Restructuring.Strategy.Results.
Metis Strategic Advisors is a specialist advisory firm focused on helping businesses, investors and/or lenders navigate strategic, financial and operational challenges. We work hands-on with underperforming companies or companies facing distress to stabilise, restructure and reposition for growth. Drawing on decades of experience across sectors and borders, our multi-disciplinary team delivers tailored, practical restructuring solutions that resolve cashflow crises, unlock value and restore confidence.
Our Expertise
- Balance Sheet and Operational Restructuring – formulation and implementation
- Comprehensive turnaround management
- Strategic advisory expertise
- Proven track record in business rescue
- M&A transaction support
Our Story
Metis Strategic Advisors was founded as a restructuring and turnaround advisory firm in 2016 by Dave Lake, Trevor Murgatroyd, and Peter van den Steen. The firm was established to pool their respective (and diverse) skills and deep experience in restructuring, banking, and corporate finance.
Today, the Metis team includes over 20 professionals across South Africa with various backgrounds/credentials enabling Metis to deliver tailored solutions to clients requiring restructuring or experiencing financial distress. We support our clients through complexity with structured, practical, and results-driven advice and implementation.
"We combine deep industry expertise with a practical, results-driven approach to help companies navigate their most challenging times."Metis Leadership Team
Why Choose Metis
Our unique approach combines deep expertise with practical hands-on execution to deliver sustainable results for our clients.
Reputation for Results
Our track record, reputation, and industry awards speak for themselves. We are known for our integrity, impact, and successful outcomes in complex restructuring mandates.
Execution Focussed
We roll up our sleeves and work side-by-side with management to deliver real, measurable results—not just reports.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
Restructuring demands diverse skills. Metis deploys senior professionals with backgrounds in debt, operational turnarounds, strategy, M&A, finance, accounting, law, and more
Senior-Led Engagements
Every mandate is led by our senior team. We take a hands-on approach and bring deep expertise to the table from day one.
Tailored Solutions
No two situations are the same. We craft bespoke strategies that suit the specific challenges and objectives of each engagement.
Cross-Sector Experience
Our team has advised across a wide range of industries, including Construction, Manufacturing, Financial Services, FinTech, FMCG, Agriculture, Retail, Renewable Energy, and Mining.
Multiple Industry Awards
Metis and its team members have received multiple industry awards in restructuring, corporate finance and business rescue from (amongst others) Dealmakers South Africa, The South African Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Association (SARIPA) and the South African Turnaround Management Association (TMA).
OUR
TEAM
Meet the passionate individuals behind Metis, committed to driving your business towards sustainable growth and success in the local market.
Warren Watkins
Associate
Sandra Le Blanc
Associate
Our Services
We provide comprehensive solutions for businesses facing complex challenges, combining operational expertise with strategic insight to deliver sustainable results.
Independent Business Reviews (IBRs)
Comprehensive independent assessments providing critical insights for stakeholders navigating business uncertainty and risk evaluation.
Independent Business Reviews (IBRs)
- Banks & lenders seeking independent validation of borrower viability and risk optimisation
- Boards & management navigating uncertainty and seeking a corrective road map
- Shareholders to support restructuring objectives
- Pre-business rescue impact analysis
- Liquidation analysis and estimates
Financial Restructuring
Strategic financial solutions to resolve overgearing, optimise capital structures, manage liquidity, and negotiate sustainable debt arrangements
Financial Restructuring
- Debt restructuring & refinancing
- Covenant analysis & negotiation
- Liquidity management & cash forecasting
- Capital structure optimisation
Operational Turnarounds
Comprehensive operational transformation to drive revenue growth, improve margins, and optimise working capital performance.
Operational Turnarounds
- Revenue optimisation
- Margin & cost improvement
- Working capital optimisation
- Supplier management & contract renegotiation
- Interim C-suite support
- Chief Restructuring Advisor - CRA
- Chief Restructuring Officer - CRO
Business Rescue
Expert guidance through formal business rescue proceedings, managing distressed situations and stakeholder interests.
Business Rescue
- Pre-business rescue impact analysis
- Taking on appointments as business rescue practitioners (BRPs)
- Advising companies exposed to entities in business rescue
- Business rescue planning and implementation
- Managing distressed M&A transactions
- Liquidation analysis and estimates
- Claims management
Corporate Finance
Strategic financial advisory services covering M&A transactions, capital raising, and comprehensive corporate strategy.
2011 Dealmakers “SA Dealmaker of the Year” award
Corporate Finance
- Managing M&A transactions
- Funding and capital raising
- Strategic advisory services
OUR VALUED
CLIENTS
We have worked with or for many of South Africa's largest and most respected organisations, including those noted below
Case Studies
Real results from complex restructuring mandates. Our track record speaks for itself.
Featured Case Studies
Tongaat Hulett Limited & other THL group companies
Major agricultural sector restructuring
Leading agri-business in sugar and animal feeds with significant asset base and footprint. Successfully navigated complex restructuring process.
Download (159 KB)Group Five Limited & Group Five Construction
Large-scale construction sector turnaround
One of the largest multi-disciplinary construction, manufacturing and infrastructure businesses in Africa with annual revenues of c.R15bn.
Download (123 KB)Murray & Roberts Limited
Engineering & infrastructure restructuring
Large-scale engineering and contracting group focused on mining and power infrastructure sectors.
Download (89 KB)Stefanutti Stocks Holdings
Construction sector restructuring
Major construction and civil engineering group with operations across Africa, specializing in building, civil, mining, and infrastructure projects.
Download (104 KB)IN THE
NEWS
Stay updated with our latest insights, success stories, and industry news from Metis Strategic Advisors.
Get In Contact
Ready to discuss your business challenges? Our experienced team is here to provide expert guidance and tailored solutions. Reach out for a confidential consultation.
Contact Information
Office
Jindal Africa, 22 Kildoon Road
Bryanston, 2191
South Africa
By appointment only
Why Choose Metis?
- Confidential consultations
- Expert multidisciplinary team
- Tailored solutions for your situation
- Proven track record of success