About

Provided by Webber Wentzel

Our Corporate Practice is well established as a market leader, having been involved in most of the highly complex, large cross-border transactions in Africa over the past 30 years, which ensures that the team is at the forefront of legal developments and both local and international best practice. The team is renowned for its exceptional service in providing local and international clients with sophisticated, innovative and practical advice on structuring, negotiating, documenting and implementing local and cross-border transactions, and managing legal risk. Our offering is enhanced by superior tax, exchange control, banking and finance, competition / anti-trust, regulatory and employment law teams, to provide clients with a seamlessly integrated legal and tax offering. We have one of the largest M&A practices in the market, including a large number of M&A experts many of whom 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 solutions to clients.

Contact: Safiyya Patel, Partner ([email protected])

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - South Africa

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Webber Wentzel regularly features on some of the most complex and noteworthy transactions in the region, and maintains its prominent position at the forefront of the South African market. The firm leverages the expertise and strength of its deep bench of specialist practitioners in conjunction with its ongoing Linklaters alliance. The team frequently represents multinational clients and handles cross-border mandates, with special expertise in the financial services, food and beverages, mining and telecoms sectors. The group maintains solid teams in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. It additionally offers extensive black economic empowerment (BEE) experience.

Work Highlights

  • Webber Wentzel acted for Actis on its acquisition of Swiftnet from Telkom.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Christo Els
1
Christo Els
1
Band 1

Christo Els maintains an outstanding reputation for his work as lead M&A counsel, acting for major clients in the retail, telecoms and banking sectors.

Colin du Toit
2
Colin du Toit
2
Band 2
Johannesburg-based Colin du Toit has experience encompassing a broad range of corporate issues, including high-value M&A, governance and BEE.
Gareth Driver
2
Gareth Driver
2
Band 2
Gareth Driver is regularly engaged by an array of high-profile clients, including those in the financial services and IT sectors, for advice on M&A transactions, delistings and corporate restructurings.

Gareth Driver is exceptional. He has knowledge and expertise which are second to none. His reputation and the way he handles matters are phenomenal.

Lília França
4
Lília França
4
Band 4

Lília França stands out for her work on complex deals involving JSE-listed companies. In addition to general M&A, she has notable experience in disposals and BEE transactions.

Lília França is technically a very good and experienced lawyer.

Mark Phillips
4
Mark Phillips
4
Band 4

Mark Phillips is consulted by a range of clients, from financial institutions to listed corporate entities. Based in Johannesburg, he has experience in M&A, private investments and share subscriptions, among other areas.

Mark Phillips is a seasoned lawyer. He's very meticulous and detailed.

Safiyya Patel
4
Safiyya Patel
4
Band 4

Managing partner Safiyya Patel assists with a range of corporate deals and commercial agreements, including joint ventures, mergers and reorganisations. She is particularly respected for her counsel on BEE transactions and related corporate structuring.

Warren Drue
4
Warren Drue
4
Band 4

Warren Drue has a solid portfolio of clients featuring private investors, financial institutions and multinational companies. His experience covers all manner of transactions, including acquisitions.

Charles Smith
5
Charles Smith
5
Band 5

Cheván Daniels regularly handles M&A deals and is well regarded for public transactions.

Charles Smith is extremely good at managing an overall transaction and making sure it progresses in a sustainable and positive way.

Charles Smith is a thoughtful and strategic lawyer.

Ranked Lawyers at
Webber Wentzel

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

South Africa

Corporate/M&A

Christo Els
1
Christo Els
1
Band 1
Colin du Toit
2
Colin du Toit
2
Band 2
Gareth Driver
2
Gareth Driver
2
Band 2
Lília França
4
Lília França
4
Band 4
Mark Phillips
4
Mark Phillips
4
Band 4
Safiyya Patel
4
Safiyya Patel
4
Band 4
Warren Drue
4
Warren Drue
4
Band 4
Charles Smith
5
Charles Smith
5
Band 5