Corporate/M&A & Private Equity
Global Guide 2024 : Africa-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+33 (0)1 40 75 60 00About
Provided by Gide Loyrette Nouel
Mergers & Acquisitions is a core practice at Gide. On the African continent, our team has gained extensive experience in this area, working for decades on landmark, high-value M&A transactions and other corporate matters in a wide variety of sectors. Our M&A team includes about 20 lawyers dedicated to M&A transactions in Africa and operates from our Paris, London and North African (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) offices. They work with our offices in China (Beijing and Shanghai) and Turkey (Istanbul) to develop their growing practices in Africa.
We assist a broad spectrum of clients, including public and private companies, governmental bodies, financial sponsors, investment banks and individuals, in the successful completion of M&A transactions of all kinds throughout Africa.
Our lawyers are able to advise our clients in civil law and common law countries alike. While we have a particular expertise in French-speaking Africa (18 countries), where legal systems are usually based on French law, we frequently advise clients on their business interests in English- and Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions. Our lawyers also have extensive and in-depth knowledge of the unified legal system of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA).
Chambers Review
A highly regarded practice with particular proficiency concerning OHADA law, Gide Loyrette Nouel offers comprehensive services covering francophone Africa and North Africa generally. The team represents a number of African private equity funds, as well as international conglomerates, in their acquisitions, divestments and joint ventures. The firm is particularly active in transactions involving energy and oil and gas projects and assets. Gide's Africa expertise is spread across a number of its offices, with the practice being primarily run from Paris, Algiers, Casablanca and Tunis. Additionally, clients benefit from the firm's strategic alliance with market-leading South African law firm Bowmans.
Work Highlights
- Gide acted for Société Générale regarding the divestment of its subsidiaries in Mauritania, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Congo Brazzaville.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team has handled transactions in many different jurisdictions in Africa. Therefore they have a significant understanding of both the cross-border and local legal issues."
"They are the leading francophone law firm operating in Africa."
"I'm very satisfied with their service levels and responsiveness."
"The team has handled transactions in many different jurisdictions in Africa. Therefore they have a significant understanding of both the cross-border and local legal issues."
"They are the leading francophone law firm operating in Africa."
"I'm very satisfied with their service levels and responsiveness."
Notable Practitioners
Paris-based Julien David holds an impressive track record for advising on transactions across multiple jurisdictions in Africa, including Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire and Niger. A former managing partner of the firm's Casablanca office, he represents a range of clients and is typically seen advising on the corporate elements of construction and infrastructure projects.
"I like his pragmatism; he's extremely business-oriented. In complex transactions, when you need help to achieve your target, it is invaluable to have someone like Julien who is able to take into consideration not just the legal aspects but also the business-related issues."
"He is extremely smart and well educated. I'm happy to have him across the table."
