Gasant Orrie
Partner | Cape Town
Contact
T: +27 21 480 7829
Overview
Gasant has close to 30 years of corporate and commercial experience in a variety of sectors including the financial services, hospitality and leisure, aviation, mining and energy sectors.
He has advised local and international clients on some of South Africa’s largest transactions, including several public companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, state-owned companies and government bodies.
Gasant also advises on corporate governance matters including advising in relation to directors’ duties and liability, the King Report on Corporate Governance, general governance frameworks, board charters and terms of reference, and the like.
Experience
- Old Mutual in relation to the acquisition of a life insurer in Kenya, which has operations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Rwanda and Mauritius. The work entailed extensive due diligence on the target entity/group (including co-ordination of the due diligence activities of in-country/local counsel), negotiation and drafting of the transaction documents, advice on regulatory matters, and implementation of the transaction.*
- Old Mutual in relation to the disposal of its Latin American business and interests. This was a competitive sale process that included a vendor due diligence investigation. Gasant was the lead South African counsel and project managed all the legal work on this complex, multi-jurisdiction cross-border transaction.*
- A South African asset manager in relation to regulatory and compliance matters, and fund formations and management.*
- An African bank on the proposed establishment of an entity to design, build and finance bulk infrastructure for municipalities. The mandate included advising on the alternatives in relation to the type of vehicle in which the proposed entity (which would provide funding for municipal bulk infrastructure) could be housed, municipal procurement issues and ancillary matters.*
- An African bank on the proposed establishment of a funding SPV entity for the sole purpose of raising funding for a student housing infrastructure programme by blending the budget for infrastructure funding with that of the private sector. The mandate included advising on the appropriateness and bankability of the proposed funding SPV structure, and public finance management legislation and regulations, and procurement considerations.*
- An African bank on aviation legislation and instruments applicable to, and the borrowing powers of, an air traffic navigation services provider. The work included a review of applicable and public finance management legislation and regulations, and procurement considerations.*
- Global and domestic hotel chains, owners and developers in relation to hotel management agreements, technical assistance and services agreements, licence agreements, key money agreements, commercial leases and development agreements, etcetera.*
- Transnet and the Transnet Retirement Funds in relation to the disposal of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town to a foreign consortium including Dubai World and London & Regional. This was a competitive sale process that included a vendor due diligence investigation, bid procurement and evaluation, and the negotiation and drafting of transaction agreements. Gasant was the lead South African counsel, and project managed all the legal work on this complex, cross-border transaction.*
- Public Investment Corporation in relation to the acquisition of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town from Dubai World and London & Regional including advising in relation to all regulatory requirements and processes.
- Owners/management of Protea Hotels in relation to the disposal of their interests in the company to an Australian investor and the subsequent repurchase thereof. The work entailed co-ordination of the due diligence investigation undertaken by the buyer on the target entity/group, negotiation and drafting of the transaction documents, advice on regulatory matters, and implementation of the transaction.*
- Owners/management of Protea Hotels in relation to the disposal of their hotel business to Marriott International. The transaction involved several other African jurisdictions including Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and Mauritius. The work entailed co-ordination of the due diligence investigation undertaken by the buyer on the target entity/group, negotiation and drafting of the transaction documents, advice on regulatory matters, and implementation of the transaction.*
- Istithmar PJSC, Leisurecorp LLC and Dubai World Group in relation to the acquisition and subsequent disposal of several of their investments in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa including Pearl Valley Golf Estates and several private game reserves in South Africa (Shamwari, Jock of the Bushveld, Sanbona and Nkomazi Wilderness), and various projects in Comores, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zanzibar and Djibouti.*
- Grand Parade Investments in relation to the disposal of its slots business.*
- On matters pertaining to investments and acquisitions in the mineral resources and energy sector including with respect to licensing and regulatory issues.*
- A Chinese investor in relation to the acquisition of a controlling interest in a South African gold mining company including assisting with a legal due diligence investigation in respect of the target entity/group covering, amongst other things, its company status, shareholders, directors; constitutional documents; licences, permits, certificates, etc to conduct prospecting and/or mining activities; staff/employees; material contracts; and material litigation.*
- A potential investor consortium in relation to the acquisition of a controlling interest in a manganese mine in the Western Cape, South Africa including with respect to licensing and regulatory issues. *
- A UK-based oil supplier in relation to the acquisition of an interest in a South African oil sector trader including with respect to licensing and regulatory issues. *
