Slaughter and May win M&A Deal of the Year and Africa M&A Team of the Year
Slaughter and May, an esteemed international law firm, has once again been lauded for its exceptional work in Africa, clinching two prestigious awards – ‘M&A Deal of the Year’ and ‘Africa M&A Team of the Year’ at the esteemed IFLR Africa Awards 2025. These awards, which honor excellence in legal innovation and cross-border transactions, were presented in South Africa this year. The firm’s remarkable achievements have been acknowledged through a total of four nominations, a testament to its robust presence and influence across the African continent.
The recognition for ‘M&A Deal of the Year’ was bestowed upon Slaughter and May for its pivotal role in advising AngloGold Ashanti in its acquisition of Centamin, a deal valued at around £1.9 billion. AngloGold Ashanti, a prominent global gold mining company with operations spanning four continents, is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and boasts primary and secondary listings on various stock exchanges, including New York, Johannesburg, A2X, and Ghana. On the other hand, Centamin, a well-established gold producer with listings in London and Toronto, owns and oversees Sukari, Egypt’s largest modern gold mine and a leading gold-producing asset globally. Slaughter and May led the transaction comprehensively, showcasing its profound expertise in intricate, cross-border M&A deals.
Moreover, the firm earned another nomination for ‘M&A Deal of the Year’ for its instrumental involvement in advising Diageo plc on the sale of its 58.02% stake in Guinness Nigeria plc to Tolaram, in addition to establishing new long-term licensing and royalty agreements with Guinness Nigeria.
David Watkins, Chair of the firm’s Africa Practice Group, expressed immense gratification at receiving these accolades for the second consecutive year, emphasizing the firm’s extensive proficiency in Africa-centric transactions. These awards reflect Slaughter and May’s adeptness in navigating clients through intricate, multi-jurisdictional affairs, leveraging its longstanding partnerships with premier independent firms across the continent to offer seamless, top-tier counsel.
In conclusion, Slaughter and May’s remarkable success in securing the ‘M&A Deal of the Year’ and ‘Africa M&A Team of the Year’ at the IFLR Africa Awards 2025 underscores its unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and expertise in the legal realm. The firm’s consistent recognition on such a prestigious platform reaffirms its position as a leader in the African legal landscape, setting a benchmark for excellence and proficiency in the field of law.