Key Transactions
Bronwyn Darné has over 20 years of experience in complex property finance and commercial real estate transactions.
Her key expertise lies in the management of acquisitions and disposals of complicated real estate assets, as well as the development and financing of hospitality and mixed-use properties. Some of her most significant transactions include:
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
As a lead advisor, Bronwyn arranged ZAR 5.5 billion of debt financing for the acquisition of the iconic V&A Waterfront in Cape Town by a consortium of London & Regional Group and Istithmar PJSC from Transnet. She subsequently led the syndication and refinancing of this acquisition debt. In 2011, she led a team that advised the consortium on the sale of the V&A Waterfront to Growthpoint Properties and the Public Investment Corporation for ZAR 9.7 billion which was ranked 7th by DealMakers South Africa in Mergers & Acquisitions by deal value in the Investment Advisor Category.
Her success in this landmark deal stemmed from distilling the complex transaction into a straightforward funding proposition that enabled debt syndication amongst major lenders. Attention to detail and deep understanding of all components of the real estate asset facilitated comprehensive due diligence and transaction structuring.
Triangle House Conversion, Cape Town
Bronwyn managed the innovative conversion of a 24-storey office tower in the Cape Town CBD into a mixed-use development encompassing a 214-key Radisson Blu Hotel, 165 apartments and 3 penthouse residences. Achieving this vision required complicated legal structuring to enable joint venture partnerships on the residential component and introduce a separate hotel investor.
By simplifying legal documentation and promoting collaboration between all stakeholders, Bronwyn successfully navigated the complexities to execute the strategic conversion.
The Ridge Luxury Estate, Cape Town
As a developer of The Ridge, an exclusive residential estate in Cape Town, Bronwyn overcame significant planning and environmental challenges. Through years of engagement with neighbours, authorities and other stakeholders, she assisted in designing an acceptable scheme that balanced development objectives with community concerns. Her perseverance and creativity were instrumental in securing regulatory approvals.
Bronwyn’s ability to understand stakeholder perspectives and adjust plans accordingly was vital to creating this prestigious estate that achieved record land sale prices for the Cape Town City Bowl on launch in 2020.