Backed by the robust international framework of the firm's global offering, A&O Shearman navigates high-profile strategic transactions spanning Morocco, North Africa, and southern Africa. Co-leading the practice is Hicham Naciri, a seasoned expert in advising on large-scale projects in Morocco and Africa, with a recent example here being a joint venture between Sanlam Group with Allianz. Co-leading the practice is Yassir Ghorbal, a cross-disciplinary specialist in M&A, capital markets, and real estate transactions. Ghorbal recently advised Bank of Africa and Agence Spéciale Tanger Méditerranée on their partnership with two Chinese construction and infrastructure companies.

Baker & McKenzie Maroc’s corporate and M&A team has an impressively strong client list of international corporations, including multiple global blue-chip tech corporations. The team’s forte lies in representing international companies embarking on dispositions, joint ventures, and intricate commercial arrangements, especially within high-growth emerging markets. Guiding the team is Kamal Nasrollah, a seasoned expert in cross-border M&A. Notably, Nasrollah has recently led the firm in completing several complex and high-value transactions, including the acquisition of the MBCC Group by Sika AG. Additionally, Keltoum Boudribila takes point on the antitrust aspects of matters.

Clifford Chance Casablanca’s office offers extensive experience spanning the entire spectrum of M&A work, excelling in private equity and capital markets deals, as well as both inbound and outbound transactions. At the head of the practice is Mustapha Mourahib, an expert in managing large-scale M&A, PPP, and project finance transactions. Ouns Lemseffer brings specialisation in project financing, financial regulation, and financial market operations. Frédéric Giancarli deftly handles cross-border acquisitions, joint ventures, and private equity; the three jointly head the practice. Additionally, senior associate Hasnaa Bennani provides support on the firm’s most significant matters, including advising OCP African on its partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s Casablanca office has particular strength within the infrastructure, transport, telecoms, and construction sectors. Notably, the firm also has a strong antitrust and compliance practice. Co-leading the team is Alain Malek, based in Casablanca, whose expertise is reflected in his high-profile clients. Malek is currently advising the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Digital Economy in an investment agreement with several Chinese construction corporations. Working alongside Malek is practice co-head Roberto Cristofolini, who focuses on corporate law and finance.

The corporate and M&A team at ADNA stands as a reliable partner, offering unwavering support to clients throughout every phase of a company’s life cycle. Leading the team is Safia Fassi-Fihri, a specialist in joint ventures and capital market transactions who recently advised the International Finance Corporation on a high-value financing in Crédit du Maroc. Other notable names include senior associate Dina Benjelloun, who supports Fassi-Fihri on several M&A matters for listed companies and investment funds.

ASAFO & CO. MOROCCO Sarl has a strong and growing corporate and commercial offering with a particular emphasis on M&A and private equity matters. The practice has a strong focus on advising clients operating in OHADA countries, regularly advising on cross-border transactions and investments. Patrick Larrivé leads the practice. Larrivé, a banking and finance specialist, regularly acts for private equity funds. Mouna Boubia is another key player, renowned for her work in M&A transactions, private equity, and joint ventures. She regularly advises clients in the food, automotive, and manufacturing industries.

With a strong foothold in sectors such as automotive and tech, Bennani & Associés excels in representing major multinational clients, including Samsung C&T, Huawei, and Fiat, in North and West Africa. Guiding this powerhouse is managing partner Mehdi Bennani, a trusted advisor to major companies engaged in local and cross-border corporate and commercial transactions. In a recent highlight, Bennani advised Allianz SE in a joint venture with Sanlam Group.

DLA Piper's Casablanca office, fortified by the firm’s robust international presence, possesses significant expertise across diverse corporate and M&A matters. The team continues to thrive in sectors including agribusiness, education, and manufacturing. At the helm is Christophe Bachelet, a specialist in cross-border M&A and corporate structuring; he has recently advised on acquisitions in the agricultural, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and distribution industries. Another pivotal figure is Camilia Benani. Benani is well experienced in the sale and issuance of shares for investment funds and industrial goods clients.

