
Corporate/M&A
Global Guide 2026 : South Africa
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
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
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 respondentGlobalWerksmans 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 respondentGlobalWerksmans 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 respondentGlobalI 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 3 
Band 3 
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 4 
Band 4 
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 4 
Band 4 
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 5 
Band 5 
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 respondentGlobalHe is personable, pragmatic, commercial and tries to get the deal done.
Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
Up and Coming 
Up and Coming 
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 respondentGlobalBafana Ntuli has excellent service levels.
Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
Ranked Individuals at Werksmans Attorneys (5)
Members
Provided by Werksmans Attorneys

Chris Stevens

Kashvi Lalla

Danielle Magidson

Lloyd Abraham

Fatima Rodrigues

Aarthi Ramdhin

Pieter Steyn

Janene Meiring

Willie Oosthuizen

Pierre le Roux

Elliot Wood

Stephan Lochner

Herman van Niekerk

Adam Pyzikowski

Seroshan Padayachy

Deon Griessel

Shayne Krige

Nozipho Bhengu

Paul Tindle
Head of Department

Lureshan Naidoo

Robert Driman

Taryn Potter

Jannie de Villiers

Ze'ev Blieden

Gerhard Johannes
View profile of Gerhard Johannes
Kevin Trudgeon
View profile of Kevin Trudgeon
David Gewer
View profile of David Gewer
Elliott Wood
View profile of Elliott Wood
Bafana Ntuli
View profile of Bafana Ntuli
What success is built on
Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.