Algeria > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Gide Loyrette Nouel’s corporate and commercial group is led by Samy Laghouati, whose practice is chiefly focused on the oil and gas sector, having acted for ENI and Total on major projects. Of counsel Djamila Annad focuses on upstream and refinery projects. The wide range of mandates the firm has acted on this year includes structuring a capital investment fund, drafting a joint venture agreement for a pharmaceutical client, and handling the sale of a local subsidiary on behalf of Air Product to Sidal, a major Algerian gas producer. Julien Gontier is also noted.

Algeria > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Gide Loyrette Nouel’s dispute’s resolution practice has extensive experience in handling ICC arbitrations, having achieved successful outcomes in high-value disputes for clients in the energy, engineering and construction, and public utility sectors, which by their nature are highly technical. On the litigation side, the firm has recently handled a complex labour dispute with criminal aspects. The firm’s dispute resolution practice principally acts for foreign and multinational clients. Managing partner Samy Laghouati primarily focuses on energy mandates. Julien Gontier takes the lead on litigation work and has extensive expertise in EPC and O&M contracts and public procurement disputes.

Algeria > Energy Tier 1

Gide Loyrette Nouel has advised on many of the most high-value matters in the oil and gas sector in Algeria in recent years. The firm has advised on both upstream and downstream mandates, and is particularly well versed in structuring joint venture arrangements between multinational energy companies and Sonatrach, Algeria’s state energy company. As well as handling projects work, the firm acts on general corporate matters for energy sector clients, including on share acquisitions. Structuring EPC contracts is another of the practice’s core strengths. Samy Laghouati, head of the firm’s Algiers office, has experience in drafting exploration licences, M&A transactions, and hydrocarbon asset securitisation. Of counsel Djamila Annad, formerly of Sonatrach and the Ministry of Energy until 2015, is another key name.

France > Private equity: LBO Tier 3