- A national oil company in relation to several acquisitions and transactions in the oil and gas sector including licensing and other regulatory matters.*
- The establishment and formation of airlines including licensing and other regulatory requirements.*
- Airlines in relation to (i) slots arrangements including the sale of slots; (ii) aircraft component tenders and contracts; (iii) aircraft sale and lease agreements; (iv) revenue generating and other commercial contracts; (v) maintenance and repair organisations (MROs); (vi) frequent flyer programmes; (vii) licensing and regulatory matters; and (viii) joint venture, alliance and co-operation agreements including codeshare arrangements.*
- Aircraft/engine lessors in relation to aircraft/engine sale, leasing and financing transactions.*
- The airline industry and South African Government in respect of the development and implementation of the international treaty dealing with the acquisition and financing of high value mobile equipment (Cape Town Convention), which has as its primary objective the securitisation of interests in high value mobile equipment such as aircraft, railway rolling stock, space property, telecommunications equipment, ships and vessels and oil rigs.*
- The airline industry and South African Government in respect of the development and implementation of the international treaty (Montreal Convention) dealing with the updating of the airline passenger liability system (Warsaw Convention).*
- A municipal airport authority in relation to concessioning arrangements.*
- Ground handling/catering companies in relation to ground handling/catering and other contracts.*
- Airports authorities in relation to fuel farm leasing arrangements as well as commercial agreements with airlines.*
- A foreign buyer in relation to the acquisition of a domestic airport in South Africa.*
- A foreign government in relation to the potential sale and privatisation of an international airport.*
- Industry bodies in relation to aviation legislation including the Board of Airlines Representatives of South Africa on amendment to the Civil Aviation Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder; preparing representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- A large life insurer in relation to the acquisition of Grand Central Airport, Midrand, South Africa. The work entailed extensive due diligence on the target entity/group, negotiation and drafting of the transaction documents, advice on regulatory matters, and implementation of the transaction.*
- Grand Parade Investments in relation to several merger and acquisition transactions including the disposal of its shareholding in Burger King South Africa.*
- Grand Parade Investments in relation to the mandatory offer made by GMB Corporation in respect of the acquisition of a controlling interest in the company.*
- New Europe Property Investments plc (NEPI) and a Newco in relation to the merger of NEPI and Rockcastle Global Real Estate Company Limited into a new entity referred to as Newco, and the listing of Newco shares on the JSE.*
- Premier Fishing and Brands Limited in relation to its IPO and JSE listing.*
- Stor-Age REIT Limited in relation to its IPO and JSE listing.*
Grand Parade Investments in relation to the disposal of its slots business. * - Premier Fishing in its acquisition of a controlling interest in Talhado Fishing Enterprises.*
- A BEE grouping in respect of Pioneer Foods BEE transaction.*
- A BEE grouping in respect of TerraSan Group BEE transaction.*
- Private and public listed companies on corporate governance matters including advising in relation to directors’ duties, performing compliance checks with reference to their MOI’s, shareholders’ agreements and other arrangements, the Companies Act/Regulations and King Report, and follow-up work to update or redraft constitutional documents and shareholder agreements and other arrangements, preparation of board charters, and advice in relation to the establishment, role and functions, and terms of reference of board sub-committees (social and ethics committee, remuneration committee, risk management committee and audit committee, etcetera). Gasant has done numerous presentations and workshops for clients on corporate governance and related matters.*
- Private and public listed companies, on anti-bribery and corruption (ABAC) matters including performing ABAC due diligence and compliance checks, and furnishing advice in relation to ABAC policies, procedures and due diligence questionnaires. Gasant has done numerous presentations and workshops for clients on ABAC and related matters.*
- Private and public listed companies, and state-owned companies in relation to their environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies.*
- Private and public listed companies, and state-owned companies on transformation and B-BBEE matters including in relation to tenders, preferential procurement and supply chain management generally.*
- State-owned companies on regulatory compliance issues including with respect to the Companies Act/Regulations, Public Finance Management Act/Regulations, and related legislation and regulations.*
- Private and public listed companies in relation to the composition of their boards of directors including in relation to the appointment of non-executive directors, their tenure, terms of appointment, rights and duties of directors, and the liability of directors.*
- A South African bank on the proposed establishment of an entity to design, build and finance bulk infrastructure for municipalities. The mandate included advising on the alternatives in relation to the type of vehicle in which the proposed entity (which would provide funding for municipal bulk infrastructure) could be housed, municipal procurement issues and ancillary matters.*
- A South African bank on the proposed establishment of a funding SPA entity for the sole purpose of raising funding for the Student Housing Infrastructure Programme (SHIP) by blending the budget for infrastructure funding with that of the private sector. The mandate included advising on the appropriateness and bankability of the proposed funding SPV structure, and Public Finance Management Act and procurement considerations.*
