Corporate Lawyer - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career development

Hybrid work

Deals exposure

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, SA, seeks a senior Corporate Lawyer specialized in M&A to lead end-to-end transactions, conduct due diligence, draft and negotiate SPAs, APAs, and scheme implementations, and provide strategic counsel to the board.

The role offers a hybrid work model with exposure to high-profile deals, collaboration with finance and external advisers, and leadership across multi-jurisdictional matters.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• 8+ years of post-admission experience in M&A and corporate law, preferably at a top law firm or large corporation.
• Proven track record in managing complex M&A transactions and drafting/negotiating related agreements.
• Strong governance, securities law, and regulatory knowledge.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Hybrid work arrangement with required office presence in Mahikeng for certain days.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end M&A transactions including acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, and joint ventures.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on target entities and assets.
• Structure M&A deals and advise on optimal terms.
• Draft, review, and negotiate SPAs, APAs, and Scheme Implementation Agreements.
• Collaborate with internal teams, finance, and external advisers.
• Ensure compliance with corporate law, securities regulations, and related laws.
• Advise on post-transaction integration and regulatory approvals.
• Provide general corporate legal counsel to the board and management.
• Stay informed on market trends and best practices in M&A.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Legal research

Education

LLB degree

Admitted as an Attorney in SA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding investment holding company with diverse interests, seeks a highly skilled and experienced Corporate Lawyer with a strong specialization in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). This senior role, based in Mahikeng, North West, ZA , is central to executing strategic corporate transactions. You will play a pivotal role in all stages of the M&A lifecycle, from initial due diligence and deal structuring to negotiation and closing. This position operates on a hybrid model, facilitating collaboration and flexibility. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional transactional expertise, a deep understanding of corporate finance, and the ability to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional deals. We are looking for a proactive individual who can provide strategic legal counsel and drive successful outcomes in high-stakes transactions. This role offers significant exposure to high-profile deals within a dynamic corporate environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end M&A transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, and joint ventures.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies and assets.
• Structure M&A transactions and advise on optimal deal terms.
• Draft, review, and negotiate M&A agreements, including Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs), and Scheme Implementation Agreements.
• Collaborate closely with internal business teams, finance departments, and external advisors (investment banks, consultants, outside counsel).
• Ensure compliance with corporate law, securities regulations, and other relevant legislation.
• Advise on post-transaction integration and related legal matters.
• Manage regulatory approvals and filings related to M&A activities.
• Provide general corporate legal advice to the board and management.
• Stay abreast of market trends and best practices in M&A.

Requirements

• An LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-admission experience in M&A and corporate law, preferably gained at a reputable law firm or in-house at a large corporation.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex M&A transactions.
• Extensive experience in drafting and negotiating M&A-related agreements.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, securities law, and relevant financial regulations.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Superior communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in legal research and deal management tools.
• Must be able to attend the office in Mahikeng, North West, ZA for required hybrid workdays.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and life insurance coverage.
• Generous contribution to a provident fund.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Hybrid work arrangement for work-life integration.
• Exposure to significant and impactful corporate transactions.
• A dynamic and results-oriented work environment.
• Substantial annual leave.