about us

Since 1973, Pierre NOUAILLE has been connecting business in the Middle East.

A full life of experience, in the approach of business in the Middle East and overseas.

"You must understand a country culture and method before any settlement, it's fundamental"

At first, they started as representative of French Clothing brands including PIERRE CARDIN, FACONNABLE, PIERRE CLARENCE, PETIT BATEAU, etc... together with prestigious names of perfumes and cosmetics brands in Iraq, Libya, Saudi Arabia, such as Parfums Christian DIOR, GIVENCHY, GUERLAIN and DECLEOR.

 

As these countries were building huge housing projects in the 80's, Pierre NOUAILLE thought immediately of selling French construction equipment and introduced brands such as FACOM (hand tools), ROCK (concrete mixers and dumpers), BERNARD Compressors, MONTABERT (rock breakers) in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Libya.

 

During this period, Christian VIBERT extended the activities of Sofrace in the clothing industry.

 

Following the construction program, it seemed natural  to introduce French furniture to these markets such as GAUTIER and PARISOT, the French leaders in this field.

This culminated  when Pierre NOUAILLE secured in the 80's with PARISOT Group a turn key contract for the supply and installation of 4 700 villas for the National Guard of the Saudi Arabia in Khashm Al Aan , near Riyadh. It was probably the largest contract ever signed in the furniture industry.

 

In 2000, Pierre NOUAILLE and Christian VIBERT decided to go separate ways for personal reasons. Christian VIBERT kept Sofrace while Pierre NOUAILLE started a new company : COFRACE (Companie Française pour le Commerce Exterieur).

 

 

 

From 2000 to 2015, Pierre NOUAILLE has developed 2 main activities

 

 

1. Pierre NOUAILLE becomes the official consultant for specific projects and special events (see PROJECTS page). In March 2014, Pierre NOUAILLE has signed with EMAAR a turn key contract to organize the world well-known famous Festival of Lights of LYON in Dubai. For this occasion he has been appointed "Ambassador of Lyon".
   
   
2. On the other hand, following the development of modern retail in Malls such as Dubai Mall and the Mall of Emirates, Pierre NOUAILLE introduced these new concept stores under franchise business models in fashion and food & beverage (see illustrated brands in page MAJOR BRANDS).
   
   From 2014, Pierre NOUAILLE has joined ADP partners, a Chinese company to develop the same consultant activities in CHINA.

 

COFRACE has recently expanded his consultant activities with local partners in the North African market, namely ALGERIA, TUNISIA and MOROCCO.

 

main fields of cofrace’s activities

The main objective of COFRACE

to be the consultant of European companies for the introduction and the settlement of French and European companies

in the Middle East, North Africa and China countries

Middle East

north africa

china

Shanghai