In-House Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks an experienced In-House Counsel specializing in M&A to join its legal department. The role covers structuring, due diligence, drafting SPAs and APAs, and post-acquisition integration in a hybrid work environment.

The ideal candidate has admitted status with 8+ years post-qualification, deep SA corporate law expertise, strong negotiation and drafting skills, and the ability to advise senior management on regulatory compliance and strategic transactions.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 8+ years post-qualification experience.
• Proven track record in managing complex M&A deals from start to finish.
• In-depth knowledge of South African corporate law, company law, and securities regulations.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic investments.
• Conduct and oversee comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies.
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize transaction agreements such as SPAs and APAs.
• Advise on deal structuring, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies for M&A activities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and corporate governance.
• Coordinate with external counsel, financial advisors, and other stakeholders.
• Provide legal support for post-merger integration activities.
• Develop internal policies and procedures related to M&A.
• Monitor regulatory changes impacting M&A activities and advise the business.

Skills

M&A transactions

Corporate law

Negotiation

Drafting

Regulatory compliance

Education

Admitted Attorney

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading diversified industrial group, is seeking a highly accomplished In-House Counsel with a specialization in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) to join their esteemed legal department in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This pivotal role will involve managing and executing a wide range of M&A transactions, from initial structuring and due diligence through to closing and post-acquisition integration. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in corporate law, transactional work, and regulatory compliance within the South African context. You will work closely with senior management and business development teams, providing strategic legal advice to support the company's growth objectives. This hybrid role offers a dynamic work environment that blends essential office-based collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, ensuring optimal engagement and productivity. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the company's strategic initiatives and safeguarding its interests in a competitive market. We are committed to fostering a challenging and rewarding career path for legal professionals in the vibrant economic hub of Vereeniging .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic investments.
• Conduct and oversee comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies.
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize transaction agreements, such as Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs) and Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs).
• Advise on deal structuring, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies for M&A activities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and corporate governance requirements.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel, financial advisors, and other stakeholders involved in transactions.
• Provide legal support for post-merger integration activities.
• Develop and implement internal policies and procedures related to M&A.
• Monitor regulatory changes impacting M&A activities and advise the business accordingly.
• Contribute to the overall legal strategy and risk management of the organization.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant focus on M&A transactions.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex M&A deals from start to finish.
• In-depth knowledge of South African corporate law, company law, and securities regulations.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and business due diligence processes.
• Exceptional negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with senior executives and external parties.
• Experience working in-house or within a leading law firm's corporate/M&A practice.
• Proficiency in legal research and standard business software.
• Must be adaptable to a hybrid work model in Vereeniging, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive benefits package.
• Significant involvement in strategic, high-value transactions.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and balance.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment within a leading industrial group.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund provisions.
• Access to cutting-edge legal resources and technology.
• Generous annual leave and other benefits.
• Contribute directly to the company's strategic growth and success.
• Prime office location in Vereeniging .