The competition practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr has an established track record in assisting with market inquiries and investigations brought by the Competition Commission, and is also strong in advising on the competition law aspects of prominent mergers. Led by Chris Charter, the team has been kept especially busy assisting clients in the financial services, energy, healthcare and food and beverages sectors. Susan Meyer is well versed in representing healthcare entities in complex cross-border mergers, and competition law specialist Albert Aukema regularly advises on prohibited practices proceedings. Lara Granville‘s varied workload includes advising on cartel investigations and merger control matters. Andries le Grange and Reece May are other key figures in the department.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team takes the time to really understand the business of each of our clients and have an immense amount of experience in transactions across numerous African jurisdictions. The relationship they have built with the South African competition authorities makes the process so much quicker and easier. ’

  • ‘Susan Meyer is always available and provides prompt and exceptional service to our clients. Her knowledge and experience are unmatched.’

  • 'What has impressed me is the ability of the team to properly engage, to listen, apply or reject the information fed to them, and turn around the work promptly so that the momentum is not lost and the continuous reviews can take place. We have been super-impressed. In addition, the team displays good commercial sense/acumen to complement their exceptional legal expertise in this field.'
  • ‘What a pleasure to work with attorneys who have a high regard for the input available from the client, but will not be shaken off course.'

  • 'Susan Meyer is simply outstanding! She is calm, concise, engaging and consistent.'
  • ‘The team is always proactive.’

  • ‘Chris Charter is well versed in the law and always available to debate issues pertaining to developments at the commission.’

Key clients

  • The Coca-Cola Company
  • Cosco Shipping
  • Computershare
  • Fidelity Services Group
  • Mediclinic
  • Old Mutual
  • GAP Chemicals
  • EASEED Group
  • Anglo American
  • ANZ
  • Hygrotech Properties
  • British American Tobacco
  • Legae Peresec
  • Massmart
  • Lonmin
  • Pelo Agricultural Ventures
  • Public Investment Corporation
  • Roche
  • Shell
  • Trafigura
  • Vodacom
  • Remgro
  • AdvTech
  • Curro Schools
  • Aveng
  • Capitalworks
  • Arcelor Mittal
  • EnviroServ
  • Investec
  • Kagiso Tiso Holdings
  • Parmalat
  • Tiso Blackstar Group
  • Liquid Telecoms
  • Technology Management Services (TCM)
  • Avon Justine
  • Rymco
  • Various Oppenheimer Group Companies
  • Bud Group
  • Manganese Producers Consortium
  • Minister of Economic Development
  • Business Connexion
  • Jasco Electronics Holdings
  • RCL
  • FNZ
  • Total-Energies
  • Sabre Corp
  • LG
  • Merck
  • Sibanye-Stillwater
  • Corruseal
  • Lesaka Technologies
  • African Bank
  • Azelis
  • CIB Insurance
  • DN Invest Proprietary
  • Food Lovers Market
  • PSG Group
  • Apex Partners
  • Fortress REIT
  • FNB
  • Senwes
  • VKB
  • Hollywood Bets
  • Spear REIT
  • Pam Golding
  • Vumatel
  • Engie
  • BetterHome Group
  • Sentech
  • Tiger Brands
  • Manganese Producers' Consortium
  • Mainstream Renewable Power
  • PPC
  • National Land Rover Dealers Association South Africa
  • Babcock Plant Services
  • Dark Fibre Africa
  • Hatfield Holdings
  • Puma Energy
  • FirstRand Bank

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
Chris is a Director and Head of our Competition Law practice. Chris’ practice covers all aspects of the discipline from merger control to prohibited practices. On the prohibited practices side, bringing and defending complaints, writing opinions, corporate leniency and compliance work are all covered. Chris has advised in mergers involving major South African listed companies and has advised a number of global companies in obtaining South African and African regulatory clearance in respect of multinational transactions. He and his team have extensive experience in a number of African jurisdictions including COMESA.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Chris Charter

Other key lawyers

Andries le Grange, Lara Granville, Susan Meyer, Albert Aukema, Reece May