Expertise
Alan is Head of Scotland and a leading partner specialising in financing, acquisition & disposals and joint ventures for clients in the energy sector. However, he had a broad finance practice and acts for a wide range of corporate clients as well as financial institutions in the UK and internationally.
After joining Henderson Boyd Jackson W.S. as a trainee, Alan became a Partner in 2005 and was closely involved with HBJ Gateley Wareing's move into London and establishment in Dubai, where he was based for two years. Returning to the UK in 2010, Alan led the firm's Energy practice for 5 years before becoming head of Banking & Finance. He also played a central role in the merger between HBJ Gateley and Addleshaw Goddard in 2017. Project financing of onshore wind farms and hydroelectric schemes have become an increasingly significant part of Alan's work since his return to the UK and he is also involved in developing areas such as floating offshore wind turbines, electric vehicles and battery storage.
Having advised vessel owners and funders on a wide range of financing techniques involving the marine sector, Alan has many years' experience of complex, multijurisdictional transactions. These include bilateral and syndicated debt facilities, asset finance, Islamic finance and bond issues, many of which related to offshore vessels and fleets.
This experience has been relevant to other work Alan has done in the oil and gas sector. In particular, he has recently advised a number of institutional investors in connection with the refinancing of several oilfield services companies headquartered in Aberdeen.
Alan is qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales as well as Scotland and is a Notary Public.
- Red Rock Power in connection with the acquisition of Afton Windfarm from InfraRed and its refinancing by Natwest
- Advising the vendors in connection with the sale of Hagshaw Hill Wind Farm to Scottish Power Renewables
- Advising BGF in connection with its investment in Rovop Group
- Advising KanAm Grund in connection with the funding of 3-8 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh
- Advising Gravis Capital Partners in connection with the funding of a series of social infrastructure projects
- Publications
- Languages
- French - fluent
- Professional memberships
- Law Society of Scotland
- Law Society of England and
- Notary Public
- Testimonials
"Alan is recognised by sources as a "go-to adviser you can trust" who delivers "a great sense of authority, comfort and knows what he's talking about." He is noted for his expertise in advising on significant acquisitions in the renewable energy sector."
Chambers UK (2019)"Alan Shanks regularly advises on joint ventures and energy finance, as well as asset sales and purchases. He is praised for his sensible and judicious approach to complex matters."
Chambers UK (2017)
