Contact

Corporate & Commercial Law

We offer in-depth experience across a range of commercial sectors, combining legal expertise and market knowledge with a thorough understanding of our clients' businesses to deliver advice that is both pragmatic and cost effective.

Corporate & Commercial Law Services

Our lawyers coordinate complex transactions, deal with regulatory requirements, advise on tax matters, manage due diligence investigations and prepare all required documentation. Our key focus areas are:

Black Economic Empowerment

Our Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) team is widely recognised as being one of the most knowledgeable and experienced BEE regulatory teams. Our expertise includes advising on the Broad-Based BEE Act, the Codes of Good Practice, Transformation Charters and Sector Codes, and related legislation and regulations.
Our experience is deep and varied and covers a wide range of advisory services. Click here to learn more.

Companies Act

When the 'new' Companies Act, No 71 of 2008 came into force on 1 May 2011, it marked the beginning of a significant era for corporate law in South Africa. Although much of the old law was retained, many significant new concepts and changes were introduced. CDH is well positioned to help our clients to comply with the legislation. We also offer training tailored to your business needs to help you meet your obligations.

Click here to read more.

Corporate Governance

In recognising the evolving needs of our local and global clients who are expanding their business operations on the continent and further afield as well as the increased governance risks, we provide a full corporate governance and regulation service within the Corporate and Commercial practice, which has local and global corporate governance expertise.

Read more about our services here.

Equity Capital Markets

Equity capital markets (ECM) are evolving fast within the current market environment. New options for growth are being created. However, this often comes with more complex choices and challenges that complicate capital market decisions. Any company on a growth trajectory needs a legal advisor with a proven track record and expertise across the full ECM spectrum. With our tailored advisory and solutions-based approach, CDH is the right legal partner in any ECM project.

Click here to read more.

Listings, Stock Exchanges & Public Documents

Our Corporate & Commercial practice acts for a number of the top 100 Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed companies, companies listed on major international bourses and companies with dual or multiple listings.

Click here to read more.

Merger & Acquisitions

We close deals effectively by providing exceptional legal advice, managing risk, ensuring you meet regulatory compliance and working at every aspect of the transaction to ensure that it works from a legal and commercial perspective. Click here for more.

Private Equity

Our Private Equity team has in-depth experience of African transactions. In addition, we have immediate access to a vast network of relationship firms across the continent. We are therefore able to move quickly and seamlessly on local and international transactions. Learn more here.

Corporate & Commercial Law Brochures

Corporate & Commercial
Corporate & Commercial
Equity Capital Market's
Equity Capital Market's
King IV - An Overview
King IV - An Overview
Agricultural Sector Brochure
Agricultural Sector Brochure
Doing Business in South Africa 2020
Doing Business in South Africa 2020

Services

Corporate & Commercial Law Services

Our lawyers coordinate complex transactions, deal with regulatory requirements, advise on tax matters, manage due diligence investigations and prepare all required documentation. Our key focus areas are:

Black Economic Empowerment

Our Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) team is widely recognised as being one of the most knowledgeable and experienced BEE regulatory teams. Our expertise includes advising on the Broad-Based BEE Act, the Codes of Good Practice, Transformation Charters and Sector Codes, and related legislation and regulations.
Our experience is deep and varied and covers a wide range of advisory services. Click here to learn more.

Companies Act

When the 'new' Companies Act, No 71 of 2008 came into force on 1 May 2011, it marked the beginning of a significant era for corporate law in South Africa. Although much of the old law was retained, many significant new concepts and changes were introduced. CDH is well positioned to help our clients to comply with the legislation. We also offer training tailored to your business needs to help you meet your obligations.

Click here to read more.

Corporate Governance

In recognising the evolving needs of our local and global clients who are expanding their business operations on the continent and further afield as well as the increased governance risks, we provide a full corporate governance and regulation service within the Corporate and Commercial practice, which has local and global corporate governance expertise.

Read more about our services here.