- A South African bank in relation to aviation legislation and instruments applicable to, and the borrowing powers of, the Air Traffic Navigation Services Company (SOC) Limited. The work included a review of applicable procurement legislation including Public Finance Management Act considerations.*
- South African Department of Science and Technology on the “Ketlaphela Project”, a project aimed at establishing local manufacturing capability for anti-retroviral drugs. Ketlaphela was to be a joint venture, PPP involving Pelchem (a subsidiary of NECSA), the IDC and a SEP (an international technology provider). The initial stages of the project included a feasibility study with a legal, regulatory and policy review and due diligence investigation; consideration of various structuring options; and the development of an RFI/RFQ/RFP process (including transaction documents, being a sale/subscription of shares, MOI and shareholders agreement and technology licence agreements). For a variety of reasons, the project was ultimately not proceeded with as initially envisaged.*
- City of Cape Town in relation to the proposed establishment of a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Entity. The project entailed the investigation of an innovative financing mechanism that would enable residents to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements, starting with rooftop solar photovoltaic systems for their homes, with no upfront capital outlay. The proposed system would be managed by a PACE Entity (municipal entity). The mandate included an analysis of the applicable regulatory framework, models for the establishment of the PACE Entity, structuring of the PACE Entity, financing mechanisms, tax considerations, security arrangements and the like including proposals for the amendment of applicable legislation and regulations (Special Rating Area Policy and Special Rating Area by-Law).*
- City of Cape Town in connection with the establishment of its Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) System including the MyCiti bus operating entity.*
- Transnet in relation to the restructuring, corporatisation, establishment and partial privatisation of South African Airways. The work included bid procurement and evaluation, and assistance and support with the bidder due diligence process.*
- Transnet in connection with the National Ports Authority Act (before its enactment) including the establishment of the National Ports Authority, its powers, functions and duties including the regulations promulgated thereunder; making representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- Transnet in connection with the Competition Act (before its enactment) including the regulations promulgated thereunder; making representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- Transnet in connection with the National Ports Authority Act (before its enactment) including the establishment of the National Ports Authority, its powers, functions and duties including the regulations promulgated thereunder; making representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- Transnet in connection with the Competition Act (before its enactment) including the regulations promulgated thereunder; making representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- Board of Airlines Representatives of South Africa on the Civil Aviation Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder; preparing representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- South African Department of Transport and the airline industry in connection with the development and implementation of a new international treaty dealing with the acquisition and financing of high value mobile equipment (Unidroit Convention), which has as its primary objective the securitisation of interests in high value mobile equipment such as aircraft, railway rolling stock, space property, telecommunications equipment, ships and vessels and oil rigs. Part of legal team involved in drafting of the Convention and Protocols thereunder.*
- South African Department of Transport and the airline industry in connection with the development and implementation of a new international treaty (Montreal Convention) dealing with the updating of the airline passenger liability system (Warsaw Convention). Part of legal team involved in drafting of the Convention.*
- Western Cape Government Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism in relation to the drafting and implementation of the Western Cape Liquor Act including reviewing and commenting on draft legislation, public participation process, public hearings and comments, and generally in relation to the legislative process.*
Several projects undertaken by Transnet to restructure the Transnet Group, including the disposal of several of Transnet’s non-core assets. These include the disposal by Transnet and the Transnet Retirement Funds of their interests in what was then M-Cell (now MTN) and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Gasant led a team of lawyers on these complex transactions.* - State-owned companies on restructuring exercises including the disposal of non-core assets and businesses, the acquisition of new businesses, and projects involving the introduction of potential joint venture partners and Strategic Equity Partners (SEPs).*
- State-owned companies on various company policies and procedures, corporate governance matters, updating and amending MOIs, review and commentary on Shareholders Compacts and Significance and Materiality Frameworks, and PFMA issues.*
- Government (national, provincial and local) on several PPP projects including the Western Cape Government Chapman’s Peak Drive Toll Road Project, National Department of Environmental Affairs Polar Ship Project, National Department of Land Affairs Head Office Building Project and Western Cape Government Department of Transport and Public Works Government Garage Precinct (Top Yard) Project. This work involved the legal aspects of the feasibility study, legal due diligence, options analysis, risk analysis, funding issues, bid procurement, bid evaluation, and drafting and negotiation of transaction agreements including concession agreements and finance agreements. Some of these projects did not proceed beyond feasibility stage.*
