Maroc Soir Group Overview of Business and Editorial Operations

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Maroc Soir Group is a Moroccan media company that operates several publications and websites.

The group's business operations are led by a team of experienced professionals who oversee various aspects of the company's activities.

Maroc Soir Group's editorial operations are focused on producing high-quality content that informs and engages its audience.

The group's publications cover a range of topics, including news, politics, and culture.

Ownership Structure

The Maroc Soir Group has had its share of changes in ownership over the years. In 2001, Moroccan tycoon Othman Benjelloun acquired the group, but sold it three years later to Othman Al Omeir.

Al Omeir, a Saudi media mogul, has maintained ultimate control over the group since then. He has close ties to King Salman of Saudi Arabia and King Mohammed VI of Morocco, which has positioned the group within a transnational elite media network with strong political affiliations.

Mohammed Haitami, the Chairman and CEO of Maroc-Soir SA, has been leading the group's editorial and commercial strategy since 2013.

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Media Assets

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The media assets of a company can be a crucial part of its overall structure. Le Matin, Assahra Al Maghribiya, and Maroc Soir are just a few of the print media assets that are listed.

These media assets provide a platform for the company to reach a wider audience and build its brand.

Haïtami

Haïtami is the current head of Maroc Soir, the most emblematic group of press in the kingdom. He was parachuted from the direction of the financial services of Attijariwafa bank to take over the group.

Mohamed Haïtami has been at the helm of Maroc Soir for a year, and his tenure has been marked by controversy. He has been accused of using his financial expertise to prioritize profit over the survival of the press ecosystem.

Haïtami's methods have been described as "cavalier" and have led to disputes with several publications. His approach has been criticized as being more suitable for a bank than a media group. He has been accused of treating editors like clients, rather than partners.

As a former director of publication for the magazine Alaan, I can attest to Haïtami's lack of understanding of the press sector. He is primarily focused on recouvrement, or debt collection. Despite Alaan's small debt to Maroc Soir, Haïtami decided to block the magazine's impression, leading to its demise.

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Governance and Control

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Maroc Soir Group is owned by Othman Al Omeir, a Saudi media mogul with close ties to King Salman of Saudi Arabia and King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

As of 2025, there have been no public disclosures of changes in the group's ownership or board structure, and Al Omeir continues to maintain ultimate control.

Mohammed Haitami is the Chairman and CEO of Maroc-Soir SA, as well as Director of Publications, and he took the helm in 2013.

Haitami plays a central role in maintaining the group's pro-government editorial stance, which is consistent with its ownership structure and longstanding political positioning.

The group's editorial stance is widely regarded as loyal to the Moroccan monarchy, with a substantial portion of its editorial space dedicated to covering royal events and public appearances.

Editorial Independence

Maroc Soir Group's lead publication, Le Matin, is widely regarded as loyal to the Moroccan monarchy. This loyalty is reflected in the paper's editorial stance, which often echoes official government narratives without challenge or critical analysis.

Credit: youtube.com, What Is Editorial Independence In Journalism? - Media Jobs

Le Matin dedicates a substantial portion of its editorial space to covering royal events and public appearances. The paper's focus on the monarchy is consistent with its ownership structure and longstanding political positioning.

The paper maintains a dedicated section focused exclusively on the activities of King Mohammed VI. This section reinforces the perception of Le Matin as a pro-government outlet.

No formal editorial statute has been published to ensure editorial autonomy. This lack of oversight mechanism allows the group to function as a de facto communication arm of the monarchy.

Ownership and Governance

Maroc Soir Group has had a significant change in ownership over the years, with Moroccan tycoon Othman Benjelloun acquiring the group in 2001, only to sell it three years later to Saudi media mogul Othman Al Omeir.

Al Omeir's acquisition of Maroc Soir positioned the group within a transnational elite media network with strong political affiliations in both Morocco and the Gulf region. His close ties to King Salman of Saudi Arabia and King Mohammed VI of Morocco have likely influenced the group's editorial stance.

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As of 2025, Othman Al Omeir continues to maintain ultimate control over the group, with no public disclosures of changes in ownership or board structure. This level of control suggests a high degree of influence over the group's operations.

Mohammed Haitami took the helm as Chairman and CEO of Maroc-Soir SA in 2013, bringing with him a background in senior roles in Moroccan state media and communication. His close alignment with the Moroccan establishment has played a central role in maintaining the group's pro-government editorial stance.

Financial Matters

The Maroc Soir Group's financial situation is somewhat opaque, which makes it difficult to assess its commercial sustainability.

The company doesn't publish annual financial reports, and it also doesn't disclose revenue breakdowns for individual titles.

Advertising accounts for roughly 65% of the Maroc Soir Group's income, while copy sales contribute the remaining 35%.

The company has decided to increase its capital social by 6 million dirhams, bringing the total capital social from 137 to 143 million dirhams.

A subsidiary called "Fashion Media" has been liquidated, with a capital social of 300,000 dirhams.

Sheldon Kuphal

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Sheldon Kuphal is a seasoned writer with a keen insight into the world of high net worth individuals and their financial endeavors. With a strong background in researching and analyzing complex financial topics, Sheldon has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. His areas of expertise include Family Offices, Investment Management, and Private Wealth Management, where he has written extensively on the latest trends, strategies, and best practices.

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