Business law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) last night clinched top honours for M&A Deal Flow for the eighth consecutive year at the annual DealMakers Awards.

“Deal activity may have slowed but indications are that we may be in for a stronger 2017 as businesses get more strategic and seek out growth opportunities,” says Director and National Head of CDH’s Corporate and Commercial practice, Willem Jacobs.

“The local economy remained under significant pressure during 2016, following an equally tough 2015. However, as dealmakers we have to ensure businesses were able to maximise the prospects on offer,” he adds.

The firm’s 77 M&A deals in 2016, 30 more than its nearest competitor, had a combined value of R149 billion. CDH also achieved second place overall in terms of M&A Deal Value. Adding to this significant accomplishment, the firm was ranked first for Deal Flow and third for Deal Value in the General Corporate Finance transactions legal adviser tables, having advised on 32 corporate finance deals worth R151 billion – 14 more than its nearest competitor.

Jacobs says from a merger and acquisition perspective, the recent averting of a ratings downgrade was significant.

“SA businesses realise there are challenges as the prospect of a ratings downgrade still exists. But they are innovating and applying strategies that can move the economy forward. The outlook for intra-Africa trade, in fact, looks quite promising and businesses are likely to see opportunities for mergers and acquisitions in the rest of Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East,” says Jacobs.

CDH has won the DealMakers Deal Flow award every year since 2009, and its corporate and commercial practice is committed to using its extensive experience in Africa and South Africa to facilitate transactions and support the growth of industries.

CDH CEO Brent Williams says, “We continue to support our clients by improving our sectoral expertise and efficiencies in the areas that matter for business,” he says.

CDH was also recently named South Africa’s number one large law firm in the prestigious PMR Africa client research report for the seventh year in a row.