Senior Legal Advisor - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Pension fund

International exposure

Professional development opportunities

Cape Town office

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a dynamic conglomerate in Cape Town to hire a Senior Legal Advisor focused on M&A. You will lead complex transactions, conduct due diligence, draft and negotiate key documents while advising senior management.

The ideal candidate has LLB, SA admission as attorney/advocate, 8+ years in M&A, strong negotiating and drafting skills, knowledge of SA corporate and securities law, and excellent English. On-site in Cape Town with competitive package.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent is mandatory.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate with the SA legal body.
• Minimum 8 years of M&A transaction experience.
• Experience in a top-tier law firm or large corporate legal dept.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent knowledge of SA company law and financial regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead all legal aspects of M&A from due diligence to closing and post‑deal integration.
• Perform due diligence on targets, identify risks and opportunities.
• Draft, review and negotiate SPAs, APAs and shareholder agreements.
• Advise execs and board on legal implications and strategy.
• Ensure compliance with securities, corporate, and financial regulations.
• Coordinate with internal teams, external counsel, bankers and advisors.
• Build and maintain relationships with key deal stakeholders.
• Oversee post‑completion integration and regulatory hurdles.
• Provide general corporate legal advice to support M&A.

Skills

M&A

Negotiation

Due diligence

Contract drafting

Stakeholder management

Project management

English fluency

Education

LLB or equivalent

Admission as SA Attorney/Advocate

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing conglomerate, is seeking an accomplished Senior Legal Advisor with specialized expertise in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) to join their prestigious legal department in **Cape Town, Western Cape**. This critical role involves managing and executing complex M&A transactions, providing strategic legal counsel, and ensuring seamless integration of acquired entities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong transactional background, exceptional negotiation skills, and a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance and securities law. You will be instrumental in driving the company's expansion strategy through carefully structured deals. The **Cape Town** office provides a vibrant and challenging work environment, fostering innovation and professional growth. This position is perfect for a legal professional looking to make a significant impact on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions, from initial due diligence to closing and post-transaction integration.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents, including share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, and shareholder agreements.
• Advise senior management and the board of directors on legal implications and strategic considerations related to M&A activities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant securities laws, corporate laws, and regulatory requirements in multiple jurisdictions.
• Liaise effectively with internal business teams, external legal counsel, investment bankers, and other advisors.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders involved in transactions.
• Manage post-completion integration of acquired entities, addressing legal and regulatory hurdles.
• Provide general corporate legal advice as needed, complementing M&A responsibilities.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent is mandatory.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate with the relevant South African legal body.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, with a significant focus on M&A transactions, preferably within a top-tier law firm or a large corporate legal department.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple complex M&A deals concurrently.
• In-depth knowledge of South African company law, contract law, and financial regulations.
• Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance principles and valuation methods.
• Ability to analyze complex legal and business issues and provide practical, commercially sound advice.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in **Cape Town, Western Cape** and available for on-site work.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, along with attractive performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits include private health insurance, a pension fund, and substantial opportunities for professional development and international exposure.
• The company fosters a collaborative and stimulating work environment in beautiful **Cape Town**.
• We are dedicated to employee well-being and offer various support initiatives.
• Join a leading firm where your M&A expertise will be highly valued and contribute directly to our growth trajectory.