DLA Piper grows Energy and Natural Resources M&A practice with strategic South African partner hire

DLA Piper, the world’s leading legal adviser by M&A deal volume for 16 consecutive years, announces the appointment of Patrick Leyden as a partner in its Johannesburg M&A team, as the firm continues to appoint leading lawyers to strengthen its capabilities to advise clients on complex cross-border transactions.

With almost 20 years’ experience advising clients on the African continent, Patrick joins from HSF Kramer, where he built a domestic, regional, and cross-border practice. He advises companies and investors in the natural resources and energy sectors on M&A transactions and related regulatory challenges.

The appointment follows a series of strategic hires to the firm’s Corporate practice globally. These include Chris Field and Markjan van Schaardenburgh in London, Sherlyn Lau and her team in Hong Kong, and Charles Ching in Washington DC. It also follows the recent appointment of Melusi Dlamini, who relocated from London to Johannesburg.

Jon Kenworthy, Global Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s Corporate Group, commented: "Patrick’s appointment marks a significant milestone in our growing cross-border M&A team. His sector knowledge and experience of advising clients on complex M&A transaction will further bolster our market-leading team."

Johannes Gouws, Country Managing Partner, DLA Piper South Africa, added: "DLA Piper continues to make significant investments in South Africa, of which Patrick is just the latest. Patrick not only brings significant knowledge and a highly successful practice but is also highly regarded in the industry. His experience in supporting clients through the energy transition will benefit several clients."

DLA Piper has the strongest M&A practice in the world, ranked as the leading legal adviser by deal volume for 16 consecutive years by Mergermarket. Recent noteworthy transactions include advising:

• BASF SE on the acquisition of ABA Biologicals Pty Ltd (AgBiTech)
• The shareholders of Fluid Life on a strategic divestiture to Battery Ventures
• Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu on the conclusion of a preliminary share sale agreement
  • related to the acquisition of two entities owned by the JSW Group
• POSCO Holdings on the acquisition of a 30% stake in Mineral Resources Ltd
• Sun Peak Metals acquisition of Saudi Discovery Company SPV Ltd
• VDK Groep on the acquisition of European construction specialist, Builtech
• MidEuropa on the acquisition of a controlling stake in FAMAR
• MidEuropa on the acquisition of a majority stake in MBL Group