UGGC Africa > Casablanca, Morocco > Firm Profile

UGGC Africa > The Legal 500 Rankings

Morocco > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

At UGGC Africa, 'the partners’ dedication and experience enable it to deliver highly appreciated good advice and useful connections'. The firm has 20 year’s experience in Morocco, but its Casablanca office also handles transactions in Algeria, Tunisia, sub-Saharan Africa, and West and Central Africa. Ali Bougrine, who 'always manages to find a creative solution', and Laurent Sablé, who is praised for his 'outstanding performance', are the key partners. They are supported by Jean-Jacques Uettwiller who works between Paris and Casablanca.

Morocco > Dispute resolution Tier 2

UGGC Africa has ‘good knowledge of administrative law and the public procurement code, as well as experience in administrative litigation‘. The firm’s litigation and international arbitration group, led by Ali Bougrine, has more than 15 lawyers who act for Moroccan and international clients in domestic and cross-border disputes. Jean-Jacques Uettwiller, who works in both Paris and Casablanca, and Laurent Sablé also play key roles in the practice. They recently represented a Mauritanian company in partnership with a Chinese company in arbitration concerning the violation of an exclusivity clause.

Morocco > Tax Tier 2

UGGC Africa has a large multidisciplinary practice composed of French and Moroccan lawyers who handle tax aspects of M&A transactions and private equity investments, tax structuring, VAT issues, tax audits and litigation. The firm is also known for its in-depth analysis of international tax treaties. Practice head Ali Bougrine and his team of eight associates are ‘dedicated to clients’ projects and are always available and quick to answer to enquiries‘.

Morocco > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 3

UGGC Africa has a longstanding reputation for high-quality work in cross-border transactions, especially in the project finance and PPP spaces, though it is also known for advising clients in the banking and finance sector on regulatory matters in Morocco. Ali Bougrine and Laurent Sablé are the main contacts in Casablanca, though Jean-Jacques Uettwiller, who works in both Morocco and Paris, is also a key practitioner.

Morocco > Employment Tier 3

French firm UGGC Africa has been in Morocco for 20 years and had developed a strong pan-African tax and legal advisory service, in which employment law advice is a key element. It assists international businesses with corporate restructurings, litigation with unions and individuals, dismissals and redundancies, terminations, and cross-border contracts. Key partner Ali Bougrine recently advised urban transport company RAPT Dev on the employment aspects of major operating contracts for the Casablanca public transport network.

Morocco > Projects and public law Tier 3

UGGC Africa has broad exposure to major projects and public law matters through its finance, corporate and tax practices. It handles PPP transactions, public construction law, urban planning and development, and project finance. Lead partner Ali Bougrine, who works in both Paris and Casablanca, is head of the firm’s Africa desk. He is supported by Laurent Sablé, who is adept in cross-border lending, corporate finance and M&A. The firm is assisting French company RATP with the execution of public transport contracts.

Morocco > Tourism and real estate Tier 3

UGGC Africa has a diverse team of lawyers working on real estate matters, bringing together experience in sales and acquisitions, leases, construction and asset management, as well as knowledge of urban, planning and public property law. It advises investors and developers on projects, as well as handling M&A transactions and disputes in the property sector. Corporate partner Ali Bougrine leads the practice, with support from finance partner Laurent Sablé.