Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2006, partner Simon Auquier specializes in mergers & acquisitions and corporate law. A member of the Gide Africa practice group, he co-heads the Casablanca office. Simon works on corporate acquisitions and divestments, foreign investments and industrial partnerships in Morocco. He also assists Moroccan clients in the context of joint-ventures with foreign partners, acquisitions in Morocco, etc.

Simon also advises both Moroccan and foreign clients on their investments in sub-Saharan Africa, and has been involved in a number of transactions over the years, not only in West Africa, but also further afield in various African sub-regions.

Simon graduated from ESSEC (French business school) and the University of Paris II (Magistère de Juriste d'Affaires / DJCE). He speaks French and English.

« Simon Auquier and counsel Chloé Joachim De Larivière are ‘extremely knowledgeable lawyers and outstanding negotiators with great comprehension of local environment‘. »
Legal 500 EMEA 2022 - Commercial, Corporate & M&A

« Simon Auquier co-leads the Casablanca office. He operates a robust corporate practice and regularly advises large French clients on the Moroccan aspects of major cross-border deals. "He is a very good lawyer and very transaction-oriented." »
Chambers Global 2022 - Corporate / Commercial

« Partner Simon Auquier and counsel Chloé Joachim de Larivière are the principal contacts. They recently assisted US company Spirit AeroSystems with the acquisition of Bombardier Aerospace North Africa.»
Legal 500 EMEA 2021

« Simon Auquier is head of the firm's M&A department in Morocco. He operates a robust corporate practice and regularly advises large French clients on the Moroccan aspects of major cross-border deals. Clients say he is a "very good negotiator." »
Chambers Global 2021

« During the last 15 years, Gide Cuatrecasas Casablanca has established itself as a key player in the M&A market. It assists local and foreign clients with major M&A transactions in Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa. Simon Auquier and star senior associate Chloé Joachim de Larivière advised Wendel on the $155m sale of its holding in Saham Group. »
Legal 500 EMEA 2019

« This firm is the product of a joint venture between French firm Gide and Spanish firm Cuatrecasas. Both backgrounds bring benefits, with excellence in projects, infrastructure and energy a notable synergy. Other areas of experience include the establishment and divestment of operations and subsidiaries for industrial and automotive clients. One international client praised the firm for its tailored solutions: 'Gide understood exactly our company's situation and needs, then provided us appropriate solutions.' Another source rated the 'strong team and good service,' as well as the technical skills of the team.

Simon Auquier offers clients his extensive expertise in the M&A sector. He advised Wendel on the sale of its interest in the holding company of Saham Group for USD155 million. Peers have a 'very good impression' of him and his team. »
Chambers Europe 2019