Certificate of Merger for Algeria

After a U.S. Merger: Moving Your Algerian Assets to the Survivor

When two U.S. companies merge, one of them usually ceases to exist. Under U.S. law its rights pass to the surviving company automatically, but Algerian records don’t update themselves. Shares in Algerian companies, a registered branch, trademarks, contracts with Algerian partners and bank accounts will all stay in the name of a company that no longer exists until you present proof of the merger in Algeria. That proof starts with an apostilled certificate of merger.

What the certificate proves, and what it doesn’t

The certificate of merger (called articles of merger in some states) is filed with the Secretary of State. It names the companies that merged, the surviving company and the effective date. It proves that the merger happened under U.S. law. It does not list your Algerian assets. Each Algerian office applies its own procedure to move those assets, and some want additional documents.

Shares in an Algerian company

If the merged company was a shareholder (associé or actionnaire) in an Algerian SARL or SPA, the Algerian company’s notary records the new holder in its statuts and share register, usually through a notarial deed. Expect to provide the apostilled certificate of merger, a good standing certificate for the survivor, a board resolution and a power of attorney for whoever signs in Algeria.

An Algerian branch

A branch registered with the CNRC belongs to its foreign parent. When the parent merges, ask your Algerian lawyer whether the commercial registry will record the change on the existing branch or require a new registration for the surviving company. Either way, the certificate of merger is the key document.

Trademarks and patents

INAPI must record the survivor as the new owner of Algerian trademarks and patents. Many IP agents present the certificate of merger as proof. Some also ask for a confirmatory assignment for Algeria listing the Algerian registrations. Ask your agent before ordering, and we can apostille both together.

Contracts, agencies and product registrations

Algerian partners, public buyers and regulators that hold files in the merged company’s name will also need the certificate. That includes agency and distribution agreements, ongoing public contracts and product registrations. Notify each one, and keep an apostilled original ready for every office that asks for one.

Certifying it for Algeria since July 2026

Order certified copies of the certificate of merger from the Secretary of State where it was filed, usually the survivor’s state. Don’t notarize it. Since Algeria joined the Hague Apostille Convention (effective July 9, 2026), the same state adds the apostille, and no U.S. Department of State or Algerian Embassy step is required. Order enough copies for every Algerian office at once, so the file isn’t held up by a second round.