Equity Capital Markets

Equity capital markets (ECM) are evolving fast within the current market environment. New options for growth are being created. However, this often comes with more complex choices and challenges that complicate capital market decisions. Any company on a growth trajectory needs a legal advisor with a proven track record and expertise across the full ECM spectrum. With our tailored advisory and solutions-based approach, CDH is the right legal partner in any ECM project.

Click here to read more.

Listings, Stock Exchanges & Public Documents

Our Corporate & Commercial practice acts for a number of the top 100 Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed companies, companies listed on major international bourses and companies with dual or multiple listings.

Click here to read more.

Merger & Acquisitions

We close deals effectively by providing exceptional legal advice, managing risk, ensuring you meet regulatory compliance and working at every aspect of the transaction to ensure that it works from a legal and commercial perspective. Click here for more.

Private Equity

Our Private Equity team has in-depth experience of African transactions. In addition, we have immediate access to a vast network of relationship firms across the continent. We are therefore able to move quickly and seamlessly on local and international transactions. Learn more here.

Brochures

Corporate & Commercial Law Brochures

Corporate & Commercial
Corporate & Commercial
Equity Capital Market's
Equity Capital Market's
King IV - An Overview
King IV - An Overview
Agricultural Sector Brochure
Agricultural Sector Brochure
Doing Business in South Africa 2020
Doing Business in South Africa 2020

Corporate & Commercial Lawyers

Our lawyers coordinate complex transactions, deal with regulatory requirements, advise on tax matters, manage due diligence investigations and prepare all required documentation.

Our Corporate & Commercial Lawyers
PRACTICE HEADS
Willem Jacobs

Willem Jacobs

Practice Head, Director +27 (0)11 562 1555willem.jacobs@cdhlegal.com
David Thompson

David Thompson

Deputy Regional Head, Director +27 (0)21 481 6335david.thompson@cdhlegal.com

Our Work

Featured

Mediclinic shortlisted for the DealMakers Brunswick Deal of the Year 2022
Corporate & Commercial Law

Mediclinic shortlisted for the DealMakers Brunswick Deal of the Year 2022

CDH is acting as the South African legal advisor to Mediclinic International Plc, the third biggest hospital operator in South Africa, in the acquisition of Mediclinic from its minority shareholders by Manta Bidco Limited. Manta is a newly formed company that is jointly owned by Remgro (through its relevant subsidiaries) and SAS Shipping Agencies Services Sàrl, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA. This widely reported deal is worth R75,8 billion ($4,49 billion).
PSG - shortlisted for the DealMakers Brunswick Deal of the Year 2022
Corporate & Commercial Law

PSG - shortlisted for the DealMakers Brunswick Deal of the Year 2022

CDH is working with the PSG Group on a complex deal, valued at over R20 billion, that incorporates M&A, capital markets and restructuring.
CDH wins Single Deal Local Legal Advisor of the Year award for the OMPE & Footgear deal in the 9th annual Private Equity Africa awards
Corporate & Commercial Law

CDH wins Single Deal Local Legal Advisor of the Year award for the OMPE & Footgear deal in the 9th annual Private Equity Africa awards

Private Equity Africa (PEA), a premier information source in the industry, highlights investors and advisors that excel above their peers. The PEA awards have grown to become a mark of distinction in African private equity, and a showcase for best-in-class strategy deal-making focusing on excellence, innovation and impact. The final winners were chosen by an independent panel of leading industry professionals.
Africa Energy Closes Back-to-Back Farmouts on Block 2B South Africa
Corporate & Commercial Law

Africa Energy Closes Back-to-Back Farmouts on Block 2B South Africa

Our team advised Africa Energy Corp (TSX Venture: AFE) (Nasdaq First North: AEC) an oil and gas company with exploration assets offshore South Africa and Namibia on its transfer of operatorship and a dual sale of an aggregate 62.5% participating interest in Block 2B South Africa.
CDH advised Mediclinic on its expansion to become third largest non-US private hospital group globally
Corporate & Commercial Law