- A private party bidder in the Western Cape Government Department of Health Lentegeur, Swellendam and Hermanus Hospital PPP Projects, which work entailed advising the private party bidder on all aspects of the PPP project, legal due diligence, and commenting on bid documents including the draft concession agreement and related.*
- Spoornet Division of Transnet in relation to the possible outsourcing and concessioning of its non-core branch line network operations. The work included extensive legal due diligence on Spoornet’s contractual and other obligations relating to its branch line network.*
- National Ports Authority Division of Transnet in relation to the possible concessioning of its ship building and repair facilities. The work included extensive legal due diligence on National Ports Authority’s contractual and other obligations relating to its ship building and repair facilities.*
- Propnet Division of Transnet in respect of the disposal of development parcels in Roggebaai Canal Tourism Precinct Project, Cape Town including all contractual arrangements relating to the development of various land parcels and the construction of residential, commercial and leisure facilities in the precinct.*
Awards
- Chambers Global ranked Gasant as a lawyer who is highly regarded and widely recognised for his extensive expertise in Corporate/ M&A, transaction, and advisory work across several key sectors such as financial services, hospitality and leisure, real estate, aviation and oil and gas.
- Chambers Global ranked Gasant for Corporate / M&A for the past five years, most recently in Band 5 (2026).
- The Legal 500, EMEA series recommended Gasant for Commercial, Corporate / M&A.
- IFLR1000 Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Firms highly recommended Gasant as a Highly Regarded lawyer for his work in South Africa in 2025.
- Best Lawyers International rated Gasant for Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisitions Law.
‘Gasant Orrie is an experienced transactional attorney who frequently assists clients with M&A and corporate finance, as well as advising on empowerment-related deals and structures. He is based in Cape Town.’ – Chambers Global 2025
AREA OF EXPERTISE
Qualifications
Education
- LLB and BA, University of Cape Town.
Professional Memberships
- Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
Overview
Gasant has close to 30 years of corporate and commercial experience in a variety of sectors including the financial services, hospitality and leisure, aviation, mining and energy sectors.
He has advised local and international clients on some of South Africa’s largest transactions, including several public companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, state-owned companies and government bodies.
Gasant also advises on corporate governance matters including advising in relation to directors’ duties and liability, the King Report on Corporate Governance, general governance frameworks, board charters and terms of reference, and the like.
Experience
- Old Mutual in relation to the acquisition of a life insurer in Kenya, which has operations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Rwanda and Mauritius. The work entailed extensive due diligence on the target entity/group (including co-ordination of the due diligence activities of in-country/local counsel), negotiation and drafting of the transaction documents, advice on regulatory matters, and implementation of the transaction.*
- Old Mutual in relation to the disposal of its Latin American business and interests. This was a competitive sale process that included a vendor due diligence investigation. Gasant was the lead South African counsel and project managed all the legal work on this complex, multi-jurisdiction cross-border transaction.*
- A South African asset manager in relation to regulatory and compliance matters, and fund formations and management.*
- An African bank on the proposed establishment of an entity to design, build and finance bulk infrastructure for municipalities. The mandate included advising on the alternatives in relation to the type of vehicle in which the proposed entity (which would provide funding for municipal bulk infrastructure) could be housed, municipal procurement issues and ancillary matters.*
- An African bank on the proposed establishment of a funding SPV entity for the sole purpose of raising funding for a student housing infrastructure programme by blending the budget for infrastructure funding with that of the private sector. The mandate included advising on the appropriateness and bankability of the proposed funding SPV structure, and public finance management legislation and regulations, and procurement considerations.*
- An African bank on aviation legislation and instruments applicable to, and the borrowing powers of, an air traffic navigation services provider. The work included a review of applicable and public finance management legislation and regulations, and procurement considerations.*
- Global and domestic hotel chains, owners and developers in relation to hotel management agreements, technical assistance and services agreements, licence agreements, key money agreements, commercial leases and development agreements, etcetera.*
- Transnet and the Transnet Retirement Funds in relation to the disposal of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town to a foreign consortium including Dubai World and London & Regional. This was a competitive sale process that included a vendor due diligence investigation, bid procurement and evaluation, and the negotiation and drafting of transaction agreements. Gasant was the lead South African counsel, and project managed all the legal work on this complex, cross-border transaction.*
- Public Investment Corporation in relation to the acquisition of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town from Dubai World and London & Regional including advising in relation to all regulatory requirements and processes.
