Department profile
Werksmans Attorneys

Corporate/M&A

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa


Werksmans Attorneys

Rankings

About

Provided by Werksmans Attorneys

Werksmans' Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) team has in-depth experience in both public and private corporate mergers, as well as private equity and international/cross-border transactions. Our M&A lawyers boast an ever-evolving knowledge base that remains in step with changing economic and industry cycles, as well as legislative developments in fields such as taxation, competition law, environmental compliance and black economic empowerment.

Our team has represented numerous South African and international clients engaged in takeovers, reverse takeovers, corporate mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, hostile bids, privatisations and empowerment transactions. Since corporate finance and securities laws feature prominently in many corporate transactions, we also advise on new listings/flotations, delistings and issues of shares. Our M&A lawyers also deal with regulatory matters concerning the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), the Securities Regulation Panel and the South African Reserve Bank.

Our services include takeovers, mergers and acquisitions in both private and public markets, BEE transactions and due diligence investigations. We also have expert knowledge in matters of management/leveraged buyouts, private equity, privatisations, group restructuring and reorganisation, listings/flotations (primary, secondary and inward), stock exchange compliance and offers to the public, exchange control, and corporate finance and structuring.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - South Africa

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
Werksmans Attorneys fields a sizeable corporate team with a well-established reputation, being particularly noted for its representation of major domestic and international clients in both the public and private spaces. The firm's impressive and diverse client roster comprises blue-chip corporations in the financial services, energy, manufacturing, mining and retail sectors. The team is experienced across a variety of corporate mandates, including asset sales, share subscriptions and black economic empowerment (BEE) transactions. Its lawyers also advise on transactions involving distressed companies and assets, operating in tandem with the firm's market-leading business rescue team.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Werksmans Attorneys' M&A team's commercial awareness and understanding of the transaction’s strategic importance ensure that legal advice is aligned with the business objectives.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Werksmans Attorneys has a deep understanding of the balance between the law and a commercial approach. The team handles various complex situations with the required solutions for each of them.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Werksmans Attorneys is very commercial and client-focused, and its work is of a high calibre. The team is commercially minded and focused on obtaining viable solutions.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • I am yet to present a complex matter to Werksmans Attorneys that was not resolved. I am very happy with the wider team, and the firm offers excellent service levels.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Kevin Trudgeon
    Band 3Kevin Trudgeon

    Kevin Trudgeon

    Acting as head of the firm's commercial department, Kevin Trudgeon advises on a range of corporate transactions covering major cross-border acquisitions and investments. He also has significant experience leading M&A deals involving distressed companies and assets.

    • Kevin Trudgeon always provides solid corporate advice and is highly engaged and responsive.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Band 4David Gewer
    Band 4David Gewer

    David Gewer

    David Gewer continues to act for a range of clients in mining, logistics, manufacturing and financial services. He has considerable experience advising on transactions in a range of contexts, including inbound and cross-border investments, as well as distressed M&A and share subscriptions.
    • David Gewer is excellent and responsive.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Gerhard Johannes
    Band 4Gerhard Johannes

    Gerhard Johannes

    Based in Stellenbosch, Gerhard Johannes is a highly regarded lawyer who advises on a range of corporate deals and finance mandates, including BEE transactions, share acquisitions and PE investments. He is regularly sought out by clients in fields such as IT and logistics.

  • Band 5Elliott Wood
    Band 5Elliott Wood

    Elliott Wood

    Elliott Wood maintains a broad corporate and finance practice, including regular instructions on M&A and share subscriptions. He is notably active advising clients in the mining sector.

    • Elliott Wood is deeply experienced. He is very good at getting to the crux of the matter and understanding what we want to achieve from the commercial perspective as well as legal follow-ups.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • He is personable, pragmatic, commercial and tries to get the deal done.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Up and ComingBafana Ntuli
    Up and ComingBafana Ntuli

    Bafana Ntuli

    Bafana Ntuli boasts a reputable corporate practice. He is most often seen acting on share disposals and acquisitions.

    • Bafana Ntuli is solid and he's really relied upon in terms of key pieces of advice.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Bafana Ntuli has excellent service levels.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Werksmans Attorneys (5)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Werksmans Attorneys

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