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Dawie van der Merwe

Director | Corporate Recovery & Business Rescue

“Preserving businesses, protecting value and creating opportunities for recovery.”

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My Philosophy

Every business facing financial distress deserves the opportunity to explore solutions that preserve value, protect livelihoods and create a sustainable future. My philosophy has always been that where there is a realistic prospect of recovery, every effort should be made to preserve the business rather than simply wind it down.

Successful restructuring begins with understanding the commercial realities, operational challenges and stakeholder interests unique to every business. By working collaboratively with directors, creditors, lenders and investors, I develop practical restructuring strategies that balance competing interests while creating the best possible opportunity for long-term success.

I believe the most effective outcomes are achieved through strategic thinking, balanced commercial judgement and trusted relationships. Helping businesses overcome financial challenges and continue creating value for their stakeholders remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my profession.

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Commerce (Law)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
  • Diploma in Insolvency Law and Practice
  • Certificate in Business Rescue Decision Making
  • Admitted Attorney

Professional Memberships

  • Legal Practice Council
  • Panel Member – Master of the High Court
  • South African Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Association (SARIPA)
  • INSOL International
  • Registered Senior Business Rescue Practitioner (CIPC)
  • Board Member – Genesis Medical Scheme

What Clients Can Expect

  • Strategic restructuring advice grounded in extensive business rescue and corporate recovery experience.
  • Balanced commercial thinking focused on preserving viable businesses wherever possible.
  • Transparent communication and trusted guidance throughout every stage of the engagement.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement with directors, creditors, financial institutions and investors.
  • Practical restructuring strategies that support business continuity and long-term sustainability.
  • A commitment to protecting value while achieving commercially sustainable outcomes.

Areas I Specialise In

  • Business Rescue
  • Corporate Restructuring
  • Corporate Recovery
  • Turnaround Management
  • Liquidations & Insolvencies
  • Schemes of Arrangement & Compromises
  • Strategic Business Advisory
  • Mergers & Corporate Advisory

Representative Experience

Having advised businesses through restructuring, insolvency and corporate recovery for more than two decades, I have worked alongside directors, financial institutions, creditors and shareholders across a diverse range of industries. As an admitted Attorney, Senior Business Rescue Practitioner and Insolvency Practitioner, I combine strategic commercial insight with practical restructuring experience to help businesses navigate financial distress and identify sustainable paths to recovery.

Representative assignments include:

  • Leading significant business rescue and restructuring engagements involving listed companies, national mining groups, transport operators, engineering businesses and major manufacturers.
  • Advising directors, creditors, financial institutions and shareholders on restructuring strategies, turnaround initiatives and corporate recovery solutions.
  • Acting in nationally significant business rescue matters involving African Bank Investment Limited, Sharemax Investments, Liviero Group, SA Roadlink Passenger Services, ASA Metals, Wescoal Mining and Vanchem Vanadium Products.
  • Advising on corporate mergers and strategic transactions, including acting as trustee in the merger between Bayer AG and Monsanto Corporation.
  • Assisting businesses across the mining, transport, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, retail and agricultural sectors to restructure operations, preserve value and position themselves for long-term sustainability.

Industries I Know Best

  • Mining
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction & Engineering
  • Transport & Logistics
  • Agriculture
  • Healthcare
  • Financial Services
  • Retail
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Media & Entertainment

Beyond the
Technical

Preserving businesses and helping them emerge stronger after periods of financial distress is one of the most rewarding aspects of my profession. I value building trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, and believe that collaboration, balanced commercial thinking and a long-term perspective are fundamental to achieving meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

Let’s Start the Conversation

hether your business is facing financial pressure, considering a restructuring strategy or exploring opportunities for recovery, I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can develop a practical strategy that preserves value and positions your business for long-term success.

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