ENS was recognised for its role in major 2025 M&A and corporate finance transactions at the DealMakers Gala Awards held in Sandton on 19 February 2026.
ENS was a key legal advisor to the following winning deals:
- BEE Deal of the year 2025: 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 ZAR11,67 billion, marks a strategic pivot for Exxaro, accelerating its transition from thermal coal to a diversified minerals and energy solutions business.
- Business Rescue Transaction of the year 2025: 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.
We were also ranked in first for deal value in M&A unlisted.
“Being entrusted with transactions that may redefine business trajectories and influence industry growth is incredibly humbling,” added ENS CE Mzi Mgudlwa, “We sincerely thank our clients for their ongoing confidence in our expertise.”