Deepa Vallabh joins the firm from Johannesburg-based firm Webber Wentzel and specialises in both domestic and cross-border M&A, as well as corporate reorganisations and restructurings. She is focused on developing a legal platform in Africa to better service clients who have strategic aspirations to enter and grow in the continent's emerging markets.        

Local understanding required       

Cliffe Dekker has a strong reputation in the commercial M&A and projects space in many African jurisdictions. Willem Jacobs, director and head of the corporate and commercial practice, said in a statement: ‘It is no secret that an increasing number of investors are turning to Africa, across a range of sectors, including energy, mining, infrastructure, financial services and telecommunications, and very often, across multiple jurisdictions. Complex deals in Africa and Asia require an understanding of local laws and regulations, which must be co-ordinated along strict deadlines and often across vast distances. We look forward to Deepa's specialist input.’ 

Investors looks for certainty

Ms Vallabh explains that foreign investors are looking for certainty on structuring and new ways to manage legal risk. ‘We need to create a platform to meet those aspirations of investors coming into emerging economies. Uniformity and consistency will be the key to success in achieving this. We don’t have all the answers but we have made significant strides on how best to achieve this.’ Source: African Law and Business; DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr