Middle East powerhouse Al Tamimi & Co has abruptly severed ties with its two-year-old branch in Casablanca, Morocco, an office once described as the key to its expansion ambitions in Africa.

The UAE-based firm told Law.com International that it is restructuring in Morocco to enhance service quality. However, sources familiar with the details said Al Tamimi cut ties with local boutique Roudane & Partners in early September because of the office's failure to secure major deals, raising "profitability concerns".