Dentons Morocco

[#NEWS] Dentons Morocco is proud to announce the launch of its China Desk, a dedicated division aiming at advising our clients on market entry, investments and commercial partnerships in #Morocco in particular and #Africa more generally. Today’s decision to establish a dedicated China Desk comes at a pivotal time of major growth in Chinese investments in various sectors in Morocco, including #automotive, #infrastructure and #renewable #energy. The launch of the China Desk is also closely aligned with Morocco’s strategic participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By joining the #BRI in 2017, Morocco positioned itself as a #strategic hub for Chinese investments in Africa, serving as a gateway for Chinese enterprises seeking access to the continent’s markets. The BRI has boosted an array of business #partnerships and infrastructure projects that have enhanced connectivity and trade between the two countries. Recent years have seen a significant increase in Chinese investment, highlighted by major projects such as the establishment of a $6.4 billion battery #Gigafactory for electric vehicles by #Gotion High-Tech. Dentons Morocco's legal team played a key role in this groundbreaking transaction, providing top notch legal advice that ensured the successful launch and execution of the project. In this context, we are proud to welcome Ms. Xiaolei Zhang as the head of our #ChinaDesk. With extensive expertise in oil and gas, infrastructure, renewable energy, transportation and logistics, public relations and more, she brings her experience across various economic #sectors and #cultures, ensuring that we effectively meet our clients' expectations with exceptional support #tailored to their specific #needs. Our China Desk is uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive support across various sectors, including Projects and Public-Private Partnerships, Corporate/M&A, Financing, Corporate/M&A, Industrial Projects and Infrastructure, Mining, Intellectual Property, and Tax and Regulatory matters. Leveraging Dentons' global reach and deep local insights, we are committed to fostering and advancing the rapidly #growing Chinese business community in North Africa. Join us in #celebrating this exciting new chapter as we enhance connectivity and partnerships between #China and #Morocco! #Dentons #HereToHelp #Projects #GrowYourBusiness #ProtectYourBusiness #OperateYourBusiness #DentonsMorocco #SuccessDeal #LawFirmOfTheFuture #MoroccoChinaPartnership

[#SUCCESSDEAL] Dentons Morocco had the privilege of assisting Marsa Maroc, Morocco’s leading port operator, on securing MAD 690 million (€65 million equivalent) in financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).   This financing will support the expansion and modernization of the Marsa Maroc multipurpose terminals at the ports of Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar, increasing operational optimization and enhancing the competitiveness of the Moroccan economy. The project includes the acquisition of hybrid cranes and electric rail cranes, as well as the development of climate-resilient infrastructure designed to address rising sea levels and reduce Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emissions per cargo handled.   The operation is backed by the European Union under the EFSD+ MIIR Guarantee Program and will also drive Marsa Maroc’s digital transformation. This includes introducing innovative digital solutions at the Casablanca terminal and delivering inclusive upskilling programs to empower its workforce.   Partner Christophe Simonnet worked closely with the financial and legal teams of Marsa Maroc during the negotiation of the loan agreement that led to the signing of this latter by Mrs. Odile Renaud-Basso, President of EBRD, and Mr. TARIK EL AROUSSI, CEO of Marsa Maroc. This initiative further strengthens Morocco’s position as a key trade hub while setting a new standard for sustainable port operations in the region.   At Dentons Morocco, we continue to support projects that drive infrastructure development, promote sustainability, and help shape the future of Morocco’s economy. #Dentons #HereToHelp #Projects #GrowYourBusiness #ProtectYourBusiness #OperateYourBusiness #DentonsMorocco #SuccessDeal #LawFirmOfTheFuture

[#RANKING] We are thrilled to share that Dentons has been named "Energy Law firm of the Year" at the Lexology Index Awards 2024 - for the fourth consecutive year and seventh time overall! This recognition reaffirms Dentons' position as a global leader in the #energy sector, providing world-class expertise on high-value projects, complex transactions, regulatory matters and dispute resolution across the globe. At Dentons Morocco, we are proud to align with this global standard of excellence, supporting the energy sector's growth and transformation in #Morocco and beyond. Our heartfelt thanks go to our clients and peers for their trust, and to our global team for their dedication to shaping a #greener future. #Dentons #HereToHelp #GreenEnergy #ProtectYourBusiness #OperateYourBusiness #DentonsMorocco #LawFirmOfTheFuture

[#SUCCESSDEAL] Dentons Morocco is delighted to have assisted the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in providing a €200 million loan to OCP Group - the world leader in plant nutrition solutions and phosphate-based fertilizers. The EBRD loan will support #OCP Group in the development of two advanced seawater desalination plants in El Jadida (Jorf Lasfar) and Safi, reinforcing the resilience and sustainability of water resources for its industrial operations in Morocco. Dentons Morocco team - led by Partner Christophe Simonnet, assisted the EBRD team for the negotiation with OCP Group of the financing documentation. With this initiative, OCP Group is set to reduce its annual water consumption by 3 million m³, sourcing 100% of its water from non-conventional sources. This project aligns with both EBRD’s Green Economy #Transition Strategy and OCP’s commitment to #sustainable practices in the industrial sector, reinforcing Morocco’s position as a #leader in sustainable development. As Dentons Morocco continues to support such #impactful projects, we remain committed to #helping our clients achieve their #sustainability goals, while strengthening Morocco’s #environmental resilience and #leadership on the #global stage. #Dentons #HereToHelp #Projects #GrowYourBusiness #GreenEnergy #ProtectYourBusiness #OperateYourBusiness #DentonsMorocco #SuccessDeal #LawFirmOfTheFuture

