Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright will leave South Africa, with its local division becoming an independent entity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The South African business will become an independent law firm on March 31st 2026, following a structured transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, Norton Rose combined with Canadian law firm Ogilvy Renault and South African firm Deneys Reitz to create Norton Rose Fulbright. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The merger created a Top 10 global legal practice with 38 offices and 2,500 legal staff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the incoming separation, Brent Botha, the current Chief Executive Officer of Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa, will lead the new independent local firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Norton Rose Fulbright said that the transition is set to mark the next growth phase of the South African firm as it builds on its reputation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This firm will continue to advise clients across South Africa, the African continent, and globally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It plans to help international clients invest in Africa, as well as African clients expand abroad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis change represents a natural evolution for both firms as the dynamics of international markets and client needs progress worldwide,\u201d said Peter Scott, Co-Global Managing Partner of Norton Rose Fulbright. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe thank our South African colleagues for their contributions to our shared success and will support them through this transition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Botha added that the company looks forward to building upon its 100-year-old legacy in South Africa and across Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are proud of our heritage within Norton Rose Fulbright and look forward to working with the firm and other global partners, wherever our clients operate,\u201d said Botha. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Norton Rose Fulbright becomes one of several international companies that have exited or cut back their operations in South Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This includes Anglo American unbundling its platinum business, now known as Valterra Platinum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
International banks HSBC and BNP Paribas have also exited the local market, while trading giant IG Group has also withdrawn from Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consulting giant Bain & Company will also leave South Africa following the fallout over its involvement in state capture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Energy giant Shell is also looking to sell its downstream business in South Africa, which includes its hundreds of petrol stations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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