Commercial Lawyer - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Commercial Lawyer to lead M&A and transactional work within a dynamic legal team. You will manage all legal aspects of transactions, conduct due diligence, and draft agreements, advising on governance and regulatory matters.

The ideal candidate will have SA admission, 5+ years in corporate law with M&A exposure, and strong negotiation and communication skills. Based in or willing to relocate to George, this permanent role offers growth and

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in corporate law with strong M&A/transaction focus.
• Strong understanding of SA company law, contract law and securities regulation.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex transactional documents.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage transaction processes efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Experience in a corporate legal department or reputable law firm.
• Ability to manage client relationships and provide strategic legal counsel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal research tools.
• Based in or willing to relocate to George, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions from structuring to post‑completion integration.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate sale of shares agreements, asset purchase agreements, and shareholder agreements.
• Advise on corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory matters related to transactions.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, external counsel, and regulatory bodies.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with transactions.
• Assist with corporate restructuring and reorganizations.
• Provide general commercial legal advice to various business units.

Skills

M&A

Corporate law

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Due diligence

Contract drafting

Client relationships

Analytical skills

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services firm located in George, Western Cape , is seeking a dedicated Commercial Lawyer to join their dynamic legal team. This role is crucial for supporting the company's strategic growth initiatives, particularly in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The Commercial Lawyer will be responsible for managing legal aspects of transactions, conducting due diligence, drafting and negotiating agreements, and providing expert advice on corporate restructuring. This is an exceptional opportunity for a legal professional to gain exposure to high-value deals and contribute to the firm's success in a key geographical region of South Africa. The position requires a meticulous approach and a deep understanding of corporate finance and transactional law. We are looking for a proactive individual who can navigate complex legal landscapes and deliver commercially viable solutions. The ideal candidate will be based in or willing to relocate to the beautiful George area.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions, from initial structuring to post-completion integration.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate transaction agreements, including sale of shares agreements, asset purchase agreements, and shareholder agreements.
• Advise on corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory matters related to transactions.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, external counsel, and regulatory bodies.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with transactions.
• Assist with corporate restructuring and reorganizations.
• Provide general commercial legal advice to various business units.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in corporate law, with a significant focus on M&A and commercial transactions.
• Strong understanding of South African company law, contract law, and securities regulation.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating complex transactional documents.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage transaction processes efficiently and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience working in a corporate legal department or a reputable law firm.
• Adept at managing client relationships and providing strategic legal counsel.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools.
• Must be based in or able to relocate to George, Western Cape.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, benchmarked against industry standards, along with performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plans are provided. Opportunities for professional growth and development are prioritized, including access to specialized training programs. Employees enjoy a stimulating work environment and the chance to work on significant and challenging deals. This role is based in our modern offices in George , offering a stable and permanent position. Additional benefits include (mention specific perks like travel allowances or study leave if applicable).