Joint Ventures and Competition Law – do JVs require merger notification?
Joint ventures (JVs) are not defined in the Competition 89 of 1998 however, general principles of competition regulation are applied in determining whether the formation or expansion of a JV constitutes a notifiable transaction. It should be noted that even if the JV does not, in the parties’ assessment or the assessment of the Commission, the parties conduct may still be subject to the Competition Act and must ensure that they do not fall foul of its provisions, for example, by engaging in prohibited practices (sections 4, 5, 8 and 9).
Consistency is key: Restraints of Trade and the Pitfall of Selective Enforcement – A review of Altron Nexus (Pty) Ltd v Maurice Fowler and MST Critical Communications (Pty) Ltd
Accordingly, and in the event that an employer does apply a policy of selective enforcement of restraints of trade in its operations, it must, at the very least, be able to provide cogent, persuasive and reasonable justification for such a policy failing which its prospects of success in restraints-based litigation will be significantly diminished.
What is EPR? Sorting Through the Waste Regulations
Although it is clear that at this early stage, many market participants do not take EPR, the EPR Regulations, nor their enforcement seriously, and although ignoring the implications thereof may seem a tenable and attractive option, the Department has indicated that such an attitude will not go unpunished and will result in severe consequences further down the line.
New section 34A of PRECCA has significantly increased the risk to companies of being entangled in corrupt activities
The new section 34A in the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 ("PRECCA") has significantly increased the risk to companies of being entangled in corrupt activities.
Mergers and Acquisitions: When is a merger notifiable, what are the consequences of failing to notify the Competition Authorities and what must I do?
In order to trigger a notifiable transaction, the transaction must be considered a merger in terms of the Competition Act 89 of 1998 (“the Act”). The second requirement is whether the transaction meets the financial thresholds.
Freedom of Expression and Hate Speech: The Legalities for Social Media Users
While freedom of expression is a cherished right introduced to South Africans against the historical backdrop of thought control and censorship, it comes with responsibilities. Social media users must exercise caution and respect the legal boundaries when expressing their views online.
Deadline for filing of securities registers looms!
This quick newsflash is just to inform our corporate clients that all companies registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) (each, a "Company") must file their securities registers (including details of beneficial owners) with the CIPC ("Disclosure Requirement") by no later than 24 May 2024.
Congratulations to Megan Melck who has been promoted to Associate from Junior Associate.
Megan has excelled as a Junior Associate and her promotion is well deserved. Her journey at DML began during her articles and continued through the two years of being a more...
Defamation on Social Media – A Refresher
In a recent Free State High Court case, Itumele Bus Lines (Pty) Ltd t/a Interstate Bus Lines v Transport and Allied Workers Union of South Africa and Others [2008] ZALC more...
The challenges and limitations of using a Power of Attorney when someone becomes incapacitated
We are often approached to prepare a power of attorney for someone whose family member faces illness, mental or physical incapacity, or an inability to manage their own affairs.
PAIA Manual – Do you have one, is it up to date and ready for inspection?
If you do have an existing PAIA Manual, ensure you merge the mandatory forms to your Manual. The forms can be downloaded on the Information Regulator’s website. Very important to remember - it is a criminal offence not to have a PAIA Manual if you are required to do so, and your entity may face fines for non-compliance. Should you not have a PAIA Manual, or if your PAIA Manual has not been updated in terms of the provisions of POPIA or with the mandatory PAIA forms, contact us to assist you.
Converting a Close Corporation to a Company in South Africa
Converting a Close Corporation (“CC”) to a Company is a common business transition in South Africa and involves a change in the structure and legal status of the business. There are advantages to this. This is a short guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.