Slaughter and May Recognized for Outstanding M&A Work in Africa
Deal News | Mar 28, 2025 | Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May has achieved significant recognition for its groundbreaking work in Africa, garnering awards for M&A Deal of the Year and Africa M&A Team of the Year at the IFLR Africa Awards 2025. This marks the second consecutive year the international law firm has been acknowledged for its exceptional contributions to the legal field, emphasizing its expertise in complex, cross-border M&A transactions on the continent. The awards held in South Africa showcased Slaughter and May's proficiency in managing intricate deals like the acquisition of Centamin by AngloGold Ashanti, which valued Centamin at approximately 1.9 billion. Additionally, their advisory role in Diageo's divestment of its shareholding in Guinness Nigeria to Tolaram was also noteworthy. David Watkins, as Chair of the firm's Africa Practice Group, expressed his pride in the accolades as a testament to the firm's consistent ability to deliver multi-jurisdictional legal solutions.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Mining
- Beverage Industry
Geography
- Africa – The awards and notable transactions are centered around Africa, highlighting its significance as a region of operation and focus for Slaughter and May.
- United Kingdom – Slaughter and May is an international law firm with significant operations and headquarters in London, UK.
- United States – AngloGold Ashanti, a key player in the featured deal, is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USA.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article highlights the achievements of Slaughter and May in legal advisory, specifically in M&A within Africa, making Legal Services a relevant industry.
- Mining – The acquisition deal involving AngloGold Ashanti and Centamin is directly related to the Mining industry, highlighting the focus on gold production.
- Beverage Industry – Diageo's transaction involving Guinness Nigeria relates to the Beverage Industry, with particular focus on alcoholic beverages.
Financials
- 1.9 billion – The valuation amount for the acquisition of Centamin by AngloGold Ashanti.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slaughter and May | Legal Advisor | Company | An international law firm recognized for its advisory role in multiple significant African transactions. |
| AngloGold Ashanti | Acquirer | Company | A global gold mining company involved in the acquisition of Centamin, significantly impacting the mining sector. |
| Centamin | Target | Company | An established gold producer acquired by AngloGold Ashanti. |
| Diageo plc | Vendor | Company | Leading alcoholic beverages company, divesting its shareholding in Guinness Nigeria. |
| Tolaram | Acquirer | Company | The company acquiring Diageo's shareholding in Guinness Nigeria. |
| David Watkins | Chair of Africa Practice Group | Person | Chair of the firm's Africa Practice Group, commented on the firm's recognition. |