022 View ranking table

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Ranked Lawyers

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What the team is known for

Webber Wentzel operates a distinguished capital markets practice 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.

Strengths

One source praised the "efficient and straight-talking team" at Webber Wentzel.

Work highlights

A team led by Jesse Watson advised Prosus on the listing of its ordinary shares N on A2X Markets, an additional secondary listing alongside its listing on the JSE.

Notable practitioners

Senior partner 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.

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.

Gareth Driver is a well-recognised corporate lawyer in Johannesburg, particularly relating to capital raisings, with experience in shareholder offerings, as well as listings and flotations. His expertise also incorporates M&A, joint venture agreements and Black Economic Empowerment transactions.
"Gareth Driver is a brilliant technical lawyer."

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.
"Jesse Watson is a lawyer who really pushes the envelope when it comes to innovative solutions." "He is excellent when it comes to equity capital markets."

Johannesburg-based 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 complex debt restructuring issues.
"We feel that she is the best lawyer in this field in South Africa." "Karen Couzyn is articulate, efficient and focuses on the important issues."

Lindi Marais is recognised as one of the leading names in Johannesburg's debt space. She particularly impresses for her track record acting for issuers, with her client roster featuring renowned names in the South African telecoms and banking sectors.
"She understands what is required and performs very well when under pressure." "Lindi Marais is a very knowledgeable lawyer and provides practical solutions."

Department Information

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Overview

The Equity Capital Markets team (the largest in the market) has consistently acted in the most complex, high profile and significant ECM matters in the market, which ensures that the team continues to develop cutting edge expertise and experience in ECM matters. Many of our capital markets experts are recognised as leading practitioners in the field by international ratings agencies, which 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 are able to call on our tax, exchange control and corporate practice areas as well as knowledge across various sectors to provide a bespoke ECM solution and fit-for-purpose team for our clients.

Contacts: Colin du Toit, Partner ([email protected]) or Karen Couzyn, Partner ([email protected]).