In-House Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with company‑匹

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel in Durban, focusing on mergers and acquisitions to lead deal execution from due diligence through closing. The role requires daily office presence and close collaboration with executives and deal teams.

You will advise on governance, securities, and regulatory compliance, coordinate with external advisers, and drive post-acquisition integration while monitoring market trends and best practices.

Qualifications

• Experience focusing on mergers & acquisitions from either a top-tier firm or in-house.
• Strong knowledge of corporate, securities and contract law.
• Proven ability to close complex M&A transactions.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute M&A transactions from due diligence to closing documents.
• Provide expert legal counsel on corporate transactions, including cross-border deals.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence for acquisitions and divestitures.
• Advise the board and senior management on governance, securities, and compliance.
• Coordinate with external counsel, bankers, accountants and advisors.
• Develop strong relationships with internal teams to support strategic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements including competition and corporate law.
• Assist in post-acquisition integration from a legal perspective.
• Stay current with M&A market trends and best practices.
• Manage legal aspects of joint ventures and restructurings.

Skills

M&A

Corporate finance

Deal structuring

Contract negotiation

Cross-border deals

Due diligence

Governance & compliance

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding multinational corporation with significant operations in Durban, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced In-House Counsel specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). This is a critical on-site role, requiring your full presence at our Durban offices to facilitate close collaboration with executive leadership and deal teams. You will be at the forefront of identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic M&A transactions that drive company growth and market expansion. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of corporate finance, deal structuring, and contract negotiation within the M&A landscape. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the company and work on impactful, high-value transactions. We are looking for a proactive individual who can navigate complex legal and business challenges with confidence and precision.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and execute M&A transactions, from initial due diligence and deal structuring to drafting and negotiating acquisition agreements and closing documentation.


• Provide expert legal counsel on all aspects of corporate transactions, including cross-border deals.


• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence for potential acquisitions and divestitures.


• Advise the board of directors and senior management on corporate governance, securities law, and compliance related to M&A activities.


• Coordinate with external counsel, investment bankers, accountants, and other advisors involved in transactions.


• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal business teams to understand their strategic objectives and provide tailored legal support.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including competition law and corporate law.


• Assist in post-acquisition integration efforts from a legal perspective.


• Stay current with M&A market trends, legal developments, and best practices.


• Manage the legal aspects of joint ventures, strategic alliances, and other corporate reorganizations.

Requirements

• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.


• A minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant focus on M&A transactions, gained either in a top-tier law firm or in-house at a reputable company.


• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing and closing complex M&A deals.


• In-depth knowledge of corporate law, securities law, contract law, and relevant regulatory frameworks.


• Experience with cross-border transactions is highly desirable.


• Exceptional negotiation and drafting skills.


• Strong business acumen and the ability to understand commercial objectives.


• Excellent project management and organizational skills.


• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advise senior executives effectively.


• This role requires the candidate to be based in Durban and attend the office daily.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.


• Opportunity to work on significant and strategically important transactions.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.


• Retirement savings plan with company matching.


• Professional development opportunities and conference attendance.


• Dynamic and collaborative work environment within a growing organization.


• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.