Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Counsel

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Equity options

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous leave

Professional development

International travel

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Counsel to lead its M&A legal function in Polokwane. You will oversee end-to-end domestic and cross-border transactions, from strategy and due diligence through to closing and post-acquisition integration, partnering with the executive team, business development and finance.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in complex M&A, deep corporate, securities and competition law knowledge, outstanding negotiation and drafting skills, and the ability

Qualifications

• 8+ years in progressive M&A legal roles.
• Experience handling domestic and cross-border M&A.
• Strong drafting and negotiation capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate, securities, and competition law.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end M&A transactions from strategy to closing.
• Draft and negotiate SPAs, APAs, and Merger Agreements.
• Advise on risks and mitigation strategies for acquisitions/divestitures.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external advisors across the deal lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with corporate, securities, and competition laws.
• Oversee post-closing integration from a legal perspective.
• Develop and maintain M&A playbooks and best practices.
• Conduct legal research on complex M&A issues.
• Manage relationships with investment banks and external counsel.

Skills

M&A experience

Negotiation

Drafting

Cross-border

Education

LLB degree

Admitted as Attorney/Advocate

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding multinational corporation with a strong presence in Polokwane , is seeking an accomplished Senior Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Counsel to lead its M&A legal function. This pivotal role requires extensive experience in handling complex domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, from initial strategy and due diligence through to closing and post-acquisition integration. You will work closely with the executive team, business development, and finance departments, providing strategic legal advice and managing all legal aspects of M&A activities. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional negotiation skills, a deep understanding of corporate law, and the ability to navigate intricate deal structures. This is a unique opportunity to shape the growth trajectory of a dynamic company and play a key role in its strategic acquisitions. We are looking for a highly motivated and results-oriented legal professional with a strong commercial mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and execute end-to-end M&A transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring, negotiation, and closing.
• Draft and negotiate key transaction documents, such as Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs), and Merger Agreements.
• Advise on legal risks and mitigation strategies associated with potential acquisitions and divestitures.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external advisors (legal, financial, tax) throughout the M&A process.
• Ensure compliance with relevant corporate laws, securities regulations, and competition laws.
• Oversee post-closing integration activities from a legal perspective.
• Provide ongoing legal support to business units on strategic corporate initiatives.
• Develop and maintain M&A playbooks and best practices.
• Conduct legal research on complex M&A-related issues.
• Manage relationships with investment bankers, external counsel, and other transaction parties.

Requirements

• An LLB degree or equivalent qualification, admitted as an Attorney or Advocate.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive M&A legal experience, preferably with significant time spent at a reputable law firm or in-house at a major corporation.
• Demonstrated expertise in handling a high volume of complex M&A transactions, including public and private company deals.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate law, securities law, contract law, and competition law.
• Exceptional negotiation, drafting, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple deals simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively advise senior management.
• Experience with cross-border transactions is essential.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including base salary and substantial bonus.
• Potential for equity participation or stock options.
• Comprehensive executive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous contribution to a retirement savings plan.
• Significant annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development, international travel for deals, and advanced training.
• Access to cutting-edge legal technology and resources.
• A stimulating hybrid work environment in Polokwane .
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing global organization.
• Relocation assistance if required.