- Owners/management of Protea Hotels in relation to the disposal of their interests in the company to an Australian investor and the subsequent repurchase thereof. The work entailed co-ordination of the due diligence investigation undertaken by the buyer on the target entity/group, negotiation and drafting of the transaction documents, advice on regulatory matters, and implementation of the transaction.*
- Owners/management of Protea Hotels in relation to the disposal of their hotel business to Marriott International. The transaction involved several other African jurisdictions including Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and Mauritius. The work entailed co-ordination of the due diligence investigation undertaken by the buyer on the target entity/group, negotiation and drafting of the transaction documents, advice on regulatory matters, and implementation of the transaction.*
- Istithmar PJSC, Leisurecorp LLC and Dubai World Group in relation to the acquisition and subsequent disposal of several of their investments in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa including Pearl Valley Golf Estates and several private game reserves in South Africa (Shamwari, Jock of the Bushveld, Sanbona and Nkomazi Wilderness), and various projects in Comores, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zanzibar and Djibouti.*
- Grand Parade Investments in relation to the disposal of its slots business.*
- On matters pertaining to investments and acquisitions in the mineral resources and energy sector including with respect to licensing and regulatory issues.*
- A Chinese investor in relation to the acquisition of a controlling interest in a South African gold mining company including assisting with a legal due diligence investigation in respect of the target entity/group covering, amongst other things, its company status, shareholders, directors; constitutional documents; licences, permits, certificates, etc to conduct prospecting and/or mining activities; staff/employees; material contracts; and material litigation.*
- A potential investor consortium in relation to the acquisition of a controlling interest in a manganese mine in the Western Cape, South Africa including with respect to licensing and regulatory issues. *
- A UK-based oil supplier in relation to the acquisition of an interest in a South African oil sector trader including with respect to licensing and regulatory issues. *
- A national oil company in relation to several acquisitions and transactions in the oil and gas sector including licensing and other regulatory matters.*
- The establishment and formation of airlines including licensing and other regulatory requirements.*
- Airlines in relation to (i) slots arrangements including the sale of slots; (ii) aircraft component tenders and contracts; (iii) aircraft sale and lease agreements; (iv) revenue generating and other commercial contracts; (v) maintenance and repair organisations (MROs); (vi) frequent flyer programmes; (vii) licensing and regulatory matters; and (viii) joint venture, alliance and co-operation agreements including codeshare arrangements.*
- Aircraft/engine lessors in relation to aircraft/engine sale, leasing and financing transactions.*
- The airline industry and South African Government in respect of the development and implementation of the international treaty dealing with the acquisition and financing of high value mobile equipment (Cape Town Convention), which has as its primary objective the securitisation of interests in high value mobile equipment such as aircraft, railway rolling stock, space property, telecommunications equipment, ships and vessels and oil rigs.*
- The airline industry and South African Government in respect of the development and implementation of the international treaty (Montreal Convention) dealing with the updating of the airline passenger liability system (Warsaw Convention).*
- A municipal airport authority in relation to concessioning arrangements.*
- Ground handling/catering companies in relation to ground handling/catering and other contracts.*
- Airports authorities in relation to fuel farm leasing arrangements as well as commercial agreements with airlines.*
- A foreign buyer in relation to the acquisition of a domestic airport in South Africa.*
- A foreign government in relation to the potential sale and privatisation of an international airport.*
- Industry bodies in relation to aviation legislation including the Board of Airlines Representatives of South Africa on amendment to the Civil Aviation Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder; preparing representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- A large life insurer in relation to the acquisition of Grand Central Airport, Midrand, South Africa. The work entailed extensive due diligence on the target entity/group, negotiation and drafting of the transaction documents, advice on regulatory matters, and implementation of the transaction.*
- Grand Parade Investments in relation to several merger and acquisition transactions including the disposal of its shareholding in Burger King South Africa.*
- Grand Parade Investments in relation to the mandatory offer made by GMB Corporation in respect of the acquisition of a controlling interest in the company.*
- New Europe Property Investments plc (NEPI) and a Newco in relation to the merger of NEPI and Rockcastle Global Real Estate Company Limited into a new entity referred to as Newco, and the listing of Newco shares on the JSE.*
- Premier Fishing and Brands Limited in relation to its IPO and JSE listing.*
- Stor-Age REIT Limited in relation to its IPO and JSE listing.*
Grand Parade Investments in relation to the disposal of its slots business. * - Premier Fishing in its acquisition of a controlling interest in Talhado Fishing Enterprises.*
