Legal Counsel - Mergers, Acquisitions & Investments

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career development opportunities

Prime Sandton location

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly accomplished Legal Counsel with extensive M&A and investment experience in a Sandton-based investment holding company. The role covers structuring, negotiating and executing complex transactions and provides advisory support across the deal lifecycle in a hybrid work setting.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior management and external advisors, handling cross-border considerations and ensuring regulatory compliance in the South African context.

Qualifications

• Must be an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Significant experience in M&A and corporate finance.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal aspects of M&A deals, including structuring and due diligence.
• Draft, review and finalize SPAs, APAs and JV agreements.
• Advise on corporate governance and compliance for investments.
• Manage legal risk in acquisitions, disposals and investments.
• Oversee regulatory approvals and filings; liaise with internal and external counsel.
• Conduct thorough due diligence on target entities and opportunities.
• Provide ongoing legal support for portfolio companies post-investment.

Skills

Negotiation

Legal drafting

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

Education

Admitted Attorney – High Court of SA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading investment holding company based in the financial hub of Sandton, Gauteng, is seeking a highly accomplished Legal Counsel with specialized expertise in Mergers, Acquisitions, and Investments. This role is critical to the company's strategic growth, requiring extensive experience in structuring, negotiating, and executing complex transactions. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive legal advice across the deal lifecycle, from initial due diligence to post-acquisition integration. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career path, working closely with senior management and external advisors on high-stakes deals. The role involves a hybrid work model, offering a blend of on-site collaboration in Sandton and remote flexibility. We are seeking a top-tier legal professional with a deep understanding of corporate finance and investment law in the South African context.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead legal aspects of M&A transactions, including deal structuring, due diligence, and negotiation.
• Draft, review, and finalize transaction agreements such as Share Purchase Agreements, Asset Purchase Agreements, and Joint Venture Agreements.
• Advise on corporate restructuring, corporate governance, and compliance related to investments.
• Manage legal risks associated with acquisitions, disposals, and investments.
• Oversee legal aspects of regulatory approvals and filings.
• Liaise effectively with internal business units, finance teams, and external legal counsel.
• Conduct thorough legal due diligence on target entities and investment opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and listing requirements (if applicable).
• Provide ongoing legal support for portfolio companies and post-investment activities.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 10 years of post-qualification experience, with a strong focus on M&A and corporate finance.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and closing complex M&A and investment transactions.
• In-depth knowledge of South African corporate law, company law, and securities regulations.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of financial principles and business strategy.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple high-priority matters, and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in cross-border transactions is a significant advantage.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commercial acumen.
• Must be able to work effectively in a hybrid model based in Sandton, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant bonus potential.
• Exposure to high-profile and impactful investment transactions.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Prime location in Sandton's business district.