Fidal reinforces its positions in the Near and Middle East

Following its cooperation agreement in Iran with the law firm Ferdowsi Legal in 2017, Fidal is reinforcing its positions in the Near and Middle East by entrusting responsibility for the zone to Baki Maneche. The rollout of the Fidal banner in this region marks an important step in the implementation of the leading French firm’s international strategy, while also formalizing a longstanding relationship of trust.

Offering our clients comprehensive 360-degree assistance

By pursuing its investments in this strategic geographic zone while simultaneously securing a local foothold, the firm is setting the tone for the international assistance it wishes to offer its clients.

“Given the internationalization challenges facing our clients, particularly mid-caps and SMEs, we wish to assist them in the exploration of new distinctive markets, by providing them with a full service offering supported by a unique organizational structure” notes Stéphane Contargyris, member of the International Development Committee.

For Baki Maneche, “this new model will allow Fidal to accompany its clients beyond the legal realm, in helping them choose their country of location, putting them into local contact with relevant state and administrative institutions and giving them access to an ecosystem of quality professionals for the technical and operational implementation of their projects”.

Establishing a position in the Near and Middle East markets

The first step was taken under the leadership of Baki Maneche with the active participation of Fidal and the Lebanese Aziz Torbey Law Firm, Fidal’s partner in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates, upon the launching of the Lebanese Association of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), whose inaugural conference was held on the 27th of June in Beirut.

France’s leading business law firm is not stopping there, as it further aims to assist institutional and private investors from the Near and Middle East in their development projects in France. “The ‘Macron’ reforms have made France particularly attractive for new entrants. Thanks to our 90 offices, we can offer them privileged and strategic access to an effective and innovative economic network and close assistance on all types of legal issues, from the most general to the most specialized” concludes Yves de Sevin, Chairman of the Executive Committee.

Baki Maneche, Fidal’s ambassador in the Near and Middle East

Baki Maneche has spent a large part of his career at top tier French and Anglo-Saxon law firms in New York, Paris, Brussels and Dubai. After a stretch at two major players in the automobile and logistics industry, in 2006 he decided to move to the United Arab Emirates. Baki has long been recognized for his engagement in assisting international players in the energy, automobile, transportation and luxury sectors. It was therefore a natural choice for Fidal to turn to this trusted network partner to establish a local base for its regional development.