[#HIRING] Dentons Morocco - Advisory Team is on the look out for an ambitious Analyst #Intern to join our #Casablanca office. If you have a strong foundation in M&A, ECM, and DCM, this is your opportunity to grow professionally within an integrated legal & advisory team. Candidates who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply by following the instructions provided below. #AdvisoryTeam #DentonsMorocco #JoinOurTeam #Morocco

[#HIRING] Dentons Morocco is seeking a talented Associate to join our #Casablanca office. If you have expertise in Economic Law, Intellectual Property, Distribution, Media, and Technology, this is your chance to become part of the world’s largest law firm. Interested candidates who meet the criteria are encouraged to follow the application instructions in the description below. #DentonsMorocco #LawFirmOfTheFuture #Dentons #JoinOurTeam

[#SUCCESSDEAL] Dentons Morocco assisted Sun Pharma – one of the largest specialty generic pharmaceutical companies in the world, for its acquisition of 100% of the shares of Valstar S.A, and its Moroccan based subsidiary Kemipharm – a leading African player in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, making it a strategic addition to Sun Pharma’s portfolio and manufacturing footprint in Africa. This successful transaction was expertly conducted by our cross-border Corporate-M&A legal teams from Luxembourg to Casablanca – co-led by Omar Sayarh (Managing Partner), and Mehdi Megzari (Partner), along with Chayma Bourezgui (Associate), Farah Rachad (Associate) and Aya Rochd (Associate) for Dentons Morocco team together with Namik Ramić (Partner), David Paiva (Counsel) and Charel Heim (Associate) from Dentons Luxembourg. Central to this strategic vision is paving the way for the expansion of the Moroccan #pharmaceutical sector throughout #Africa. Dentons Morocco is ready to support such transformational operations, helping you to grow, protect, operate and finance your expansion. #Dentons #HereToHelp #GrowYourBusiness #ProtectYourBusiness #OperateYourBusiness #DentonsMorocco #SuccessDeal #Corporate #LawFirmOfTheFuture #Pharma

[#RANKING] Dentons Morocco has been ranked among the top 5 African Law Firms in the francophone region in Africa Business Plus 2024 Powerlist. This nomination reaffirms Dentons' commitment to integrate international expertise with outstanding local lawyers throughout a polycentric approach and a strong pan-African vision to best serve our local and international clients.   Congratulation to Dentons Morocco legal team for your exceptional work and unwavering commitment to excellence! Let’s continue to build on this momentum and keep pushing boundaries together!   Thanks to Jeune Afrique and Africa Business Plus for this recognition. Your dedication and professionalism are truly appreciated. Discover more : https://lnkd.in/ed2mwYKC #Africa #DentonsMorocco #LawFirmOfTheFuture #Dentons #JeuneAfrique #AfricanLawfirmsPowerlist

[#RANKING] We are pleased to announce that Omar Sayarh, Managing Partner of Dentons Morocco, has been recognized as one of the 100 Legal Powerlist’s Most Influential Business Lawyers in Africa by Africa Business Plus. With over 18 years of distinguished experience in the Moroccan legal landscape, Omar has acquired extensive expertise in both transactional and litigation practice in areas such as industrial and hospitality projects, mergers & acquisitions, and energy developments across Africa. Leading Dentons Morocco since 2014, Omar has successfully built-up a first-rate multidisciplinary team providing top-tier legal solutions to key players locally and throughout Africa. Read more : https://lnkd.in/gpTRPRUZ #100LegalPowerList #Africa #DentonsMorocco #LawFirmOfTheFuture #Dentons #JeuneAfrique #AfricaBusinessPlus #Morocco #LawFirmOfTheYear

[#SUCCESSDEAL] Dentons’ Casablanca, Madrid and Paris offices assisted Stena Line, one of the world’s largest ferry companies with over 33,000 yearly sailings with over 6,100 employees, on the acquisition from Attica Group, an international ferry company based in Greece, of an interest of 49% in Africa Morocco Links which operates ferry lines between Morocco and Spain in the Strait of Gibraltar.   The completion of the transaction took place on 12 June 2024 after the satisfaction of several conditions (including the merger control clearance in Morocco) simultaneously with the acquisition by Compagnie de Transports au Maroc (CTM) of the remaining 51% of Africa Morocco Links from Bank Of Africa.   The strategic importance of this expansion underscored by Mr. Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line, emphasizes the role of the Strait of Gibraltar as a pivotal #hub for both passengers traveling between #Africa and #Europe, and for global trade. This move comes as Morocco’s industrial growth and international trade prospects continue to flourish and coincides with the launching by Morocco of a wide-ranging initiative to boost its #shipping sector.   The cross-border team advising on the deal included Christophe Simonnet (Partner) and Aya Rochd (Associate) on the acquisition aspects and the Moroccan aspects of the Morocco Star vessel by Stena Line and Mehdi Megzari (Partner) who handled the antitrust aspects and the merger control filing in Casablanca, Jesús Durán (Partner), Jorge Carmona Escudero (Counsel) and, Juan Gamón March (Associate) in Madrid and Olivier Genevois (Partner) in Paris on the acquisition aspects. #Dentons #HereToHelp #Projects #GrowYourBusiness #ProtectYourBusiness #OperateYourBusiness #DentonsMorocco #SuccessDeal #LawFirmOfTheFuture   www.dentons.com