South African law firm Webber Wentzel was among the leaders at the annual Dealmakers awards event held in Johannesburg last night.

The firm was lead legal adviser on both Deal of the Year and Private Equity Deal of the Year and also acted in five other deals shortlisted for these awards.  In addition, Christo Els, the firm's senior partner elect, was the only lawyer shortlisted for the Individual Dealmaker of the Year award.

Webber Wentzel senior partner, David Lancaster, says, "We are pleased to have been involved in so many of the deals recognised as among the most significant of the year. It is an indication of the calibre of matters our clients trust us to handle on their behalf and an external endorsement of our leadership within the industry."

Woolworths' acquisition of David Jones was named Deal of the Year. Webber Wentzel acted for Woolworths Holdings (WHL) in this ZAR 23,3 billion deal and subsequently acted for WHL in its acquisition of the remaining shares which it did not already own in Country Road Ltd. The combined value of these deals was in the region of ZAR 26 billion.

Senior partner elect, Christo Els, led the team that worked on the matter. He says, "The Woolworths transaction was significant, not only because it was one of the largest offshore acquisitions ever by a South African retailer, but also because it involved complex, cross-border elements and unique funding arrangements. We are proud to have advised on a deal so important to Woolworths' growth strategy. It also demonstrates our ability to provide a seamless service to clients, wherever they do business."

Webber Wentzel also advised Actis on its acquisition of an interest in Compuscan Holdings, which was named Private Equity Deal of the Year.

Mark Linington, director and head of Webber Wentzel's Private Equity Sector Group says, "The acquisition was interesting not only because of the complex structure of the entities involved, but also because it spanned a number of African jurisdictions. It serves as an indication that our approach to supporting clients on the continent works well."

This recognition comes after Webber Wentzel was named African Law Firm of the Year for 2014 by Legal Week and the Corporate Lawyers Association of South Africa; won the award for Sub-Saharan Africa Legal Adviser of the Year for 2013 at the European M&A Awards hosted by Financial Times and Mergermarket; and selected as a World Economic Forum Global Growth Company for 2014 - the only South African law firm to receive this recognition.

Lancaster concludes, "Webber Wentzel has always been among the leading transactional advisers in South Africa and further afield on the continent. I am sure that when I retire, the firm will go from strength to strength under the leadership of Christo and Sally."

Lancaster will be retiring at the end of this month. He will be succeeded by Christo Els, who will take over as senior partner, and Sally Hutton, in a newly-created managing partner role.