- A BEE grouping in respect of Pioneer Foods BEE transaction.*
- A BEE grouping in respect of TerraSan Group BEE transaction.*
- Private and public listed companies on corporate governance matters including advising in relation to directors’ duties, performing compliance checks with reference to their MOI’s, shareholders’ agreements and other arrangements, the Companies Act/Regulations and King Report, and follow-up work to update or redraft constitutional documents and shareholder agreements and other arrangements, preparation of board charters, and advice in relation to the establishment, role and functions, and terms of reference of board sub-committees (social and ethics committee, remuneration committee, risk management committee and audit committee, etcetera). Gasant has done numerous presentations and workshops for clients on corporate governance and related matters.*
- Private and public listed companies, on anti-bribery and corruption (ABAC) matters including performing ABAC due diligence and compliance checks, and furnishing advice in relation to ABAC policies, procedures and due diligence questionnaires. Gasant has done numerous presentations and workshops for clients on ABAC and related matters.*
- Private and public listed companies, and state-owned companies in relation to their environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies.*
- Private and public listed companies, and state-owned companies on transformation and B-BBEE matters including in relation to tenders, preferential procurement and supply chain management generally.*
- State-owned companies on regulatory compliance issues including with respect to the Companies Act/Regulations, Public Finance Management Act/Regulations, and related legislation and regulations.*
- Private and public listed companies in relation to the composition of their boards of directors including in relation to the appointment of non-executive directors, their tenure, terms of appointment, rights and duties of directors, and the liability of directors.*
- A South African bank on the proposed establishment of an entity to design, build and finance bulk infrastructure for municipalities. The mandate included advising on the alternatives in relation to the type of vehicle in which the proposed entity (which would provide funding for municipal bulk infrastructure) could be housed, municipal procurement issues and ancillary matters.*
- A South African bank on the proposed establishment of a funding SPA entity for the sole purpose of raising funding for the Student Housing Infrastructure Programme (SHIP) by blending the budget for infrastructure funding with that of the private sector. The mandate included advising on the appropriateness and bankability of the proposed funding SPV structure, and Public Finance Management Act and procurement considerations.*
- A South African bank in relation to aviation legislation and instruments applicable to, and the borrowing powers of, the Air Traffic Navigation Services Company (SOC) Limited. The work included a review of applicable procurement legislation including Public Finance Management Act considerations.*
- South African Department of Science and Technology on the “Ketlaphela Project”, a project aimed at establishing local manufacturing capability for anti-retroviral drugs. Ketlaphela was to be a joint venture, PPP involving Pelchem (a subsidiary of NECSA), the IDC and a SEP (an international technology provider). The initial stages of the project included a feasibility study with a legal, regulatory and policy review and due diligence investigation; consideration of various structuring options; and the development of an RFI/RFQ/RFP process (including transaction documents, being a sale/subscription of shares, MOI and shareholders agreement and technology licence agreements). For a variety of reasons, the project was ultimately not proceeded with as initially envisaged.*
- City of Cape Town in relation to the proposed establishment of a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Entity. The project entailed the investigation of an innovative financing mechanism that would enable residents to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements, starting with rooftop solar photovoltaic systems for their homes, with no upfront capital outlay. The proposed system would be managed by a PACE Entity (municipal entity). The mandate included an analysis of the applicable regulatory framework, models for the establishment of the PACE Entity, structuring of the PACE Entity, financing mechanisms, tax considerations, security arrangements and the like including proposals for the amendment of applicable legislation and regulations (Special Rating Area Policy and Special Rating Area by-Law).*
- City of Cape Town in connection with the establishment of its Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) System including the MyCiti bus operating entity.*
- Transnet in relation to the restructuring, corporatisation, establishment and partial privatisation of South African Airways. The work included bid procurement and evaluation, and assistance and support with the bidder due diligence process.*
