Well-positioned legal powerhouse

Webber Wentzel is one of the leading corporate law firms in Africa. The firm's client base includes some of South Africa's top-100 companies in mining, banking, insurance, media, property and telecommunications. With more than 400 lawyers, the firm is well-positioned to help clients seeking African business opportunities and is advising clients in more than 35 countries across the continent.

Roddy McKean, head of the Africa group, says: "People are waking up to the fact that there are almost unlimited opportunities on the African continent. While seven out of 10 of the world's fastest-growing economies are in Africa, every country must be approached differently as each has its own history, culture, and legal and regulatory system. With thorough due diligence and the right legal team, businesses can achieve success in Africa. We expect to continue facilitating business for our clients through our skills, experience and expertise."

Who's Who Legal recognised the firm's strengths and named Webber Wentzel as South African Law Firm of the Year, 2011 and, according to Legal 500, Webber Wentzel is rightly regarded as part of South Africa's "Magic Circle".

At Webber Wentzel, a significant strength lies in the firm's natural resources, energy and infrastructure practices. It has the largest team based on the continent. This dedicated team provides clients with focused advice relevant to the commercial environment in which mining, energy and natural resource companies operate.

The firm has become part of ALN; an established group of Africa's foremost law firms, the largest and only group of its kind on the continent. ALN's coverage extends to 12 African countries and has a total headcount of more than 580 lawyers.

ALN strengthens Webber Wentzel's footprint in Africa and creates a pan-African platform for the firm when working on cross-border deals