Pinsent Masons is set to that it would be setting up an office in the South African capital. This will be the first African office for the international firm that attracts clients from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. By expanding to Africa, Pinsent Masons will gain proximity to the continent’s biggest investors.
Rob Morson and Shane Voigt, who spent considerable time in the prestigious South African firm, Bowman Gilfillan, have been selected to manage Pinsent Masons’ Johannesburg office. The powerful duo has significant experience in the construction, infrastructure and energy sectors. Indeed, both have worked directly with local and international investors and, in particular, Chinese entrepreneurs.
The setting up of an office in South Africa will complement the firm’s already major African practice. Indeed, Pinsent Mason is currently made up of 40 partners and 150 associates dedicated to African matters in around 38 countries. An example of complex transactions handled by the firm includes the construction of an 80km railway linking Johannesburg and O.R. Tambo International Airport which is the country’s largest airport.
According to Richard Foley, Pinsent Mason will be focused on infrastructure, energy, intellectual property and transportation deals, which have become frequent in recent years.
