ENS (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs) Advised Nestle S.A. in US $11.85 Billion Deal

December, 2012 - Cape Town, South Africa

ENS (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs) has advised Nestlé S.A in respect of the South African leg of their acquisition of the global infant nutrition business of Pfizer Incorporated, valued at US$11.85 billion. The transaction is a strategic move by Nestlé to grow its presence in infant nutrition in emerging markets, as 85% of Pfizer’s sales are in emerging, high-growth markets. One noteworthy aspect of this transaction is the merger review requirements across multiple jurisdictions. In South Africa, the transaction and remedy offered require complex legal and economic analysis against the background of the regulatory framework of infant formula markets and Nestlé’s market position in South Africa. The ENS legal and economic team was led by Jocelyn Katz and Lizel Blignaut, and included Derushka Chetty, Wade Graaff and Yongama Njisane.

ENS (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs) is Africa’s largest law firm advising clients throughout Africa across all areas of corporate business relating to law, tax, forensics and IP. The firm benchmarks itself according to international standards whilst retaining a uniquely African focus, making it well-equipped to advise clients wherever they may choose to do business. ENS currently has over 500 practitioners and was established over 100 years ago, making it one of the oldest and most experienced full service law firms in Africa. The firm has been recognised for its contribution to Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) in South Africa and is proud to be a level 3 BBBEE contributor.

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