- Transnet in connection with the National Ports Authority Act (before its enactment) including the establishment of the National Ports Authority, its powers, functions and duties including the regulations promulgated thereunder; making representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- Transnet in connection with the Competition Act (before its enactment) including the regulations promulgated thereunder; making representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- Transnet in connection with the National Ports Authority Act (before its enactment) including the establishment of the National Ports Authority, its powers, functions and duties including the regulations promulgated thereunder; making representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- Transnet in connection with the Competition Act (before its enactment) including the regulations promulgated thereunder; making representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- Board of Airlines Representatives of South Africa on the Civil Aviation Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder; preparing representations to Parliament on the drafting of the legislation and regulations.*
- South African Department of Transport and the airline industry in connection with the development and implementation of a new international treaty dealing with the acquisition and financing of high value mobile equipment (Unidroit Convention), which has as its primary objective the securitisation of interests in high value mobile equipment such as aircraft, railway rolling stock, space property, telecommunications equipment, ships and vessels and oil rigs. Part of legal team involved in drafting of the Convention and Protocols thereunder.*
- South African Department of Transport and the airline industry in connection with the development and implementation of a new international treaty (Montreal Convention) dealing with the updating of the airline passenger liability system (Warsaw Convention). Part of legal team involved in drafting of the Convention.*
- Western Cape Government Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism in relation to the drafting and implementation of the Western Cape Liquor Act including reviewing and commenting on draft legislation, public participation process, public hearings and comments, and generally in relation to the legislative process.*
Several projects undertaken by Transnet to restructure the Transnet Group, including the disposal of several of Transnet’s non-core assets. These include the disposal by Transnet and the Transnet Retirement Funds of their interests in what was then M-Cell (now MTN) and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Gasant led a team of lawyers on these complex transactions.* - State-owned companies on restructuring exercises including the disposal of non-core assets and businesses, the acquisition of new businesses, and projects involving the introduction of potential joint venture partners and Strategic Equity Partners (SEPs).*
- State-owned companies on various company policies and procedures, corporate governance matters, updating and amending MOIs, review and commentary on Shareholders Compacts and Significance and Materiality Frameworks, and PFMA issues.*
- Government (national, provincial and local) on several PPP projects including the Western Cape Government Chapman’s Peak Drive Toll Road Project, National Department of Environmental Affairs Polar Ship Project, National Department of Land Affairs Head Office Building Project and Western Cape Government Department of Transport and Public Works Government Garage Precinct (Top Yard) Project. This work involved the legal aspects of the feasibility study, legal due diligence, options analysis, risk analysis, funding issues, bid procurement, bid evaluation, and drafting and negotiation of transaction agreements including concession agreements and finance agreements. Some of these projects did not proceed beyond feasibility stage.*
- A private party bidder in the Western Cape Government Department of Health Lentegeur, Swellendam and Hermanus Hospital PPP Projects, which work entailed advising the private party bidder on all aspects of the PPP project, legal due diligence, and commenting on bid documents including the draft concession agreement and related.*
- Spoornet Division of Transnet in relation to the possible outsourcing and concessioning of its non-core branch line network operations. The work included extensive legal due diligence on Spoornet’s contractual and other obligations relating to its branch line network.*
- National Ports Authority Division of Transnet in relation to the possible concessioning of its ship building and repair facilities. The work included extensive legal due diligence on National Ports Authority’s contractual and other obligations relating to its ship building and repair facilities.*
- Propnet Division of Transnet in respect of the disposal of development parcels in Roggebaai Canal Tourism Precinct Project, Cape Town including all contractual arrangements relating to the development of various land parcels and the construction of residential, commercial and leisure facilities in the precinct.*
Awards
- Chambers Global ranked Gasant as a lawyer who is highly regarded and widely recognised for his extensive expertise in Corporate/ M&A, transaction, and advisory work across several key sectors such as financial services, hospitality and leisure, real estate, aviation and oil and gas.
- Chambers Global ranked Gasant for Corporate / M&A for the past five years, most recently in Band 5 (2026).
- The Legal 500, EMEA series recommended Gasant for Commercial, Corporate / M&A.
- IFLR1000 Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Firms highly recommended Gasant as a Highly Regarded lawyer for his work in South Africa in 2025.
- Best Lawyers International rated Gasant for Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisitions Law.
‘Gasant Orrie is an experienced transactional attorney who frequently assists clients with M&A and corporate finance, as well as advising on empowerment-related deals and structures. He is based in Cape Town.’ – Chambers Global 2025
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