About this office:
Kettani Law Firm (KLF) is a major Moroccan business law oriented firm founded in 1971 by Professor Azzedine Kettani.
The firm acts for banks and other financial institutions, international businesses, major public and private companies and government departments.
The firm covers the whole spectrum of financial and business activities.
KLF is an acknowledged leader in the fields of corporate finance, banking, project finance, company and commercial law. Areas of particular expertise include also stock exchange laws, aviation laws, telecommunication regulations, labor law and industrial property. Additionally, the firm has a large experience in litigation handling all forms of commercial disputes.
International Experience
KLF has handled a number of high profile projects for clients around the world. These include advising France Telecom as a potential buyer of Maroc Telecom (USD 2.3 bn), the national telecommunication operator, Telefonica for the acquisition of the second GSM line bid (USD 1.1 bn) and Imperial Tobacco in the acquisition of the Moroccan state owned tobacco company Régíe des Tabacos for approximately EUR 1.3 bn.
The firm has also developed an expertise in the field of energy industry including Jorf Lasfar project finance for USD 1.6 bn and a project finance of wind farm for USD 500 million.
KLF has handled a significant number of major M&A projects. Some of the major M&A include Acquisition by a worldwide beverage leader of Moroccan companies. The substantial merger of the Moroccan refinery SAMIR with another large company SCP has also been handled by the firm and the even more important international merger between two major American computer companies.
KLF has also very recently advised on the merger between two international confectionary companies.
KLF has also advised the International managers to the Morocco Government for its non guaranteed sovereign EUROBOND issue for EUR 400.000.000. The firm recently acted as advisors to the Consortium composed of Merrill Lynch, BNPParibas and Attijari Finances Corp; counsel to the Kingdom of Morocco for the large IPO of Maroc Telecom.
KLF has also advised international bidders during the numerous privatization bids in Morocco in different areas.
International clients
KLF acts as a local counsel for international public and private corporations, investments banks and financial institutions, governments and international bodies.
Main International areas of practice
Corporate Law: KLF advises foreign investors on the structure of the investment in Morocco, sets up commercial companies, drafts all types of commercial contracts needed and accompany foreign companies during the whole process of the investment in Morocco including a telephone assistance whenever and as often as needed.
Mergers & Acquisition: KLF advises on all operations relating to the financial strategy of both Moroccan and foreign companies, including restructuring and regrouping (mergers and similar operation, joint ventures), acquisitions, take over bids, public offers of exchange, stock exchange listings and other equity transactions.
The firm also handles complex law or stock exchange problems which may be encountered by either public or private companies, including during privatization processes.
Banking & Finance: KLF has experience and expertise in all types of financing transactions. The firm provides legal advice in relation to the full spectrum of financial products including lending & acquisition finance, derivative products, project finance, financial regulatory and structured finance.
Aviation: KLF is a law firm operating at the forefront of the transportation sector. It is one of the pre-eminent local law firms in the aviation field. The firm experience covers aviation finance and leasing, aviation insurance, aviation dispute resolution and aviation corporate finance.
Telecommunications: KLF has a substantial experience in dealing with, and advising on, all aspects of telecommunications.
Intellectual Property: KLF has a longstanding experience in IP practice. It acts in all areas of intellectual property law including counterfeiting of patents, trademarks, designs and models; copyright. It also provides assistance in competition law.
Litigation & Arbitration: KLF has a highly developed experience in proceedings before national and international courts. The litigation department of KLF assists, advises and represents companies both before and during litigation.
The firm has 20 lawyers operating in the above mentioned areas and a total staff of 50 persons.
Statement of Practice Summary:
Corporate, Commercial Law, Company Law, Corporate Finance, Banking, Project Finance, International Trade and Transactions, Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Privatisations, Labour Law, Telecommunications, Stock Exchange, Aviation, Intellectual Property, Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Foreign Investments, Insurance Law, Industrial Property.