Goldman Expects Wave of South Africa Deals Fueled by Commodities

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. expects a busy year of deals for South Africa as the continent’s largest economy starts to benefit from structural reforms and rides a commodities-boom wave.

“We expect activity across the board and our pipeline has broadened across sectors,” said Simon Denny, chief executive officer of the South Africa business. “Mining will continue to be a big theme this year and there are growing benefits to scale.”

Platinum prices have more than doubled in the past 12 months, while gold is up about 73%, spurring deals such as the merger of Anglo American Plc and Teck ...