Remote Legal Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel specializing in M&A to join a global legal team in a remote role based in South Africa. You will lead complex transactions from strategy through closing and integration, collaborating with finance, operations, and external advisers.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in M&A, strong corporate and securities knowledge, and excellent negotiation and drafting skills.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 8+ years in M&A, private practice or in-house.
• Proven track record in end-to-end M&A transactions.
• Strong knowledge of corporate law and securities.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work remotely and manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage M&A transactions including acquisitions and divestitures.
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence on target companies and assets.
• Draft and finalize SSAs, asset purchase agreements, and merger agreements.
• Advise on deal structuring, risk allocation, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external advisers.
• Oversee post-closing integration and transitions.
• Support corporate reorganizations and joint ventures.
• Monitor securities laws and corporate governance developments.
• Develop best practices for M&A processes.
• Stay updated on market trends affecting global deals.

Skills

M&A experience

Negotiation

Due diligence

Drafting

Regulatory compliance

Cross-border deals

Strategic thinking

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding multinational corporation, is actively seeking an experienced and driven Legal Counsel specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) to join their global legal team. This position is designated as fully remote, allowing you to contribute from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in managing and executing complex M&A transactions, from initial strategy and due diligence through to closing and post-acquisition integration. This remote-first role requires a candidate with a deep understanding of corporate finance, transaction structuring, and cross-border deal-making. You will collaborate extensively with internal business units, finance teams, and external advisors to ensure the successful and efficient completion of strategic acquisitions and divestitures. We foster a highly connected and supportive remote environment, equipped with the latest collaboration tools to ensure seamless teamwork. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional negotiation skills, a proactive mindset, and a proven ability to manage high-stakes transactions independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage M&A transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, and strategic investments.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies and assets.
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize M&A agreements, including Sale of Shares Agreements (SSAs), asset purchase agreements, and merger agreements.
• Advise on deal structuring, risk allocation, and regulatory compliance related to M&A activities.
• Coordinate with internal teams (finance, operations, HR) and external legal counsel, investment banks, and other advisors.
• Manage post-closing integration activities and ensure smooth transition of operations.
• Provide legal support for corporate reorganizations and joint ventures.
• Monitor and advise on relevant securities laws and corporate governance requirements.
• Develop and implement best practices for M&A processes within the organization.
• Stay current with market trends and legal developments impacting M&A activities globally.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 8 years of relevant M&A experience, gained either in private practice or in-house.
• Demonstrated success in managing end-to-end M&A transactions, preferably with international deal experience.
• Strong knowledge of corporate law, securities regulations, and transaction documentation.
• Exceptional negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage complex projects, and meet demanding deadlines in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in legal research and deal management software.
• A strategic thinker with a commercial mindset and a focus on driving business objectives.
• Must be eligible to work remotely within Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA.

Benefits

• Highly competitive compensation package.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement in a global organization.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working arrangements.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and resources to support remote work.
• Exposure to high-profile, international M&A deals.