February 23 2026 | Deals | MEA | M&A Advisors | Industry news and trends
Ansarada Managing Director Justin Smith recently took the stage at the 2026 Ansarada DealMakers Annual Gala Awards, celebrating not only standout achievements in dealmaking, but the momentum shaping what comes next.
The DealMakers legacy shines a light on the transformative power of strategic transactions. Bringing together advisors, business leaders, strategists, and risk-takers, the evening recognised those who continue to shape South Africa’s economic future. Their impact goes far beyond numbers and valuations, they create opportunity, build enduring legacies, and help power an economy defined by resilience, innovation, and ambition.
Justin Smith, Managing Director, Ansarada
Held on Thursday, 19 February 2026 at the Ballroom of the Sandton Convention Centre, the evening brought together more than 650 industry professionals to celebrate the achievements of South Africa's M&A, Corporate Finance, and Private Capital markets in 2025. As the principal sponsor, Ansarada was proud to stand at the centre of an event that honours the firms and individuals driving success across the industry.
The deals that defined 2025 were:
Deal of the Year 2025
The Demerger and Accelerated Placement of Valterra Platinum
BEE Deal of the Year 2025
Exxaro Resources' Acquisition of Manganese Assets
Business Rescue & Turnaround Transaction of the Year 2025
Langeberg & Ashton Foods
Catalyst Private Equity Deal of the Year 2025
Norfund's and Mahlako's Investment in Anthem
Ince Individual DealMaker of the Year 2025
Jesse Watson, Webber Wentzel
For more information on the winners, and a full photo gallery of the night, visit DealMakers South Africa .
Exxaro Resources' acquisition of manganese assets from Ntsimbintle and OMH Mauritius wins BEE Deal of the Year 2025
Langeberg & Ashton Foods wins Business Rescue & Turnaround Transaction of the Year 2025
Norfund's and Mahlako's investment in Anthem wins Catalyst Private Equity Deal of the Year 2025
The power of South African dealmakers
Ansarada congratulates all the winners and nominees, and everyone who played a part in making 2025 a year of bold, consequential dealmaking.
The deals recognised on the night are more than transactions – they are the building blocks of a stronger, more dynamic South Africa. We look forward to continuing to support the dealmaking community as they shape what comes next.
