The corporate and tax team at Baker & McKenzie Maroc is experienced in a variety of matters surrounding tax law, including audits, analysis and the tax implications arising from specific deals or projects. With global connections stemming from the firm’s international network, the Moroccan office supports blue-chip multinational corporations on their day-to-day operations in the region, including transfer pricing, VAT, employee benefits and real estate tax. Managing partner Kamal Nasrollah leads the practice, focusing on cross-border matters for international clients.
Tax in Morocco
Baker & McKenzie Maroc
Practice head(s):
Kamal Nasrollah
Other key lawyers:
Keltoum Boudribila
Testimonials
‘We found the team to be responsive and clear on deliverables and timelines. Our engagement with them required frequent interaction, and our overall experience was very good. They were also very transparent with regard to billing and let us know as and when a specific billing rate hurdle was reached.’
‘We found the individuals to be quite knowledgeable about Moroccan tax law, and they were able to provide clear advice to our queries.’
Key clients
Airbnb
Apple
CBRE
JP Morgan
Minimax
Netflix
SAP
Oracle
Varian
Gitlab
Suez
Work highlights
- Advising Club Med in connection with the partnership with Madaef for the renovation and opening of new clubs.
- Advised Suez on the analysis of the tax and social consequences of the tender offer on their|employee shareholding.
- Advising Gitlab on the analysis regarding its equity incentive plan.
GIDE LOYRETTE NOUEL
GIDE LOYRETTE NOUEL works on behalf of local and foreign clients on the full range of tax issues. In addition to day-to-day matters, work includes global tax strategies, capitalisations, capital withdrawals and transfer pricing. In addition, the team supports clients on tax audit procedures and other administrative procedures. The department is led by co-managing partner Simon Auquier, who assists international clients on cross-border matters, and heads the corporate practice. Associate Julien Nouchi specialises in handling the tax aspects of M&A and restructurings, as well as day-to-day tax matters.
Practice head(s):
Simon Auquier
Other key lawyers:
Chloé Joachim-de Larivière; Julien Nouchi
Testimonials
‘Gide team in Casablanca is Dynamic, proactive and innovative.’
‘They have a great local practice and are able to find solutions. Julien Nouchi is really key.’
Key clients
Kosmos Energy LLC
Essilor Morocco
ALD Automotive Maroc
Shearman & Sterling LLP
Thom Group
EDF Maroc
Damac Group
Pestana
CMS
As part of the broader CMS Africa, the Casablanca office of CMS is equipped to support its clients with their day-to-day operations across the region. In addition, the team advises on the tax aspect of major real estate and construction projects. The practice is led by Rachid Mejdoubi , who is an experienced tax litigation and customs practitioner; he overtook the practice following Marc Veuillot's departure to LPA-CGR in July 2022.
Practice head(s):
Rachid Mejdoubi
Testimonials
‘Efficient and good knowledge of the country.’
‘The team led by Rachid Mejdoubi is reactive and business oriented. Their advice and Actions are well-appreciated.’
‘Rachid Mejdoubi knows very well the law and its practical approach and application (very useful in Morocco). He also has experience when it comes to claims and actions against the tax authorities.’
Key clients
Lear Corporation
Crown
Bymaro (Bouygues)
Mersen
Compagnie Fruitiere
NW GROUPE
Compagnie Française de Cablage Automobile
Givaudan
EGIS
Work highlights
- Acted as tax advisor to the Moroccan bank SOFAC with CMS Francis Lefebvre France and its management company subsidiary, SOFAC Structured Finance, in relation to the securitisation of debt from vehicle leasing contracts with a purchase option.
- Provided tax and customs assistance to Lear Corporation in the framework of a new investment in Morocco: Setting up of new entity in Meknes in charge of an important factory of automotive’s equipment for exportation.
Garrigues Maroc Sarl
Working with the firm’s offices in Europe, Garrigues Maroc Sarl regularly supports major Spanish and Portuguese clients on the tax implications of their corporate transactions in the region. Additionally, the team frequently provides assistance to clients concerning tax audits and assessments before the courts. Practice head Jose Ignacio Garcia Muniozguren specialises in corporate and tax law, working on behalf of multinational groups investing in Morocco. Senior associate Dounia Semlali advises international clients on tax audits and in tax litigation.
Practice head(s):
José Ignacio García
Other key lawyers:
Dounia Semlali
Testimonials
‘Team is very committed to the client and great knowledge of local regulations.’
‘Team is fully involved in dealing with customer, giving advance not only on issues presented by customer but also on any changes in tax law or other regulations which could impact customer’s dairy business.’
‘Permanent availability and proactivity towards the customer.’
Key clients
Barceló Hotels & Resorts
Cadagua (Ferrovial Group)
Atento
Driscoll´s
Fujikura
Banco Santander
Trasmediterránea
Eagle Hills
SEMI
Naturplas
UGGC Africa
The tax team at UGGC Africa is skilled in a broad range of tax matters within Morocco and across Africa. Particular areas of work for the firm include tax group structuration, VAT, tax audits and litigation and the tax elements of M&A transactions. Managing partner Ali Bougrine leads the practice, focusing on the tax aspects of M&A transactions and international investment.
Practice head(s):
Ali Bougrine
Other key lawyers:
Laurent Sablé
Testimonials
‘Solution provided fits to our situation and activity which is quite complicated with all the international regulations). Firm has different offices worldwide and in my case I am in touch with at least 3 different offices coordinated by UGGC Africa.’
‘Under the lead of Ali Bougrine, resources are well managed between the different offices. Good feedback and solutions provided.’
Key clients
Systra
Leoni Wiring Systems
Matis Aerospace (A Joint company of Boeing and Safran)
LafargeHolcim
Work highlights
- Advises the Moroccan subsidiary of the Leoni Group, a German-based worldwide leader in cable and wiring industrial solutions. The firm acts as the referent legal counsel for all three operational subsidiaries established in Morocco with support to the local manager and to the shareholders, in contracts, corporate governance and compliance, employment and tax matters.
- Acts as legal counsel to Matis Aerospace, a joint venture owned 50% by Safran Electrical (world leader in aeronautical electrical systems) and 50% by Boeing (a US aerospace manufacturer with the 2nd largest military sales worldwide), on all legal issues, including on tax matters, notably in the analysis of taxable income in contracts with affiliated parties.