Webber Wentzel's excellence in
Competition,
Intellectual Property and
Tax law, combined with an innovative approach to legal services, was recognised at the 2024 African Legal Awards held at the Houghton Hotel on Friday, 6 September 2024.
The firm's
Innovation award recognition highlights its commitment to leveraging AI to enhance its legal services. The firm is at the forefront of legal technology innovation through its New Law and Legal Technology division,
Webber Wentzel Fusion. This commitment is further demonstrated in its support for clients navigating the complex legal landscape, offering AI and legal technology consulting services to help in-house legal teams modernise their operations.
In addition to the Innovation Award, Webber Wentzel received the
Competition and Regulatory Team of the Year award for its instrumental role in the successful merger of Sanlam and Allianz. The team's deep understanding of African competition law and ability to navigate complex cross-border transactions were crucial in facilitating this significant deal.
Webber Wentzel's Intellectual Property Team was also honoured with the
Intellectual Property Team of the Year award for its landmark victory in securing South Africa's first constitutionally-based compulsory licence application for Vertex's TRIKAFTA cystic fibrosis medication. This groundbreaking case sets a precedent for future compulsory license applications and highlights the firm's expertise in intellectual property law, as well as its dedication to advocating for public health, access to essential medicines and human rights. As Africa continues to develop and grow, cases like this will play a vital role in shaping the region's intellectual property landscape.
The firm's expertise in mergers and acquisitions, international tax, and project management was further demonstrated when it received the
Tax Team of the Year award for a recent transaction involving Vantage's investment in Aquasantec International. The firm's ability to navigate complex cross-border transactions and provide tailored solutions for clients contributed to the success of this deal.
"This recognition from African Legal Awards highlights our reputation for excellence, our contribution to the African legal landscape and the strong relationships we've built with our clients," Christo Els, Senior Partner.
