Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa strengthens Durban team with senior appointment

Ian Petherbridge.

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has announced the appointment of Ian Petherbridge, as director in the Durban office.

Ian will be focussing on corporate mergers and acquisitions. He was previously with Standard Bank Limited in Namibia and is experienced across a range of sectors including financial institutions, energy, infrastructure, mining, commodities, real estate, technology and innovation. Ian practised in Namibia for the past 11 years and has an in-depth understanding of the Namibian legal and economic landscape.

Ian brings with him cross-jurisdictional experience in corporate, investment banking, real estate, as well as regulatory matters. He has financial markets experience including leveraged financing, real estate financing and acquisition financing in several jurisdictions. Ian has a wealth of knowledge in the real estate sector, and has previously advised on the construction of the biggest mixed use developments in Windhoek in recent years. Ian has also advised on ground breaking transactions in the telecommunications industry, including advising on the first ‘private network’ from the WACS Landing Station to Windhoek and advised on one of the first VOIP Services in Namibia.

Ian has also acted on several matters in the energy space. He has advised on the lead arranger and lender on the biggest photovoltaic plant in Namibia as well as advising on an infrastructure project in Zimbabwe. The project received Power Deal of the Year in Africa, 2016 by EMEA Finance for its cross-jurisdictional aspects. He regularly advises the Erongo Desalination Plant in Namibia in respect of all its regulatory matters.

Craig Woolley, head of the Norton Rose Fulbright Durban office, said, “We are delighted to welcome someone of Ian’s caliber to the team. His M&A, corporate experience and knowledge across a multitude of our key industries will further enhance the firm’s capabilities within the region enabling us to continually provide an exceptional and full service legal offering to our clients.”