CDH advised Mediclinic on its expansion to become third largest non-US private hospital group globally

CDH advised Mediclinic, a large private hospital group with operations in Southern Africa, Switzerland, the UK and the UAE, in this R125 billion ground-breaking transaction. 
CDH advised on merger to create largest listed real estate player in Central and Eastern Europe – NEPI Rockcastle Plc
Corporate & Commercial Law

CDH advised on merger to create largest listed real estate player in Central and Eastern Europe – NEPI Rockcastle Plc

CDH advised New Europe Property Investments Plc (NEPI), the then largest listed real estate fund focused on Eastern Europe, on its merger with Rockcastle Global Real Estate Limited, a real estate fund that owned, developed and managed retail assets in Eastern Europe and invested in global real estate listed securities.

All

FNZ

Kieti represented FNZ, the leading UK-based global platform as a service company specialising in providing investment platforms to major financial institutions in the financial services and wealth management sectors.  Our Kenya-based corporate/M&A team advised FNZ on Kenya merger control issues in relation to FNZ’s acquisition of Silica.  Our work on this matter demonstrates our year-round role advising clients in connection with cross-border transactions, here with a significant competition law component.  

PayGo Energy

Advised Arrowhead and Gemgrow, both South Africa-based property funds, on the reverse takeover of Gemgrow by Arrowhead, in terms of which Gemgrow acquired all of the Arrowhead shares by way of a scheme of arrangement.

Senwes Group

Advised ZARX-listed Senwes Group, one of South Africa's largest agribusinesses, and KLK Landbou Limited, a large farming services specialist in the Northern Cape, on Senwes Group's purchase of a majority shareholding in KLK, whilst simultaneously overcoming a competing hostile takeover bid, already launched by one of KLK's existing shareholders.

Caixa Geral de Depósitos

Advised Caixa Geral de Depósitos, S.A., the leading Portugal-based state-owned banking corporation, as South African counsel, on its disposal of 100% of its shareholding in Mercantile Bank Holdings to Capitec Bank.

Séché Environnement

Advised Séché Environnement S.A., the leading France-based group which provides environmental management solutions globally, in its take-private acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of South African waste management company, Interwaste Holdings, by way of a scheme of arrangement. Following the implementation of the scheme, Interwaste was delisted from the main board of JSE.

Metier Capital Growth Fund II Partnership and Metier Capital Growth Fund II Investments

Advised Metier Capital Growth Fund II Partnership and Metier Capital Growth Fund II Investments, leading South African and Mauritius private equity investment vehicles, in their take-private acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of South African packaging company, Master Plastics, by way of a scheme of arrangement. Following the implementation of the scheme, Master Plastics was delisted from the main board of JSE.

Vukile Property Fund

Advised Vukile Property Fund Limited, one of South Africa's premier REITs, in the indirect acquisition of 4 retail centres in Spain from Unibail Rodamco. This marked a significant step in its offshore expansion.

Old Mutual Emerging Markets

Advised Old Mutual Emerging Markets Proprietary Limited (OMEM), which owns 100% of the issued share capital of Old Mutual (South Africa) Holdings (OMSA), which in turn held 100% of the issued share capital of UK-based, OM Latin America HoldCo UK (OMLAH) and 100% of the issued share capital of Panama-based, AIVA Holdings Group (AIVA). We advised OMSA in the sale of its 100% shareholding in OMLAH and AIVA, thereby also transferring indirect ownership of various companies falling under these entities. The transaction involved numerous countries across 4 continents, their local laws and the sale of shares in a highly-regulated industry.

