Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Associate

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24, a top-tier corporate law firm in Benoni, is seeking a Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Associate to lead complex domestic and cross-border deals. The role focuses on deal execution from due diligence through closing, with mentoring of junior staff.

The ideal candidate will have admitted attorney status with 7+ years in M&A, strong drafting and negotiating skills, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams under tight deadlines in a hybrid Benoni setting.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with ≥7 years in M&A.
• Experience handling mid-to-large M&A deals.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute M&A transactions, including due diligence, drafting, and negotiation of deal documentation.
• Advise clients on deal structuring, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on various M&A related issues.
• Liaise with clients, target company representatives, external counsel, and financial advisors.
• Draft and review key transaction documents such as SPAs, APAs, and Shareholder Agreements.
• Identify and assess legal risks and liabilities associated with transactions.
• Coordinate closing mechanics and ensure successful completion of deals.
• Assist with post-completion integration and legal formalities.
• Supervise and mentor junior associates and legal staff involved in M&A matters.
• Stay current with market trends and legal developments in M&A.

Skills

M&A transactions

Due diligence

Negotiation

Drafting

Client communication

Team leadership

Education

Admitted Attorney

Job description

About the Role

A top-tier corporate law firm located in Benoni, Gauteng is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Associate. This position is integral to the firm's leading M&A practice, involving the representation of diverse clients in complex domestic and cross-border transactions. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in deal execution, from due diligence and negotiation through to closing. Our client is committed to delivering exceptional legal services and seeks a proactive individual who can contribute to their reputation for excellence in corporate advisory services within the Benoni area. This is an outstanding opportunity to advance your career in M&A with a prestigious firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and execute M&A transactions, including due diligence, drafting, and negotiation of deal documentation.
• Advise clients on deal structuring, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on various M&A related issues.
• Liaise with clients, target company representatives, external counsel, and financial advisors.
• Draft and review key transaction documents such as Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs), and Shareholder Agreements.
• Identify and assess legal risks and liabilities associated with transactions.
• Coordinate closing mechanics and ensure successful completion of deals.
• Assist with post-completion integration and legal formalities.
• Supervise and mentor junior associates and legal staff involved in M&A matters.
• Stay current with market trends and legal developments in M&A.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 7 years of specialized experience in M&A transactions.
• Demonstrated expertise in handling mid-to-large scale M&A deals.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate law, securities law, and transaction structuring.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex transactions, multiple workstreams, and tight deadlines.
• Experience in conducting legal due diligence and identifying key risks.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial statements relevant to M&A.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and lead workstreams independently.
• High level of professionalism and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a base salary and a discretionary performance bonus.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The firm fosters a dynamic and supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and recognizes outstanding performance.
• This role offers exposure to challenging and high-profile transactions within the corporate sector.
• The position offers hybrid work flexibility, allowing for a blend of office-based work and remote flexibility, situated in our Benoni offices.