Team size: Five

What are the most significant cases and transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The disposal of Alliance Medical Group (AMG) took place in October 2023 for a purchase consideration of R22bn.

AMG boasts over 30 years of operating experience, providing high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective diagnostic and molecular imaging services in the UK and Europe. AMG was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Life Healthcare Group and had been under the control of the Group since its acquisition in 2016. AMG operates 233 sites, delivering over 1.1 million scans annually across the UK and ten other European countries. It is a trusted partner to several public health authorities in the UK and Europe.

The primary drivers behind the disposal were the ability for shareholders to unlock significant value; and the enhancement of the Group’s financial profile and the strengthening of its financial position.

How do you see the general counsel role evolving in South Africa over the next five-ten years?

The role of the general counsel continues to evolve internationally, and South Africa is no different in that regard. General counsel are increasingly being asked to play a dual role as legal and corporate advisers. While the office of the general counsel will always be expected to deliver the highest possible level of legal services to the organisation, they are also expected to bring more than just top-quality lawyering to the job.

The expectation to add commercial and strategic value has increased in recent years, and that expectation will continue to rise. Organisations are leaning more heavily on general counsel to continue adding commercial and strategic value, in addition to the more traditional legal role that they will always be expected to play. As the role continues to evolve, general counsel are likely to expand their influence, playing a more pivotal role in corporate decision-making.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most? Which have you found most useful in your legal team?

The prospects of ongoing technological advancements and the resultant impact on the role of in-house teams are important considerations in the life of a general counsel. These advancements have an incredible ability to drive several critical key processes and efficiencies for in-house teams that should not be ignored. These include contract management and automation across various legal work streams, knowledge management, and document management. The combined effect of these advancements will result in increased productivity and capacity within the team.