Our Work

Mediclinic shortlisted for the DealMakers Brunswick Deal of the Year 2022
Corporate & Commercial Law

Mediclinic shortlisted for the DealMakers Brunswick Deal of the Year 2022

CDH is acting as the South African legal advisor to Mediclinic International Plc, the third biggest hospital operator in South Africa, in the acquisition of Mediclinic from its minority shareholders by Manta Bidco Limited. Manta is a newly formed company that is jointly owned by Remgro (through its relevant subsidiaries) and SAS Shipping Agencies Services Sàrl, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA. This widely reported deal is worth R75,8 billion ($4,49 billion).
PSG - shortlisted for the DealMakers Brunswick Deal of the Year 2022
Corporate & Commercial Law

PSG - shortlisted for the DealMakers Brunswick Deal of the Year 2022

CDH is working with the PSG Group on a complex deal, valued at over R20 billion, that incorporates M&A, capital markets and restructuring.
CDH wins Single Deal Local Legal Advisor of the Year award for the OMPE & Footgear deal in the 9th annual Private Equity Africa awards
Corporate & Commercial Law

CDH wins Single Deal Local Legal Advisor of the Year award for the OMPE & Footgear deal in the 9th annual Private Equity Africa awards

Private Equity Africa (PEA), a premier information source in the industry, highlights investors and advisors that excel above their peers. The PEA awards have grown to become a mark of distinction in African private equity, and a showcase for best-in-class strategy deal-making focusing on excellence, innovation and impact. The final winners were chosen by an independent panel of leading industry professionals.
Africa Energy Closes Back-to-Back Farmouts on Block 2B South Africa
Corporate & Commercial Law

Africa Energy Closes Back-to-Back Farmouts on Block 2B South Africa

Our team advised Africa Energy Corp (TSX Venture: AFE) (Nasdaq First North: AEC) an oil and gas company with exploration assets offshore South Africa and Namibia on its transfer of operatorship and a dual sale of an aggregate 62.5% participating interest in Block 2B South Africa.
CDH advised Mediclinic on its expansion to become third largest non-US private hospital group globally
Corporate & Commercial Law

CDH advised Mediclinic on its expansion to become third largest non-US private hospital group globally

CDH advised Mediclinic, a large private hospital group with operations in Southern Africa, Switzerland, the UK and the UAE, in this R125 billion ground-breaking transaction. 
CDH advised on merger to create largest listed real estate player in Central and Eastern Europe – NEPI Rockcastle Plc
Corporate & Commercial Law

CDH advised on merger to create largest listed real estate player in Central and Eastern Europe – NEPI Rockcastle Plc

CDH advised New Europe Property Investments Plc (NEPI), the then largest listed real estate fund focused on Eastern Europe, on its merger with Rockcastle Global Real Estate Limited, a real estate fund that owned, developed and managed retail assets in Eastern Europe and invested in global real estate listed securities.

FNZ

Kieti represented FNZ, the leading UK-based global platform as a service company specialising in providing investment platforms to major financial institutions in the financial services and wealth management sectors.  Our Kenya-based corporate/M&A team advised FNZ on Kenya merger control issues in relation to FNZ’s acquisition of Silica.  Our work on this matter demonstrates our year-round role advising clients in connection with cross-border transactions, here with a significant competition law component.  

PayGo Energy

Advised Arrowhead and Gemgrow, both South Africa-based property funds, on the reverse takeover of Gemgrow by Arrowhead, in terms of which Gemgrow acquired all of the Arrowhead shares by way of a scheme of arrangement.

Senwes Group

Advised ZARX-listed Senwes Group, one of South Africa's largest agribusinesses, and KLK Landbou Limited, a large farming services specialist in the Northern Cape, on Senwes Group's purchase of a majority shareholding in KLK, whilst simultaneously overcoming a competing hostile takeover bid, already launched by one of KLK's existing shareholders.

Caixa Geral de Depósitos

Advised Caixa Geral de Depósitos, S.A., the leading Portugal-based state-owned banking corporation, as South African counsel, on its disposal of 100% of its shareholding in Mercantile Bank Holdings to Capitec Bank.

Séché Environnement

Advised Séché Environnement S.A., the leading France-based group which provides environmental management solutions globally, in its take-private acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of South African waste management company, Interwaste Holdings, by way of a scheme of arrangement. Following the implementation of the scheme, Interwaste was delisted from the main board of JSE.

