DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Webber Wentzel

Tax

5 ranked lawyers

Band 1

South Africa

Global 2021 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

Chambers Review

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What the team is known for

Leading practice group with outstanding abilities in domestic and cross-border matters. Offers expertise in exchange control structuring and compliance benefits. Provides an integrated offering to clients, with an emphasis on cross-department collaboration. Has in-depth knowledge spanning the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious tax, garnering notable recognition for its skill in handling private equity and M&A-related matters. Often retained by noteworthy clients based across Africa, particularly in the finance and natural resources sectors.

Strengths

One commentator hailed the group as "experts in their fields," describing it as "streets ahead in breadth and depth of knowledge."

"They work well together as a team," explained another source, saying: "Each member brings a different speciality to the table."

Work highlights

Advised Phatisa on the buyout and subsequent delisting of Rolfes Group through its Food Fund 2.

Notable practitioners

Eminent tax lawyer Anne Bennett is a distinguished figure in the South African market, and continues to be regularly engaged in both major cross-border transactions and significant contentious proceedings. Commentators are unanimous in their respect for her, with one calling her "a legend in transfer pricing and tax," while another said: "She is certainly a leader."

Brian Dennehy "has excellent tax and structuring skills," according to one client, while another source said he was a "very solid practitioner." A dedicated corporate tax expert, he particularly impresses for his experience in private equity buyout transactions and fund formations.

Craig Miller is an experienced tax expert with an impressive client portfolio of prominent names in the financial, real estate and hospitality sectors. "His technical knowledge and understanding of the tax legislation is exceptional," enthused one source, praising "his ability to translate this knowledge into practical advice."

Graham Viljoen provides advice and guidance on a range of corporate tax matters, including major M&A deals. He is a particularly strong choice for private equity-related transactions, providing tax advice on portfolio expansion and investments.

Nina Keyser "is an expert in tax disputes," say sources, adding: "If there is a challenge, she will find a way around it." Her contentious experience encompasses audits and investigations, and she is often engaged by major corporations in the mining, agribusiness and manufacturing sectors.

Department Information

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Overview

Webber Wentzel has arguably the market leading premier tax advisory offering in South Africa, with an integrated and multi-skilled team of experts (comprising both lawyers and accountants) who work closely with other practice areas to bring our clients bespoke solutions to complex problems in a way which displays commercial acumen and insight. We track actual and anticipated changes to tax laws across the globe to ensure that our clients are well placed to manage these and we actively engage in lobbying and submitting valuable input on tax-related legislative changes.The tax team is best known for its abilities in the areas of Corporate Tax (including M&A and private equity related work), Fund Formation and International Tax and Tax Dispute Resolution. The team represents the industry body for private equity, namely SAVCA, in responding to all tax legislative developments affecting the industry. Our Africa Tax practitioners form part of this team and make use of an extensive best friend's network across the African continent to advice on investments in Africa.

Contact: Brian Dennehy, Director ([email protected]).