The Legal 500

Since its formation over 80 years ago, Adly Bellagha & Associates has developed strong lines of expertise in M&A, privatisation, finance and litigation. It is, however, best known for its expertise in the energy sector where it is ‘extremely accomplished on oil and gas transactions’. Recent highlights have included negotiations for two petroleum permits, advice on mining concessions and work on road infrastructure projects. Managing partner Adly Bellagha has an excellent reputation in the market and is often at the forefront of the most challenging deals handled by the firm.

Cabinet Donia Hedda Ellouze provides a ‘very high-quality service’ on privatisations, M&A transactions and FDI to a largely international client base from a range of industries including food, textiles and tourism. Recently involved in a number of significant transactions in the automotive sector, led by the ‘hardworking and persuasive’ Donia Hedda Ellouze, the firm advised a German cable producing company on its investment in the country. Clients are impressed by the firm’s ‘extensive knowledge of the Tunisian environment which helps and facilitates transactions’.

With 24 lawyers at its disposal, Ferchiou & associés is the largest law firm in the country and therefore has the critical mass to handle a significant volume and size of deals. Spearheaded by Noureddine Ferchiou and supported by ‘very good lawyers’, the firm’s particular sweet-spot lies in the oil and gas sector. In this area, the firm was recently involved in an M&A transaction of a major oil and gas company. Other highlights included advising Tunisie Telecom on the acquisition of an internet provider.

The only international firm with a presence in Tunisia, Gide Loyrette Nouel is able to leverage off its strength in North Africa and Paris to provide both domestic and international corporates with an excellent perspective of purely domestic work as well as cross-border mandates. Led by Tunis managing partner Kamal Ben Saleh, the team represents international corporates establishing in Tunisia, as well as on the day-to-day running of their businesses. On the transactional side, the firm excels at M&A mandates and privatisations.

Able to tap into a network of offices throughout North Africa, Abdelly & Associates North Africa is well regarded in particular for its work in the oil and energy sectors. The firm has recently been involved in oil contracts between Tunisian and Libyan companies. Senior partner Samir Abdelly has an excellent reputation in the market.

One of the oldest firms in the region, Caid Essebsi & Partners has vast experience advising domestic and international clients across a range of corporate matters including recent work within the energy sector. Salaheddine Caid Essebsi has an excellent reputation.

Established in 2009 following the departure of two partners from leading firm Ferchiou & associés, Meziou Knani & associés has rapidly established itself as a leading player in the market, in particular in relation to advising investment funds participating in private equity transactions.

As well as advising on corporate law issues, Achour Law Firm has a shipping practice which advises on wet and dry matters.

Ben Salem Law Firm’s Bessem Ben Salem has a good reputation for corporate work, in particular for privatisation mandates.

Khaled Azouzi has a strong reputation for advising on corporate and commercial matters.

Malek Rejiba Tunisian Law Firm provides ‘sound and accurate advice’ to local and foreign corporates and individuals across an array of corporate and commercial transactions, as well as litigation. Company work includes advice to foreign coorporates setting up in Tunisia, while on the contentious side, as well as litigating on areas as diverse as fraud, negligence and contract, the firm is also well-versed in the enforcement of foreign orders and judgments. Sole partner Malek Rejiba attracts plaudits for his ‘empathy, accessibility, business sensitivity and knowledge of the legal industry’.

Six-lawyer firm Cabinet Malouche is particularly noted for its strength in advising local clients on corporate matters.

Mamoughli & Mamoughli Avocats is praised for its ‘excellent insider knowledge of Tunisian regulations and administrative processes’. Mourad Mamoughli is particularly strong on work within the telecoms sector and is praised for his ‘accurate advice, pragmatism, high-quality drafting and degree of business sensitivity’.

At Mili & Associates, managing partner Faouzi Mili has a strong reputation for advising on corporate matters and is the driving force behind many of the firm’s most significant mandates. Mili recently advised a Portuguese electricity company on the establishment of a subsidiary in Tunisia.