Metier Capital Growth Fund II Partnership and Metier Capital Growth Fund II Investments

Advised Metier Capital Growth Fund II Partnership and Metier Capital Growth Fund II Investments, leading South African and Mauritius private equity investment vehicles, in their take-private acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of South African packaging company, Master Plastics, by way of a scheme of arrangement. Following the implementation of the scheme, Master Plastics was delisted from the main board of JSE.

Vukile Property Fund

Advised Vukile Property Fund Limited, one of South Africa's premier REITs, in the indirect acquisition of 4 retail centres in Spain from Unibail Rodamco. This marked a significant step in its offshore expansion.

Old Mutual Emerging Markets

Advised Old Mutual Emerging Markets Proprietary Limited (OMEM), which owns 100% of the issued share capital of Old Mutual (South Africa) Holdings (OMSA), which in turn held 100% of the issued share capital of UK-based, OM Latin America HoldCo UK (OMLAH) and 100% of the issued share capital of Panama-based, AIVA Holdings Group (AIVA). We advised OMSA in the sale of its 100% shareholding in OMLAH and AIVA, thereby also transferring indirect ownership of various companies falling under these entities. The transaction involved numerous countries across 4 continents, their local laws and the sale of shares in a highly-regulated industry.

Corporate & Commercial Law News

More news
31 May 2023 Article

Is conducting a wholly virtual shareholder meeting or AGM compliant with the Companies Act?

The COVID-19 pandemic posed various practical difficulties for many companies. Among those difficulties were the complexities of ensuring compliance with companies’ statutory obligations in terms of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (Companies Act). At a time when remote working and virtual meetings became the “ new normal ”, many companies were required to rapidly adapt their standard procedures and structures to ensure their continued functioning as well as their legal and corporate governance compliance.
17 May 2023 Article

Directors’ duties as they approach the abyss

A director is required at all times to act in the best interests of the company. “ Company ” in this context, is widely considered to be the present and future shareholders of the company, collectively. Essentially, for as long as a company operates as a going concern, a director must act in the interests of the general body of shareholders. However, the King IV Code adopts a stakeholder-inclusive approach to company governance, being a balancing of the needs, interests and expectations of material stakeholders in the best interests of the company. While the interests of the collective shareholders retain primacy, the interests of other stakeholders such as creditors have also become relevant in determining the best interests of the company.
12 May 2023 Article

CDH secures multiple top-tier rankings in Legal 500 EMEA 2023 based on exceptional client feedback

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) is honoured to announce another successful year of rankings in The Legal 500 EMEA 2023. CDH has been recommended as a top-tier firm for its various practice areas and sectors, including new rankings in the Kenyan market. This honour was bolstered by the listing of numerous CDH lawyers, achieving mentions and placing in the Leading Lawyers, Next Generation Lawyers, and Rising Stars categories.

Recognition

2015-2023

Chambers Global

Chambers Global 2015-2023 rank our Corporate/M&A practice in Band 1.

2018-2023

The Legal 500 EMEA

The Legal 500 EMEA 2018-2023 recognises us as Tier 1 in commercial, corporate/M&A.

2016-2021

IFLR1000

IFLR1000 2017-2021 ranks the firm in M&A - Tier 1. IFLR1000 2016 ranks the firm in M&A - Tier 2.

2013-2017

Client Choice International Awards

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr directors were named in the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017 Client Choice International Awards.

2021

DealMakers

  • 2021 1st by M&A Deal Flow
  • 2021 2nd by General Corporate Finance Deal Flow
  • 2021 2nd by BEE Deal Value
  • 2021 3rd by General Corporate Finance Deal Value
  • 2021 3rd by BEE Deal Flow
  • 2021 4th by M&A Deal Value

2020

DealMakers 2020

  • 2020 1st by M&A Deal Flow
  • 2020 1st by BEE Deal Flow
  • 2020 1st by BEE Deal Value
  • 2020 2nd by General Corporate Finance Deal Flow
  • 2020 2nd by General Corporate Finance Deal Value
  • 2020 3rd by M&A Deal Value
  • 2020 Catalyst Private Equity Deal of the Year

