March 2024 – UGGC Africa is proud to be once again, ranked among the best firms in Africa by The Legal 500. UGGC Africa is recognised in:
Commercial, corporate and M&A:
- Analysis from The Legal 500: “UGGC Africa, working closely with the firm’s Paris office, operates actively across Morocco as well as across the continent. The team showcases exceptional proficiency in advising firms on transactions and general corporate matters. Ali Bougrine leads the practice. Bougrine is a specialist in corporate law, M&A, and private equity, who recently assisted clients in the sustainable finance and aerospace industries with everyday corporate affairs. Laurent Sablé earns recognition for his expertise in transnational work across Africa concerning the reorganisation and sale of subsidiaries.”
- Client testimonials:
- “UGGC Africa is on top of aviation-related matters. They master the regulatory complexities and are always proactive. Smooth communication and a truly modern approach in their dealings.’
- ‘Excellent leadership from Ali Bougrine. He always takes a proactive approach and is easily accessible when needed.’
- ‘Sound knowledge of local regulations whilst also advising with international expertise, the team is also more than capable of meeting short deadlines.’
- ‘Ali Bougrine is always available, comprehends the big picture of each case, and provides useful insights.’
Dispute resolution:
- Analysis from The Legal 500: “UGGC Africa leverages its pan-African network across Morocco, Cameroon, and the Ivory Coast, in addition to collaborating with the firm’s Paris office to assist its diverse client base. Practice head Ali Bougrine divides his time between Casablanca and Paris and has vast experience acting as both an arbitrator and clients across southern Africa. Laurent Sablé is another key player within the team, specialising in international arbitration. Jean-Jacques Uettwiller routinely works between Brussels, Paris, and Casablanca, and is recommended for his strong focus on asset management and arbitration.”
Banking, finance and capital markets:
- Analysis from The Legal 500: “UGGC Africa’s banking and finance team is a trusted partner to Moroccan and foreign credit establishments, alongside extensive involvement in project finance, restructurings, and securitisations. Ali Bougrine, the firm’s managing partner, specialises in banking and finance as well as corporate and M&A work. Bougrine recently led a joint venture matter between an aeronautical electrical systems manufacturer and Boeing, leveraging his cross-disciplinary experience to advise on both funding aspects regarding banks as well as corporate matters regarding the organisation of the board. Laurent Sablé is well versed in advising clients in high value transactions and conducting relevant negotiations with Moroccan authorities.”
Tax law:
- Analysis from The Legal 500: “UGGC Africa handles a wide range of tax matters both within Morocco and in Africa, particularly in Cameroon and Ivory Coast. The firm’s tax practice mainly serves to deal with tax issues which arise from the firm’s commercial, corporate, and M&A matters. However, the firm does also provide tax analysis and handle general everyday tax issues. Managing partner Ali Bougrine leads the practice and expertly leverages his expertise in M&A transactions and cross-border investments on related tax matters. “
- Client testimonial: “Excellent leadership from Ali Bougrine. He always takes a proactive approach.’
Tourism and real estate:
- Analysis from The Legal 500: “UGGC Africa has an experienced team which advises on sensitive construction and real estate issues concerning disputes, debt recovering, and shareholder negotiations. Managing partner Ali Bougrine leads most of the significant matters for the firm. Besides tourism and real estate law, Bougrine is also specialized in local and cross-border transactions, which is highly applicable in the real estate and infrastructure sector. Other notable individuals include Laurent Sablé and Fabien Gagnerot.”
Employment law:
- Analysis from The Legal 500: “UGGC Africa, in collaboration with its Paris office, is well-known for handling employment issues arising from corporate matters. The group’s caseload primarily consists of terminations, and employment contract reviews and amendments. Ali Bougrine, who leads the practice and serves as the firm’s managing partner, is known for his significant corporate expertise, often assisting with the employment complexities of major M&A transactions. Rim Tazi is noted for her broad knowledge of employment issues involving secondments and joint ventures. “
- Client testimonials:
- ‘Useful knowledge on very specific areas, for instance, change office regulations and requirements.’
- ‘Flexible and reactive team, able to cope with very short-term deadlines.’
Projects and public law:
- Analysis from The Legal 500: “UGGC Africa handles the public law elements of a wide range of projects. Ali Bougrine heads the practice and leverages his expertise in corporate and M&A in advising clients on joint ventures and other commercial issues. Laurent Sablé is another notable figure in the firm and provides support on several matters involving large energy infrastructure projects.”
- Client testimonials:
- ‘UGGC Africa has specialist knowledge on change office regulations and practices.’
- ‘Flexible and reactive team, able to cope with very short-term deadlines.’
About UGGC Africa :
UGGC Africa is a leading legal advisory firm with a network of 50 lawyers in 3 African offices located in Morocco, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire. Through its three offices, UGGC Africa network, covers all areas of law and assists clients in North Africa, Sub-Saharan, West and Central Africa. UGGC Africa comprises multidisciplinary teams offering clients a unique combination of expertise and skills. The firm makes the needs of its clients and legal excellence a top priority. For more than 20 years, UGGC Africa has been supporting its clients in their projects in Africa. The various teams cover all areas of law, with a technicality that meets the highest standards of the profession. Through its strategic locations, UGGC Africa provides its clients with first class legal support from a global perspective.
