Founded in Paris in 1920, Gide is a leading international law firm with 12 offices spread throughout the world.
Gide is physically present in six regions of the world, with 11 offices, enabling it to act on cases globally.
The Casablanca office of international law firm Gide Loyrette Nouel advised the International Finance Corporation ("IFC", World Bank Group) on its USD 7 million equity investment (the "Investment") in HEM – Institut des Hautes Etudes de Management ("HEM"), one of Morocco's premier private business schools, with 25 years of experience and campuses in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, and Fes.
The Investment, which will be carried out by way of a subscription by IFC to 20% of the share capital of HEM (by way of a share capital increase), is intended to support HEM double its student body and expand educational access across the country. HEM’s expansion plans include constructing new HEM Business School campuses in Fes and Oujda, and upgrading its Rabat campus. Additionally, the partnership will facilitate affordable tuition fees by establishing a new technical university.
IFC’s equity investment in HEM marks its first direct involvement with the education sector in Morocco. The investment is part of the E4E Initiative to support the role of the private sector in providing post-secondary education and training that meets the demands of the labor market and improves youth employability.
IFC was advised by Gide Loyrette Nouel Casablanca, with Julien David (partner), Simon Auquier (senior associate) and Safia Fassi-Fihri (associate).
HEM and its shareholders were advised by Diouiri law firm, with Mehdi Diouri (partner).
