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credible difference

We are legal experts in private equity in Africa. We offer bespoke advice that is innovative and commercially astute, and we have particular strengths in M&A and tax.

 

EXPERT
ADVICE
AWARD-WINNING
TEAM
AFRICAN
FOOTPRINT
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Expert advice

We are renowned for providing expert private equity advice to our clients, who include leading local and international private equity and venture capital funds, private equity fund managers, investment firms, financial institutions, corporates and retirement funds.

Because of our deep expertise, we are able to handle and co-ordinate even the most complex in-country, cross-border and multi-jurisdictional requirements quickly, efficiently and with excellence.

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Award-winning team

Our most recent private equity accolade was being named the Legal Advisor of the Decade (Local Advisory) at the Private Equity Africa Awards.

In addition, our deals have won the DealMakers Private Equity Deal of the Year Award for both East Africa and South Africa, and we have also won the Private Equity Deal of the Year Award in the large portfolio company category at the South African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) Conference Awards.

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African footprint

Multi-jurisdictional businesses face significant risks, as well as the challenge of complying with vastly different laws and regulations.

We are Africa’s largest law firm, with offices in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa.

With more than 600 specialist practitioners, we have deep expertise and the capacity to solve all your legal, tax, forensics and IP requirements, and help you navigate regulatory hurdles, no matter where in Africa you do business.

Because we have had many years of practical experience working on the ground throughout the continent, we have developed a proven track record and a solid understanding of local cultural, commercial and geopolitical contexts, as well as long-standing partnerships with trusted firms with whom we work.

an excellent reputation
Chambers Global Guide
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team

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awards and rankings

ENS is recognised by leading international ranking agencies, including Chambers Global, Legal 500, IFLR1000 and the World Tax Guide, for achieving consistently high standards.

Furthermore, the firm is a regular recipient of regional awards such as DealMakers and the African Legal Awards.

Our most recent private equity accolade was being named the Legal Advisor of the Decade (Local Advisory) at the Private Equity Africa Awards. In addition, our deals have won the DealMakers Private Equity Deal of the Year Award for both East Africa and South Africa, and we have also won the Private Equity Deal of the Year Award in the large portfolio company category at the South African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) Conference Awards.

Chambers GlobalLegal 500IFLR1000Dealmaker Awards
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a notable presence in the private equity market
Chambers Global Guide
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the “go-to” firm for complex transactions and intricate legal issues
Legal 500 EMEA Guide
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comprehensive multi-jurisdictional capabilities
Chambers Global Guide
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ENS has the resources, skills and expertise to deal with high-value and high-risk matters of a specialist nature
Chambers Global Guide
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ability to provide solutions that take into account the commercial consequences
Chambers Global Guide
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expertise

Acquisitions: 
initial and follow‑on
Business rescue 
procedures
Buyouts Debt and equity 
financing
Disposal of 
portfolio companies
Exchange control Exit strategies Fund formation Governance Initial public 
offerings
Investment 
structuring
Legal and tax 
due diligence
Management 
incentives
Portfolio 
restructurings
Recapitalisations Regulatory 
approval
Tax structuring Trade sales
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experience

2021 EAST AFRICA PE DEAL OF THE YEAR
Acquisition by a major African private markets investment firm of a majority stake in the premier exporter of high quality roses in Kenya. This deal won the 2021 DealMakers East Africa Private Equity Deal of the Year Award.
2021 SOUTH AFRICA PE DEAL OF THE YEAR
ZAR770-million disposal of Ascendis Animal Health by Ascendis Health to Acorn Agri & Food. This deal won the 2021 DealMakers Private Equity Deal of the Year Award.
PAYMENT PROCESSING
The disposal of DPO Holdings to Network International Holdings, accompanied by the exit of various minority shareholders at different levels within the DPO Group. DPO Group is the largest pan African payment service provider and Network International Group is the leading enabler of e-commerce in Africa and the Middle East.
INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS
The acquisition by Vuna Partners Fund of a controlling interest in 4PL Group, an integrated supply chain company with operations across Southern Africa.
RED MEAT VALUE CHAIN
Sanlam Private Equity’s acquisition of a majority stake in the Cavalier Group, specialising in procuring, feed-lotting, slaughtering, packing, processing and distributing quality beef and lamb products. The transaction won the Private Equity Deal of the Year Award in the large portfolio company category at the SAVCA Awards.
FAST MOVING CONSUMER GOODS
An equity investment by Ethos Mezzanine Partners and Proparco (a French development finance institution) in Turaco, which holds a portfolio of FMCG assets in Ethiopia.
AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS
The acquisition by Kleoss Capital of an equity interest in Bandag South Africa, a re-tread tyre manufacturing business.
BANKING SERVICES
The disposal by Amethis Africa of its interest in Fidelity Bank in Ghana to another private equity fund.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
An investment by a large pension fund investor in the 27four Black Business Growth Fund, aimed at catalysing job creation, transformation and economic growth in the sector of the South African economy that is not well-represented on the JSE.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
The disposal by Capitalworks of the Much Asphalt business in South Africa to AECI. This transaction won the DealMakers Private Equity Deal of the Year Award.
DEBT FUNDING
Establishment of the Sanlam SME Debt Fund by Sanlam Investment Management.
RETAIL
The acquisition by RMB Ventures and Investec Asset Managers of an equity interest in Kamoso Africa, the owner of a number of Botswana’s most iconic retailers, with a product range consisting of fast-moving consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, liquor, building materials and equipment, followed by an investment by the Botswana Development Corporation in Kamoso Africa.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Advice for a consortium of investors in relation to the establishment of the Stanlib Infrastructure Fund.
FREIGHT SERVICES
Acquisition by RMB Ventures Seven and Business Venture Investments of all of the shares in Cargo Compass (South Africa), a provider of air freight, sea freight and import/export services.
SOLAR ENERGY
Investment by Apis Partners in Greenlight Planet, a social business that designs, distributes and finances solar home energy in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda under the Sun King brand.
APPAREL ACCESSORIES
Equity investment by Verod Capital Management in Nigeria and Red Bull GmBH in DTRT Apparel, a registered free zones enterprise in Ghana.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Establishment by Global Capital of the Global Capital Fund 5 and related fund formation steps.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Athena Capital’s acquisition of Kwikspace, a developer of pre-fabricated modular buildings used to construct government schools and similar facilities.
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