South Africa

Bowman Gilfillan is the South African member firm of the pan-African legal practice Bowmans which also has members in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. The firm employs more than 400 specialised lawyers and has offices in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The firm is a strong player in the South African market.  

 Highlights 

The firm advised Capitec Bank on its $333 million acquisition of  Avafin Holding. 

The firm advised The Standard Bank of South Africa and FirstRand Bank on the ZAR2bn granted to The Spar Group to facilitate the disposal of its Polish business.  

Key clients  

Nedbank, Rand Merchant Bank, Pick n Pay Stores, Rand Merchant Bank, The Standard Bank of South Africa, and Anglo-American Platinum. 

Testimonials 

“They understand our business. They understand the regulatory environment and the need to innovate.” - Banking and finance Client 

“Pragmatic, efficient, and quick turn around.” - Banking and finance Client 

“The quality of work is excellent, seamless service across disciplines.” - Banking and finance Client 

“They are highly collaborative, share information promptly, provide sensible reasoned views and present joined up work products. They are a very high calibre of firm.” - Equity Capital markets Client 

“They are the best in the business. Easy to work with, smart, available, up to date on all relevant issues, very well integrated into the SA ecosystem.” - Equity Capital markets Client   

“Great competence, highly commercial approach and enjoyable people to work with.” - Equity Capital markets Client    

“Charles is a first-class operator. He leads client relationships with gravitas and humour. He is an instinctive problem-solver and drives quality.” - Charles Douglas 

“Great product knowledge and extensive deal experience, which he brings to bear on all transactions. David is also a pleasant individual to work with.”- David Yuill 

“Just everything. Great lawyer.” - David Yuill 

“Expert knowledge. They have vast experience in banking. Understand our business very well.” - Jan Kruger 

“Availability, accessibility, pragmatic solutions, and sector knowledge.” - Jason Wilkinson 

“Very responsive, client focused.” - Ulrike Naumann