Commercial, corporate and M&A in Tunisia

Caid Essebsi & Ben Salem Associés Law Firm is lauded by peers for its longstanding reputation in the market, particularly for oil and gas-related work, where it is considered a leader. The firm has also recently increased its coverage of renewable energy matters. Other strong suits include franchising, aviation and general corporate law. Salaheddine Caid Essebsi is widely regarded as a reference for oil and gas law in Tunisia. Fakher Ben Salem specialises in labour and social security-related issues. Yamen Akkari advises on franchising, energy, civil aviation law and general corporate matters.

Eversheds El Heni (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)'s sizeable Tunisia offering ranks it among the largest firms in the country. Its deep bench translates into a diverse practice and it is active across the full gamut of commercial and corporate matters, with strong skill sets in M&A, foreign investment, restructuring, employment and general compliance issues. Managing partner Farès Koussay El Heni has an impressive track record in cross-border transactions and is advising RINA on a major corporate project. Raouf El Heni is noted for insurance, real estate and energy-related work.

Ferchiou & associés' deep experience and close links to international law firms ensures that it has a hand in most of the high-profile corporate and M&A deals in Tunisia. Noureddine Ferchiou is held up by many as the go-to lawyer in the country for sophisticated transactional mandates. Dual Paris- and Tunisia-qualified Amina Larbi is also widely recognised as a market leader for her premier experience in domestic and cross-border M&A. Rym Ferchiou handles all aspects of business law, including M&A, competition and general corporate matters. Omar Ferchiou is dual New York- and Tunisia-qualified and routinely advises local and international clients on corporate issues.

Bennani & Associés' multidisciplinary group finds favour for being able to provide 'in-depth legal analysis in all business areas', with its recent work spanning the auto, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and technology sectors. The group specialises in advising global corporates and law firms doing business in Tunisia and it often leans on the firm's offices in Morocco, Algeria and Ivory Coast for assistance in cross-border transactions. The 'responsive and astute' Lamia Harguem has broad expertise in advising international clients on M&A, joint ventures, foreign direct investment and public and private contracts. Associate Sarra Ben Salem provides additional support.

El Ajeri Lawyers‘ membership of the DLA Piper Africa alliance ensures it is well versed in cross-border mandates and clients highlight its ‘good understanding of multinational requirements‘. The group has experience across a wide range of industry segments, with its recent experience spanning the financial, transport, retail and pharmaceutical sectors. Managing partner Mohamed Lotfi El Ajeri specialises in advising corporate clients on dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. Mohamed Abragh handles international M&A transactions and multi-jurisdictional litigation. Amel M’Rabet focuses on transactional matters and regularly acts for major multinational clients on their Tunisian operations.

Global Lawyers North Africa in partnership with Gide Loyrette Nouel's practice blends local and international experience, with the local group regularly working hand-in-hand with partners in Algiers and Paris to advise on cross-border M&A. The team acts for an impressive raft of global clients, with major banks, manufacturers, life sciences companies, and food and beverage conglomerates all on the firm's books. In addition to its transactional work, the team provides supplementary support in competition and regulatory matters. Managing partner Anis Jabnoun handles a varied mix of corporate, commercial, competition and finance-related matters.

Zaanouni Law Firm & Associates houses a comprehensive commercial offering, which spans intellectual property, data protection and telecoms matters. Its growing prominence in the area is evidenced by its representation of an enviable roster of technology companies, including Microsoft and Taptap Send. On the corporate front, the firm regularly advises major global corporates on local law issues. Mohamed Zaanouni demonstrates 'deep knowledge both of the local environment and international best practices'. Talented senior associate Sarra Elloumi is also noted for her broad commercial law practice.