The ‘very practical’ corporate team at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr has ‘a deep understanding of the South African legal, regulatory and commercial landscape’, and also garners praise for having ‘an immense amount of experience in closing M&A transactions across various jurisdictions’. Practice head Ian Hayes handles the full gamut of corporate and commercial work, and advises a roster of blue-chip clients in the telecoms, retail and mining sectors on corporate finance, M&A, takeovers, private equity transactions and restructurings, to name a few areas of expertise. Willem Jacobs is highly regarded for his M&A expertise, and is well known for advising on complex, cross-border transactions. The ‘well-informed’ Vivien Chaplin acts for mining sector clients, and Jaco Meyer has ‘in-depth knowledge and understanding of his field and provides insightful, expert advice’. Dane Kruger and Roxanna Valayathum also play important roles in the practice group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They have felt like true partners. They understand our business and objectives, pre-empt next steps and have always made themselves available when we need them most. ’
‘CDH is client orientated and takes time to collaborate with various industry experts to ensure that a client is supported effectively.’
‘Good legal advice. Quick turnaround times.'
‘The team is results driven and has a practical approach to M&A transactions.'
‘Very prompt responses and always available at short notice.'
‘Roxanna Valayathum - she drafts excellently. She is always available to assist and give advice. Her ability to understand the commercials of a transaction is impressive.'
‘Vivien Chaplin and Jaco Meyer have provided outstanding support and assistance. They are always willing to give advice, support and meet deadlines that are often challenging. They offer various solutions, suggestions and beneficial outcomes.'
‘Always looking for solutions.'
'The commercial, corporate and M&A team’s extensive expertise and skills enables them to provide personalised, holistic solutions to complex transactions. In addition, the team also has the ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally to solve complex problems.'
Key clients
- ABSA Group
- Accenture
- AFGRI Holdings
- Africa Fruit Holdings
- Africa Oil
- African Clean Energy Developments
- African Rainbow Capital Investments
- Alaris Holdings
- Aloecap Private Equity Investments
- Ampath
- Arrowhead Properties
- Anglo American
- Apple
- Associated Fruit Processors
- Azelis
- Banc of California
- BBC Studios
- Bentley Systems
- Bergson Holdings
- Berkshire Hathaway
- Blantyre Capital
- Brait
- Brimstone Investment Corporation
- Brose International
- Burger King Holdings
- Capital & Regional
- Capitec Bank Holdings
- China Communications Construction Company
- Climate Focus
- Communicare
- Coronation Fund Managers
- Curro Holdings
- Distell Group
- DRDGold
- Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas
- Enernet Global
- EOH Holdings
- EPP BV
- Ethos
- Fidelity Security Group
- FirstRand
- Harmony Gold
- HG Capital
- Imperial Logistics
- Ipsidy
- Irongate Group
- Kaap Agri
- L1 Health
- Leapfrog Investments Holdings
- Libstar Holdings
- Liquid Telecommunications
- Malundi
- Masimong Electrical Holdings
- Massmart Holdings
- Matlosana Medical Health Services
- Mediclinic International
- Mondelēz International
- MSC II Investments
- Naspers
- NEPI Rockcastle
- Nordic Impact Funds
- Northern Platinum
- Old Mutual
- Oppenheimer Partners Africa Advisors
- Pioneer Food
- PPC
- Protea Hospitality Holdings
- Prudential Financial
- PSG Group
- Reinet Investments SCA
- Remgro
- Royal Dutch Shell
- Sabinet Online
- Sanlam
- Serengeti Energy
- Shoprite Holdings
- Sibanye-Stillwater
- Sinopec
- South African Airways
- South32 SA Coal Holdings
- Sovereign Food Investments
- Standard Bank Group
- Stellar Capital Partners
- Sun International
- Tamela Group
- Tiso Blackstar Group
- Tower Property Fund
- Transaction Capital
- Transatlantic Investments
- Trafigura
- Upjohn South Africa
- Valeo Capital
- Vodacom
- Volaris Group
- Volkswagen
- Vox Telecommunications
- Vumatel
- Women's Consortium
- Woolworths Holdings
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Hall of fameCliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
Willem Jacobs is a Director in our Corporate & Commercial practice. Willem led the Corporate & Commercial team for 11 years before stepping down to focus on the day to day running of his practice. He also serves on the firm's Executive, Fincom and Africom Committees. As evidenced through market recognition, Willem is regarded as one of South Africa's foremost M&A specialists. Willem’s areas of expertise are corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, private equity, black economic empowerment transactions, and structuring and restructuring of businesses.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ian Hayes