PwC promotes Alan Barr to head of deals for Aberdeen

PwC has appointed director Alan Barr to head of deals in their Aberdeen Oil & Gas Centre of Excellence, rewarding his commitment and contribution towards the development of the practice.

PwC said Mr Barr is a key member of the firm’s Deals practice, having spent nearly 20 years in M&A and the last 10 years leading the Transaction Services team in Aberdeen where he has worked throughout the Oil & Gas sector with over 90 deals so far including recent flagship transactions for Shell and Wood Group.

PwC said he has particular expertise in private equity, working with a range of investors in the industry.

Mr Barr’s new appointment came into effect on January 1 2018 and will be accompanied by further investment into the PwC Deals team reflecting the firm’s long term commitment to the Oil & Gas industry and the North East.

He said: “Having been based in Aberdeen for the last decade, I’ve already worked through a number of market ups and downs and have in depth experience of the challenges these can bring for our clients.

“Transformational M&A has been one of the themes of 2017 and we have been delighted to help a number of our clients with some really iconic deals. Looking into 2018 and beyond we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that are coming as growth becomes more sustained.

“I am very proud of the team that we have here in Aberdeen and what we have achieved to this point. Our range of expertise across corporate finance, transaction services and business recovery is our key strength and we are all really fired up for what lies ahead.”

Aberdeen office senior partner, Kevin Reynard said: “Alan’s experience in transaction services goes back 20 years so it’s only right that his dedication and insight are recognised. There are very few in the UK with such a depth of focused experience.

“It’s a proud appointment for us, but more importantly, it’s good news for existing and potential clients in the area who will benefit greatly from Alan’s expertise, maturity, connections and insight.”

Lindsay Gardiner, regional chairman, PwC in Scotland, added: “Alongside the rest of our Scottish deals leadership team of Jason Morris, Drew Stevenson, Jon Shelley and Mark Addley, Alan has played an integral role in building our business throughout the country.

“Alan’s appointment - and the development of the deals team in Aberdeen - reflects our ambition to continue growing and investing in our local markets. We are hugely committed to building the broadest team of sector specialists so that we can continue to help our clients not only be successful but to swiftly and effectively deal with future challenges and opportunities as they arise.”