“Africa has vast resources and potential that will drive both inbound and outbound client investment. This is a big step in our continuing effort to expand our capabilities to serve client needs in the region,” said Koen Vanhaerents, chairman of Baker & McKenzie’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

South Africa is the world’s largest producer of platinum and a significant source of coal, gold and other metals and minerals. The largest economy in Africa, the country’s established roads, telecommunications and other infrastructure has led to it being used as a stable base for companies in a variety of industries to expand through Africa to tap both its resource wealth and a population of roughly one billion people.

Baker & McKenzie said the Johannesburg office will open immediately with partners, lawyers and staff from Dewey & LeBoeuf South Africa. The team will be led by banking and finance lawyer Wildu du Plessis, energy and projects lawyer Scott Brodsky and Chris Moriatis, who represents clients on a range of regulatory and financing transactions, and Morne van der Merwe, who advises the mining and other sectors.

Source: Deal Journal Australia