Legal Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Medical aid

Pension fund

Equity participation

Career advancement

Professional development

Leave policies

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions for our Benoni, Gauteng operations. The role demands handling complex cross-border and domestic M&A transactions, from inception through closing, with strong drafting, negotiation, and due diligence skills.

The successful candidate will advise senior management and collaborate with external counsel to execute strategic acquisitions and divestitures.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience in M&A.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and due diligence skills.
• Experience handling cross-border and domestic transactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal aspects of M&A deals from due diligence to closing.
• Draft and negotiate term sheets and related documents.
• Coordinate due diligence processes and identify key risks.
• Advise management and board on legal implications and risks.
• Manage relationships with external counsel and advisors.
• Ensure compliance with securities laws and governance rules.
• Oversee post-closing integration and regulatory filings.
• Provide support for corporate restructurings and JVs.
• Research emerging M&A trends and regulatory changes.

Skills

M&A experience

Drafting

Negotiation

Due diligence

Cross-border deals

Education

LLB or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a diversified multinational corporation with significant operations in Benoni , Gauteng, is seeking an ambitious and highly skilled Legal Counsel specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) . This challenging role requires a legal professional with a strong track record in managing complex cross-border and domestic M&A transactions, from inception through to closing. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional drafting, negotiation, and due diligence skills, coupled with a deep understanding of corporate law, securities regulations, and transactional finance. This is a strategic position offering the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the company's growth trajectory through strategic acquisitions and divestitures within the Benoni industrial landscape and beyond. Our client is committed to operational excellence and strategic expansion. The successful candidate will work closely with the corporate development team, senior management, and external counsel to execute impactful deals. We are looking for a results-oriented individual who can provide proactive legal advice and manage intricate deal structures. This role demands analytical prowess and the ability to navigate complex legal and business challenges effectively, contributing significantly to our client's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiation of sale and purchase agreements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate term sheets, letters of intent, confidentiality agreements, and other transaction-related documents.
• Coordinate legal due diligence processes, identifying key risks and liabilities.
• Advise senior management and the board on legal implications and risks associated with M&A activities.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel, investment bankers, and other advisors.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant securities laws, corporate governance rules, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee post-closing integration and regulatory filings related to transactions.
• Provide legal support for joint ventures, strategic alliances, and other corporate restructurings.
• Conduct legal research on emerging M&A trends and regulatory changes.
• Develop and maintain playbooks and standardized documentation for M&A transactions.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant focus on M&A.
• Proven experience in managing end-to-end M&A transactions, preferably in a corporate or top-tier law firm environment.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate law, securities regulations, and transactional finance.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously.
• Experience in cross-border transactions is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the industrial or manufacturing sectors in the Benoni area is advantageous.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of this role.
• Comprehensive benefits include excellent medical aid, a generous pension fund, and potential for equity participation.
• This position offers unparalleled opportunities for career advancement and exposure to high-profile international transactions.
• Employees will work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our modern Benoni corporate offices.
• Our client provides access to cutting-edge legal technology and professional development resources.
• Generous leave policies and other statutory benefits are provided.
• Our client fosters a culture of innovation and strategic thinking, supporting a challenging yet rewarding work-life balance.