Helgard specialises in commercial real estate and routinely acts for public and private property developers, property and asset management companies, REITs and private equity firms in respect of a wide range of transactions, including joint ventures (co-ownerships), developments, leases, sales of properties and sales of rental enterprises. Helgard's real estate experience spans various sectors of the industry, including healthcare, student accommodation, retail, offices, industrial and mixed use. Helgard has advised multiple clients on the disposal and acquisition of real estate portfolios and rental enterprises (including shopping centres, medical facilities and student housing portfolios). Helgard has also represented several local and multinational companies in negotiating their head office leases in South Africa and drafts, negotiates and reviews commercial lease agreements on a regular basis. He frequently carries out comprehensive due diligence investigations for prospective purchasers of shares, businesses and properties. Helgard’s recent experience also includes a number of cross-border, private equity transactions in terms of which he carried out due diligence investigations and drafted and negotiated the transaction agreements on behalf of international private equity firms.