2025 Awards | DealMakersSA

2025 DealMakers Annual Awards

Date: Thursday, 19 February 2026

Venue: Ballroom, Sandton Convention Centre

MC: Nic Rabinowitz

Entertainment: Andy Klee Band

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Deal of the Year

Top Sponsors by Deal Value and Deal Flow

Top Legal Advisers by Deal Value and Deal Flow

BEE Deal of the Year

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Individual DealMaker of the Year

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On Thursday, 19 February 2026, DealMakers hosted the Ansarada DealMakers Annual Gala Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. More than 650 industry professionals gathered to celebrate the achievements of South Africa’s M&A, Corporate Finance, and Private Capital markets in 2025, and to honour the top advisory firms driving success across the industry. Once again, this prestigious evening recognised the standout performers and key contributors who continue to thrive in this dynamic and influential sector.

Deal of the Year 2025

The demerger and accelerated placement of Valterra Platinum

The demerger of Anglo American Platinum (renamed Valterra Platinum) marks a critical turning point in the execution of Anglo American’s strategy which included portfolio simplification and to unlock significant value for its shareholders. The accelerated placement eliminated any perceived overhand and enhanced its free float and liquidity. Following the demerger, Valterra remains one of the world’s leading integrated producers of platinum group metals with a primary listing on the JSE and a secondary listing on the LSE.

Local Advisers to the demerger: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Investec Bank, Rothschild & Co, Rand Merchant Bank, Webber Wentzel, Bowmans and Deloitte and PwC.

Local Advisers to the accelerated placement: Standard Bank, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Rothschild & Co, Webber Wentzel, Bowmans and PwC.

BEE Deal of the Year 2025

Exxaro Resources' acquisition of manganese assets from Ntsimbintle and OMH Mauritius

The acquisition of premier manganese assets represents a defining transformational transaction for both the company, the global mining sector and at the same time advances South Africa’s empowerment agenda. The deal, valued at R11,67 billion, marks a strategic pivot for Exxaro, accelerating its transition from coal to a diversified minerals and energy solutions business.

Local Advisers: Investec Bank, Itai Capital, Barclays, ENS, Webber Wentzel, Werksmans and Deloitte.

Business Rescue & Turnaround
Transaction of the Year 2025

Langeberg & Ashton Foods

After years of uncertainty the transaction concluded a five-year search for a suitable buyer where Tiger Brands was under pressure to sell the business or close it. Rather than divesting through closure Tiger Brands engaged with a consortium comprising Ashton Fruit Producers Co-Operative (representing over 100 commercial fruit producers across the Western Cape, and the Langeberg Community Trust) and Norfund (Norway’s Development Finance Institution). The collaborative model, blending international development capital, local producer ownership, and community benefit, sets a blueprint for inclusive growth in South Africa's agriculture sector.

Local Advisers: Absa CIB, Nedbank CIB, J.P. Morgan, Baker McKenzie, ENS, Boy Louw and PwC.

Catalyst Private Equity Deal of the Year 2025

Norfund's and Mahlako's investment in Anthem

Born from the integration of ACED and EIMS Africa under the IDEAS Fund (AIIM’S SA fund), the investment by Norfund and Mahlako positions Anthem as one of the leading renewable Independent Power Producers in SA based on operational capacity with more than 2,7GW secured capacity. The highly complex transaction involved the merger of more than 20 assets and companies under a single brand, legal structure and management team while simultaneously securing investment from international and domestic investors.

Local Advisers: Standard Chartered Bank, Flamingo Capital Partners, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Webber Wentzel, Fasken, PwC and EY.

Ince Individual DealMaker of the Year 2025

Jesse Watson (Webber Wentzel)

Jesse Watson, a Partner in the Corporate Practice at Webber Wentzel, joined the firm as an Associate in 2010. He is one of South Africa’s pre-eminent corporate finance and capital market lawyers, with an impressive track record extending well over a decade. He is known for his ability to remain calm under pressure, possessing an astounding work ethic and strong attention to detail. This is the fourth time that Jesse has been shortlisted for the Ince DealMaker of the Year award, previously in 2018, 2019 and 2021.