2019

Dealmakers 2019

  • M&A Legal DealMakers of the Decade 2010 – 2019 (Deal Flow)
  • Dealmakers 2019 - 1st by BEE M&A Deal Flow
  • Dealmakers 2019 - 1st by General Corporate Finance Deal Flow
  • Dealmakers 2019 - 2nd by M&A Deal Value
  • Dealmakers 2019 - 2nd by M&A Deal Flow

 

2018

Dealmakers 2018

  • Dealmakers 2018 - 1st by M&A Deal Flow for the 10th year in a row
  • Dealmakers 2018 - 1st by M&A Deal Value.
  • Dealmakers 2018 - 2nd by General Corporate Finance Deal Flow.
  • Dealmakers 2018 - 1st by BEE M&A Deal Value.
  • Dealmakers 2018 - 2nd by BEE M&A Deal Flow.
  • Dealmakers 2018 - Lead legal advisers on the Private Equity Deal of the Year.

 

Ranked Practitioners

Chambers Global

Chambers Global 2015-2023 rank our Corporate/M&A practice in Band 1.

The Legal 500 EMEA

The Legal 500 EMEA 2018-2023 recognises us as Tier 1 in commercial, corporate/M&A.

IFLR1000

IFLR1000 2017-2021 ranks the firm in M&A - Tier 1. IFLR1000 2016 ranks the firm in M&A - Tier 2.

Client Choice International Awards

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr directors were named in the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017 Client Choice International Awards.

DealMakers

  • 2021 1st by M&A Deal Flow
  • 2021 2nd by General Corporate Finance Deal Flow
  • 2021 2nd by BEE Deal Value
  • 2021 3rd by General Corporate Finance Deal Value
  • 2021 3rd by BEE Deal Flow
  • 2021 4th by M&A Deal Value

DealMakers 2020

  • 2020 1st by M&A Deal Flow
  • 2020 1st by BEE Deal Flow
  • 2020 1st by BEE Deal Value
  • 2020 2nd by General Corporate Finance Deal Flow
  • 2020 2nd by General Corporate Finance Deal Value
  • 2020 3rd by M&A Deal Value
  • 2020 Catalyst Private Equity Deal of the Year

Dealmakers 2019

  • M&A Legal DealMakers of the Decade 2010 – 2019 (Deal Flow)
  • Dealmakers 2019 - 1st by BEE M&A Deal Flow
  • Dealmakers 2019 - 1st by General Corporate Finance Deal Flow
  • Dealmakers 2019 - 2nd by M&A Deal Value
  • Dealmakers 2019 - 2nd by M&A Deal Flow

 

Dealmakers 2018

  • Dealmakers 2018 - 1st by M&A Deal Flow for the 10th year in a row
  • Dealmakers 2018 - 1st by M&A Deal Value.
  • Dealmakers 2018 - 2nd by General Corporate Finance Deal Flow.
  • Dealmakers 2018 - 1st by BEE M&A Deal Value.
  • Dealmakers 2018 - 2nd by BEE M&A Deal Flow.
  • Dealmakers 2018 - Lead legal advisers on the Private Equity Deal of the Year.

 

Ranked Practitioners

Happy Clients

The lawyers have good knowledge of the law and an ability to integrate this with the commercial realities." Notable Practitioners

Chambers Global 2023

‘The partners and associates that we have worked with at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr have excellent business acumen and understanding which helps so much with briefing the facts of a case or detailing where legal assistance or commercial contracts are required.’

Legal 500 EMEA 2023

‘An absolutely outstanding team. They are up to speed with current legislation and relevant publications. The cross collaboration amongst their teams is evident in various requests I have sent their way. The partnerships are always great and very professional. The firm has evolved with the times and shown that its capable of working remotely and delivering a service digitally as well.’

Legal 500 EMEA 2023

This website uses cookies to enhance the browsing experience. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.

Accept Decline