Foreign firms in Morocco

Ashurst

Ashurst‘s presence in Morocco emanates from its London and Paris offices, where it possesses expertise in M&A, international arbitration, project finance, and project development in the oil, gas, and mining sectors. Yann Alix heads the Moroccan practice and often acts for international buyers and sellers in M&A. Alix also specialises in project development in the energy and resources sector. Mark Barges co-leads the project finance team and advises on infrastructure and energy projects concerning the development of airports, and rail and road projects.

Praxisleiter:

Yann Alix; Mark Barges; Tom Longmuir; Quentin Robinson; Matthew Saunders; Emma Johnson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Claudia Cicone


Referenzen

‘Excellent knowledge of the Moroccan legal system and environment. I have been dealing with the energy and infrastructure practices.’

‘I would highlight that the team is business-oriented. Their advice is reasonable and to the point.’

‘Always available regarding last-minute doubts and answers our queries eagerly and in detail. This has meant that we have been able to close deals whilst in the negotiating table.’

Kernmandanten

Chariot Limited


Attijariwafa Bank


Banque Centrale Populaire


Schlemmer


Managem


Newcrest


Petra Diamonds


One-Dyas


Minerals Development Oman


VINCI Concessions


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Chariot on its partnership with Energean, with Energean farming into the Lixus Offshore licences, where the Anchois gas development project is located, and the Rissana Offshore licences in Morocco. As part of the agreement, Energean will receive a 45% stake in Lixus and a 37.5% stake in Rissana, while Chariot will retain a material stake in both assets.
  • Advised the Lenders on the MAD 3.3 billion refinancing of Units 5 and 6 of the Jorf Lasfar power plant (wholly owned by the Emirati entity TAQA), the largest coal-fired power complex in the MENA region and the first independent power producer (IPP) in Morocco, for the Jorf Lasfar extension IPP.
  • Advised the lenders on the financing of the development of a solar PV project under a corporate PPA under law 13/09 project in Morocco developed by Green Power (an affiliate of AMEA Power).

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’s African practice includes its Moroccan outlet. Bertrand Montembault co-heads the team from the Paris office and predominantly advises clients in the energy and natural resources sectors. Fellow Paris-based co-head Paul Morton concentrates on corporate and project developments in the energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors across Europe and emerging markets including North Africa.

Praxisleiter:

Bertrand Montembault; Paul Morton


Kernmandanten

Atlantic Tin


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Atlantic Tin on its planned acquisition of SAMINE, which holds the El Hammam exploitation licence, including its infrastructure and tenements, adjacent to Atlantic Tin’s Achmmach Tin Project in Morocco.

Linklaters LLP

Operating from its Paris office, Linklaters LLP relies on its strong relationships with local firms and counsel and on-the-ground presence during major deals to deliver its services in Morocco. Bertrand Andriani, head of the firm’s Francophone Africa division, has been recognised for his project development and project financing expertise. Litigation and arbitration specialist Roland Ziadé is an asset to the team with his knowledge of OHADA law as well as local law and procedure. Ziadé often acts as an arbitrator in cases involving Moroccan companies.

Praxisleiter:

Justin Faye; Bertrand Andriani


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mehdi Boumedine


Kernmandanten

Société Générale S.A.


Meridiam


BNP Paribas


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising the lenders to SAFIEC, the operator of the Safi coal-fired power project (2×693 MW) located in Southwest Morocco.
  • Advised the European Union’s leading bank BNP Paribas and its subsidiary BNP Paribas Personal Finance with the antitrust aspects of the reorganisation of its strategic automotive financing partnership with Stellantis.
  • Advised GIP and Meridiam in their joint acquisition of New Suez, through a consortium including also the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations as a minority shareholder.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP has a solid reputation for assisting international corporations and financial institutions with their business practices, cross-border deals, and disputes in Morocco. London-based Mukund Dhar focuses on project development and finance and advises clients in the energy and natural resources, infrastructure, and telecoms sectors. Corporate expert Marc Petitier handles all manner of M&A, sales, and joint venture deals. Christophe von Krause is specialised in international arbitration. François-Guilhem Vaissier recently departed from the firm.

Praxisleiter:

Mukund Dhar; Marc Petitier; Christophe von Krause; Deji Adegoke; Jason Kerr; Charles Nairac


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Nicholas Macheras; Omar Sinaceur


Kernmandanten

Bank of Africa


The potential lenders


Bank of Africa


European Bank for Reconstruction


Casablanca Desal Financing


MNX Global Logistics


NAIC and OCP


NAIC and OCP – Basic Chemicals Platform project in Nigeria


Chaabi International Bank Offshore (Banque Centrale Populaire Group), Société Générale and Attijariwafa Bank Europe


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Bank of Africa in connection with various amendments relating to the Chtouka seawater desalination plant project in Morocco, to enable it to be financed.