Legal Advisor - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High salary package

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Legal Advisor (M&A) in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead and support high‑stakes transactions, from due diligence to closing, drafting SPAs, APAs, and JV agreements, and advising on deal structure and risk.

Admitted Attorney of SA with at least 7 years post‑qualification experience in M&A and corporate law. You will collaborate with external counsel and senior stakeholders, ensuring regulatory compliance and pragmatic, business‑driven advice in a fast‑paced

Qualifications

• Qualified SA attorney with 7+ years in M&A and corporate law.
• Proven track record leading complex deals end‑to‑end.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and structuring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage M&A transactions (acquisitions, divestitures, JVs, restructurings).
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence on targets and assets.
• Draft/review/ negotiate SPAs, APAs, and JVAs.
• Advise on deal structuring and risk allocation.
• Coordinate with external counsel, financial advisors & stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with governance, securities and competition laws.
• Provide legal support for post‑transaction integration.
• Stay updated on M&A trends and best practices.
• Advise on related corporate law matters.

Skills

M&A experience

Corporate law

Due diligence

Drafting & negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Admitted SA Attorney

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent business group with significant strategic growth objectives, is seeking a highly skilled Legal Advisor to specialize in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). This pivotal role is based in the heart of the Western Cape's winelands, Paarl . The successful candidate will be instrumental in supporting the company's expansion strategy by providing expert legal counsel on all phases of M&A transactions, from initial due diligence and structuring to negotiation, drafting, and closing. This position requires a deep understanding of corporate law, transaction mechanics, and risk assessment within the context of significant deals. This is an on-site role, fostering close collaboration with deal teams and senior management in Paarl . We are seeking an ambitious and experienced M&A lawyer to drive critical transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage legal aspects of M&A transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies and assets.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents, such as Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs), and Joint Venture Agreements.
• Advise on deal structuring, risk allocation, and deal completion mechanics.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel, financial advisors, and other transaction stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance, securities law, and competition law regulations relevant to transactions.
• Provide legal support for post-transaction integration activities.
• Stay abreast of market trends and best practices in M&A law.
• Advise on related corporate law matters as required.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years' post-qualification experience, with a significant focus on M&A and corporate law.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex M&A transactions from inception to completion.
• In-depth knowledge of South African corporate law, company law, and regulatory requirements governing transactions.
• Exceptional skills in drafting, negotiating, and structuring complex legal agreements.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and business valuation principles.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and project management abilities.
• High level of commercial acumen and ability to provide pragmatic, business-driven legal advice.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines inherent in M&A deals.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, reflecting the seniority and specialization of the role.
• Significant performance-based bonus opportunities tied to successful deal execution.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund provisions.
• Generous annual leave and professional development support.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile, impactful transactions in the Paarl region.
• A stimulating and challenging work environment within a growth-focused organization.