The M&A and corporate team at GIDE LOYRETTE NOUEL is a trusted partner for major Moroccan and multinational clients embarking on high-stakes M&A transactions within Morocco and the broader southern African region. At the head of the practice is Simon Auquier, who has recently been advising on a variety of cases, including a cross-border joint venture in the agriculture industry and contractual documentation and negotiations in the fabric industry. Adding depth to the team is co-head Chloé Joachim De Larivière. Promoted to partner in July 2023, Larivière is a specialist in M&A, private equity, and corporate law in North Africa; she works alongside Auquier on many of the firm’s cases.

UGGC Africa, working closely with the firm’s Paris office, operates actively across Morocco as well as across the continent. The team showcases exceptional proficiency in advising firms on transactions and general corporate matters. Ali Bougrine leads the practice. Bougrine is a specialist in corporate law, M&A, and private equity, who recently assisted clients in the sustainable finance and aerospace industries with everyday corporate affairs. Laurent Sablé earns recognition for his expertise in transnational work across Africa concerning the reorganisation and sale of subsidiaries.

The team at Bakouchi & Habachi - HB Law Firm LLP has notable strength in assisting European clients in acquiring shares in Morocco. Practice co-lead Salima Bakouchi, proficient in Arabic, French, and English, assists investors in various commercial transactions and litigations in the energy, insurance, and finance industries. Fellow co-lead Kamal Habachi is experienced in advising companies in the EU on relocating their operations to Morocco.

The corporate and M&A practice at Boulalf Mekkaoui Law Firm specialises in advising international corporate clients in handling their day-to-day activities in Morocco and international operations. Abdelatif Boulalf, a seasoned practitioner, consistently engages in cross-border transactions and has significant experience in Moroccan and international arbitration and business law litigation. Additionally, Ahlam Mekkaoui has strong integrated business law experience and specialises in cross-border transactions for international clients seeking to invest in businesses in Morocco.

CMS Francis Lefebvre Maroc Conseil Juridique et Fiscal Casablanca offers a comprehensive array of services that span Morocco and the continent. Leading the corporate law department is Rachida Charifi, a trusted advisor who is an expert in advising on M&A restructurings of Moroccan subsidiaries. Charifi is supported by Johan Bruneau who joined the practice in April 2023.

EAR & Co has established a stellar reputation for assisting multinational companies, investment funds, and startups in their Moroccan operations. Mohieddine El Amari often advises Moroccan clients on acquisitions of domestic companies, as well as general corporate and commercial law. Mariam Rouissi co-leads the team and specialises in providing advice on PPPs and concession agreements as well as corporate governance structures and rules.

Working in cooperation with the firm's Paris office, FIDAL MOROCCO AFRICA is regularly engaged in private equity, commercial, and M&A services for both public and private corporations. The team is led by Julie Claude and Hatim Boukhris. Claude provides clients with general assistance for mergers and restructurings, while Boukhris currently supports companies in their issuance of bonds, assisting in acquisitions, as well as offering general assistance in commercial and corporate matters.

Garrigues Maroc Sarl is particularly adept in handling private equity, company law, reorganisations, and commercial contracts matters. Practice head José Ignacio García is an expert in advising clients on cross-border matters concerning Spain, ranging from strategic investments and joint ventures to acquisitions. García is supported by counsel Jaafar Laidi on many of the firm’s most significant matters.

Hamzi Law Firm‘s business law practice offers services across a wide range of business areas, including commercial law, corporate law, and M&A. The firm has a strong focus on assisting investors and managers of multinationals with their deployment projects in Morocco, the Maghreb countries, West Africa, and the Middle East. The practice is led by Zineb Idrissia Hamzi, who is greatly experienced in assisting local and multinational companies with their plans to set up or expand in Morocco.