Private Equity

Our Private Equity team has in-depth experience of African transactions. We also have immediate access to a vast network of firms across the African continent, which means we can act quickly and seamlessly on local and international transactions.

Private Equity Services

The team works seamlessly, as an integrated unit, with skilled corporate, finance, and tax lawyers and chartered accountants from the firm’s various practice areas. With one of the largest private equity teams, we have a full-service offering in South Africa and the sub-Saharan region, with a depth of skill and extensive experience in all prominent sectors attractive to private equity investors in Africa.

The specialist practice areas at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr that are principally involved in providing these services are Corporate & Commercial, Tax & Exchange Control, Competition Law, and Banking, Finance & Projects. To the extent necessary, we call on professionals with specialist knowledge in areas such as regulatory, projects, employment, intellectual property, and public law.

Our services include:

  • Fund formation.
  • Portfolio acquisitions and exits.
  • Legal and tax due diligence.
  • BEE and management participation structures.
  • Follow-on acquisitions.
  • Debt and equity restructuring or refinancing.
  • Business rescue processes.

Private Equity Brochures

Services

Private Equity Services

The team works seamlessly, as an integrated unit, with skilled corporate, finance, and tax lawyers and chartered accountants from the firm’s various practice areas. With one of the largest private equity teams, we have a full-service offering in South Africa and the sub-Saharan region, with a depth of skill and extensive experience in all prominent sectors attractive to private equity investors in Africa.

The specialist practice areas at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr that are principally involved in providing these services are Corporate & Commercial, Tax & Exchange Control, Competition Law, and Banking, Finance & Projects. To the extent necessary, we call on professionals with specialist knowledge in areas such as regulatory, projects, employment, intellectual property, and public law.

Our services include:

  • Fund formation.
  • Portfolio acquisitions and exits.
  • Legal and tax due diligence.
  • BEE and management participation structures.
  • Follow-on acquisitions.
  • Debt and equity restructuring or refinancing.
  • Business rescue processes.

Brochures

Private Equity Brochures

Private Equity Lawyers

Our Private Equity team is commercial, solution oriented, responsive and dynamic, and includes leading professionals from our various practice areas.

Our Private Equity Lawyers
SECTOR HEADS
John Gillmer

John Gillmer

Joint Sector Head, Fund Formation and Structuring, Director +27 (0)21 405 6004john.gillmer@cdhlegal.com

Our Work

Featured

All

Entersekt

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr is representing Entersekt Proprietary Limited and Entersekt International Limited, the South Africa-based fintech provider. Our client focuses on mobile-based security software protection; mobile banking and e-commerce transactions; and the protection of access to sensitive records and systems in healthcare, insurance, and government. Our fintech team has been leading work for this client in a round of private equity investments in the business by Rand Merchant Investment Holdings and BoE Private Equity Investments.

Our Work

Entersekt

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr is representing Entersekt Proprietary Limited and Entersekt International Limited, the South Africa-based fintech provider. Our client focuses on mobile-based security software protection; mobile banking and e-commerce transactions; and the protection of access to sensitive records and systems in healthcare, insurance, and government. Our fintech team has been leading work for this client in a round of private equity investments in the business by Rand Merchant Investment Holdings and BoE Private Equity Investments.

Market recognition

  • Chambers Global 2026 ranked our private equity sector in Band 2.
  • Chambers Global 2024-2025 ranked our private equity sector in the ‘spotlight’.
  • IFLR Africa Awards 2026  named Team of the Year – Private Equity (Regional).

Market recognition

  • Chambers Global 2026 ranked our private equity sector in Band 2.
  • Chambers Global 2024-2025 ranked our private equity sector in the ‘spotlight’.
  • IFLR Africa Awards 2026  named Team of the Year – Private Equity (Regional).

Happy Clients

The Legal 500 EMEA 2026

“They provide reliable, practical, and commercially sound legal advice that supports our business effectively.”

The Legal 500 EMEA 2026
The Legal 500 EMEA 2026

“In addition to having an in-depth knowledge of the latest industry developments and the legislation, the team also has a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses and needs.”

The Legal 500 EMEA 2026
The Legal 500 EMEA 2026

“They provide relevant, accurate, timely direction and advice, technology and awareness raising around the latest legislative changes.”

The Legal 500 EMEA 2026
Chambers Global 2026

“Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr has a great team that is up to date with the industry developments which helps a great deal in being proactive.”

Chambers Global 2026