In-House Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel with a specialization in Mergers & Acquisitions to support strategic growth in Randburg, Gauteng. The role offers a hybrid work model with in-office collaboration for high-impact corporate transactions.

You will lead deal execution, conduct due diligence, draft and negotiate transaction documents, and advise senior management on risks and opportunities across domestic and international M&A projects.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 7 years post-qualification experience in M&A.
• Experience managing complex domestic and international M&A deals.
• Strong knowledge of South African corporate law and securities regulations.
• Experience conducting thorough legal due diligence.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage legal aspects of M&A transactions including due diligence, deal structuring and negotiation.
• Draft, review and negotiate SPAs, APAs, and JVAs.
• Advise senior management on legal risks and strategic considerations in M&A.
• Ensure compliance with corporate laws, securities regulations and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with external counsel, investment bankers and other advisors on deals.
• Oversee post-closing integration from a legal perspective.
• Develop and maintain standard M&A documentation and playbooks.
• Provide legal support for corporate governance and reorganizations.

Skills

M&A Counsel

Deal Leadership

Due Diligence

Negotiation

Education

Admitted Attorney

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a diversified multinational corporation with significant operations in Randburg, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel with a specialization in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). This role offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between remote flexibility and essential in-office collaboration. The M&A Counsel will be a key player in supporting the company's strategic growth initiatives, managing all legal aspects of acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions. Responsibilities include leading deal execution, conducting legal due diligence, drafting and negotiating transaction agreements, and advising senior management on legal risks and opportunities associated with potential M&A activities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of corporate finance, M&A law, and South African corporate governance. This is a high-impact role for a seasoned legal professional looking to contribute to significant corporate restructuring and expansion within a global enterprise. The position requires strong analytical skills, a commercial mindset, and the ability to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions. Working within the dynamic business environment of Randburg , the role demands a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating legal risks associated with corporate transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage legal aspects of M&A transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents such as Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs), and Joint Venture Agreements (JVAs).
• Advise senior management and business teams on legal risks, compliance, and strategic considerations related to M&A.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant corporate laws, securities regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel, investment bankers, and other advisors on M&A deals.
• Manage post-closing integration activities from a legal perspective.
• Develop and maintain standard M&A documentation and playbooks.
• Provide legal support for corporate governance matters and reorganizations.
• Conduct legal research and provide concise advice on complex M&A-related issues.
• Stay current with M&A market trends, regulatory changes, and best practices.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience, with a substantial focus on M&A transactions.
• Proven experience managing complex domestic and international M&A deals.
• In-depth knowledge of South African corporate law, securities regulations, and M&A best practices.
• Experience in conducting thorough legal due diligence.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid legal role is essential.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required for deals.
• A strong commercial acumen and business-oriented approach.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, significant bonus potential tied to M&A deal success, and a comprehensive benefits package including top-tier medical aid, a generous provident fund, and life insurance.
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility, and the role offers unparalleled exposure to high-value strategic transactions.
• Employees benefit from ample paid time off and opportunities for continuous professional development.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading corporation in Randburg, Gauteng , and play a pivotal role in its strategic growth and development. You will be part of a dynamic legal team, contributing to the success of key business initiatives.