Department profile
Webber Wentzel

Corporate/M&A

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa


Webber Wentzel

Rankings

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

Band 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

Provided by Chambers

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

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team at Webber Wentzel is knowledgeable, efficient and committed. It is composed of subject matter experts within their various fields.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • I am particularly impressed with Webber Wentzel due to the level of customer service they provide. I can honestly say that all of the staff go above and beyond to support us.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Webber Wentzel is a really strategic law firm. It is able to pull the right people into agreements to make sure we progress.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Webber Wentzel produces super high-quality work. The responsiveness is fantastic and the lawyers are terrific to work with. I have only great things to say about them.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Christo Els
    Band 1Christo Els

    Christo Els

    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.

  • Band 2Colin du Toit
    Band 2Colin du Toit

    Colin du Toit

    Johannesburg-based Colin du Toit has experience encompassing a broad range of corporate issues, including high-value M&A, governance and BEE.
  • Band 2Gareth Driver
    Band 2Gareth Driver

    Gareth Driver

    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.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Lília França
    Band 4Lília França

    Lília França

    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.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Mark Phillips
    Band 4Mark Phillips

    Mark Phillips

    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.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Safiyya Patel
    Band 4Safiyya Patel

    Safiyya Patel

    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.

  • Band 4Warren Drue
    Band 4Warren Drue

    Warren Drue

    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.

  • Band 5Charles Smith
    Band 5Charles Smith

    Charles Smith

    Charles Smith 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.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Charles Smith is a thoughtful and strategic lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Webber Wentzel (8)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Webber Wentzel

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