Senior Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lawyer

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a leading international financial institution, invites applications for a Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer based in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role involves advising on and executing complex M&A transactions across sectors, with a focus on cross-border deals and deal structuring.

You will draft and negotiate agreements, oversee due diligence, manage senior stakeholders, and drive post‑closing integration while leveraging hybrid work arrangements in the Polokwane

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA with at least 9 years post-qualification M&A experience.
• Proven track record leading significant M&A deals, preferably cross-border.
• Strong knowledge of corporate law, securities regulations, and deal structures.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead all legal aspects of M&A transactions from structuring through closing.
• Conduct due diligence on target companies.
• Draft and negotiate share and asset purchase agreements and JV agreements.
• Advise senior management on risks and strategy.
• Coordinate with external counsel and investment bankers.
• Ensure compliance with corporate laws and antitrust requirements.
• Oversee post-closing integration and finance-related support.
• Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Improve M&A processes and documentation.

Skills

M&A expertise

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Leadership

Cross-border deals

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international financial institution with a growing presence in Africa, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lawyer to bolster their corporate legal team. This strategic role, based in Polokwane, Limpopo, will involve advising on and executing complex M&A transactions across various sectors. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in deal structuring, due diligence, negotiation, and drafting of M&A agreements. You will be instrumental in driving the success of the firm's transactional practice, working closely with internal business units and external advisors. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned M&A professional to play a lead role in significant cross-border and domestic transactions within a globally recognized organization. We are looking for a proactive, strategic thinker who can manage multiple high-value deals in a demanding, fast-paced environment, leveraging hybrid work arrangements in our Polokwane office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions, from initial assessment and structuring through to closing and post-completion integration.


• Conduct and oversee comprehensive legal due diligence investigations on target companies.


• Draft, negotiate, and finalize M&A transaction documents, including share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, and disclosure schedules.


• Advise senior management and business teams on legal risks, deal structuring, and optimal transaction strategies.


• Coordinate with external legal counsel, investment bankers, and other advisors involved in transactions.


• Ensure compliance with relevant corporate laws, securities regulations, and competition/antitrust requirements.


• Manage post-closing integration activities and ensure smooth transitions.


• Provide legal support for corporate finance and capital markets transactions as needed.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external.


• Contribute to the continuous improvement of M&A processes and legal documentation.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 9 years of post-qualification experience, with a primary focus on M&A.


• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading and executing significant M&A transactions, preferably with cross-border experience.


• Deep understanding of corporate law, securities regulations, and transaction structures.


• Exceptional skills in drafting, negotiation, and legal analysis.


• Strong business acumen and the ability to provide strategic, commercially-driven legal advice.


• Proven ability to manage complex projects, multiple stakeholders, and tight deadlines.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.


• Experience in a leading law firm's corporate M&A department or in-house legal team of a major corporation is essential.


• Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to Polokwane, Limpopo.


• Experience in specific industries such as mining, technology, or finance is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading remuneration package, including a substantial performance-based bonus structure and comprehensive benefits such as private medical insurance, a generous pension fund, and relocation assistance if required. Opportunities for international exposure and continuous professional development are abundant. This role provides a challenging and rewarding career path within a prestigious financial institution, offering a dynamic work environment in Polokwane with a focus on innovation and employee growth.