In-House Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions Specialist

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an In-House Counsel (M&A) to join its legal department in a hybrid role based in South Africa. You will lead all legal aspects of M&A transactions, perform due diligence, negotiate core documents, and advise senior management on risks and regulatory considerations.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of M&A or corporate finance experience, strong negotiation and drafting skills, and a solid understanding of SA company law and securities regulations.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years of experience, with a substantial portion dedicated to M&A or corporate finance law.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and closing complex M&A transactions.
• In-depth knowledge of South African company law, contract law, and securities regulations.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and corporate valuation principles.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience in cross-border transactions is a plus.
• Proficiency in legal research and document management systems.
• Must be a collaborative team player with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions from initiation to closing.
• Conduct thorough legal due diligence on target companies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate term sheets, purchase agreements, and ancillary transaction documents.
• Advise senior management on legal risks and mitigation strategies associated with M&A activities.
• Coordinate with internal and external legal counsel, financial advisors, and business teams.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant corporate laws and securities regulations.
• Manage post-closing integration legal workstreams.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Provide legal support for corporate restructuring and financing activities.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a diversified conglomerate with significant expansion plans, is seeking a highly motivated In-House Counsel specializing in M&A to join their legal department. This role is based in Klerksdorp, North West, and offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing office-based collaboration with remote flexibility. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures, managing the entire M&A transaction lifecycle. This position requires a sharp legal mind, exceptional negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of corporate finance and transactional law. You will be instrumental in driving the company's growth strategy through astute legal execution and advisory.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions from initiation to closing.


• Conduct thorough legal due diligence on target companies.


• Draft, review, and negotiate term sheets, purchase agreements, and ancillary transaction documents.


• Advise senior management on legal risks and mitigation strategies associated with M&A activities.


• Coordinate with internal and external legal counsel, financial advisors, and business teams.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant corporate laws and securities regulations.


• Manage post-closing integration legal workstreams.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.


• Provide legal support for corporate restructuring and financing activities.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years of experience, with a substantial portion dedicated to M&A or corporate finance law.


• Proven track record of successfully managing and closing complex M&A transactions.


• In-depth knowledge of South African company law, contract law, and securities regulations.


• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.


• Strong understanding of financial statements and corporate valuation principles.


• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.


• Experience in cross-border transactions is a plus.


• Proficiency in legal research and document management systems.


• Must be a collaborative team player with strong communication skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a generous provident fund, and performance-based bonuses.

The hybrid work model provides flexibility, combining in-office engagement in Klerksdorp with remote work. This role offers significant career growth opportunities and exposure to high-impact strategic initiatives. You will work alongside a dynamic team and have direct interaction with executive leadership, contributing to the company's ambitious growth trajectory.