experience
Experience across complex transactions
Steve has practised law for more than 30 years, advising on local and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, private equity, corporate governance, banking and finance, mining, energy and environmental law.
He was formerly Executive Partner of the Johannesburg office of international law firm White & Case LLP. Before joining White & Case in 1999, Steve was a partner in the corporate practice at Deneys Reitz, now Norton Rose Fulbright, and previously a partner at Cliffe Dekker & Todd, now Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.
His corporate experience includes major acquisitions, listings, joint ventures, investment structures and financing transactions involving South African and international businesses.
Today, Steve practises through D’Arcy-Herrman Raney, the family-owned law firm he operates with his wife, Felicity.
CONSERVATION AND ECO-TOURISM
Turning conservation frameworks into commercial reality
Alongside his corporate practice, Steve has developed particular expertise in environmental and conservation law and the commercialisation of conservation assets.
His work has included advising government departments, conservation authorities, protected areas, private reserves and eco-tourism businesses on the legal and institutional structures required to bring conservation and commercial interests together.
Steve has advised South African National Parks on the partial commercialisation of concession areas within national parks, as well as operational and outsourcing arrangements across the parks system. He has also advised the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority on its commercialisation process and on matters relating to the implementation of the World Heritage Convention Act.
His broader conservation work has included mandates involving game reserves, transfrontier conservation initiatives, World Heritage Sites, public-private eco-tourism projects and protected-area management across southern Africa. This experience provides a practical understanding of the legal frameworks that can enable, constrain or materially influence the long-term value of conservation-based businesses.
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND POLICY
Experience beyond individual assets
Steve’s work has extended beyond individual transactions into the development of environmental legislation, regulation and institutional frameworks.
He has advised South African government departments and conservation bodies on protected areas, World Heritage Sites and the commercialisation and management of state-owned conservation assets.
His work has included advising on the World Heritage Convention Act and related regulations, protected-area legislation and regulations, transfrontier conservation arrangements and institutional structures for national parks and conservation areas.
Steve’s contribution to environmental and conservation matters has received longstanding professional recognition, including the WESSA 90 Lifetime Achiever Award for his contribution to the environment.
SAFARI INVESTMENT ADVISORY
Legal insight that informs investment decisions
As a Co-Founder and Partner of Safari Investment Advisory, Steve brings a legal, governance and structural perspective to complex safari investment decisions.
His expertise is particularly relevant where ownership, commercial agreements, concessions, governance, environmental obligations and regulatory frameworks intersect with the financial and operational realities of a safari business.
Working alongside the broader Safari Investment Advisory team, Steve helps investors and owners identify legal and structural considerations that may influence an acquisition, disposal, restructuring, development or long-term investment strategy.
His role is not to consider legal issues in isolation, but to understand how the legal framework supports, constrains and ultimately influences the commercial viability and long-term value of the asset.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Where Steve advises
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Corporate and commercial structuring
- Corporate governance
- Private equity and capital markets
- Banking and finance
- Environmental and conservation law
- Concessions and protected-area frameworks
- Eco-tourism commercialisation
- Regulatory and institutional structures
- Cross-border transactions
PERSPECTIVE
Structure matters
Safari investments operate within a complex web of ownership, contractual, regulatory, conservation and commercial relationships.
The strength of an investment therefore depends not only on the quality of the underlying asset or its financial performance, but also on whether the structures surrounding it are appropriate, workable and aligned with its long-term objectives.
Steve’s experience across both corporate transactions and conservation law allows these considerations to be viewed together, helping clients understand the structures behind the asset as well as the asset itself.
PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION
Qualifications and recognition
Steve holds BA and LLB degrees from Stellenbosch University and a Higher Diploma in Tax Law from the University of the Witwatersrand. He is admitted as an attorney, notary and conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa.
His professional and environmental involvement has included senior roles with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), where he served as a Director and Vice-President and is an Honorary Life Member.
His work in mergers and acquisitions, environmental law and energy law has received international professional recognition over many years.
Thought leadership
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Independent advice for complex safari investments
If you are considering an acquisition, disposal, restructuring, development or other strategic decision involving a safari-linked or conservation-based asset, Safari Investment Advisory provides independent specialist advice before significant commitments are made.