Jones Day Strengthens Financial Markets Practice With Key Appointments In Australia

Jones Day Strengthens Financial Markets Practice With Key Appointments In Australia

Global law firm Jones Day has enhanced its Financial Markets Practice, reinforcing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Alastair Gourlay, a seasoned Banking and Finance Lawyer, has transitioned from Baker McKenzie to Jones Day. With over 20 years of experience, Gourlay specialises in representing financial institutions, investors, and corporations. His areas of expertise cover leveraged Finance, Corporate Finance, Private Credit, funds finance, and real estate finance. Noteworthy recent transactions include advising on an AU$1.5 billion multi-currency syndicated sustainability-linked loan facility in the healthcare industry, an AU$1.7 billion term loan B acquisition financing in the oil and gas sector, and an approximately AU$1 billion take-private acquisition financing for a US-headquartered global sponsor.

Gourlay’s move to Allen & Overy follows nearly five years at Baker McKenzie, where he made a Partner. Prior to that, he worked at Magic Circle law firm Clifford Chance across Sydney, London, and Brazil. His legal journey also included a stint at King & Wood Mallesons in Sydney. Originally trained and qualified in the UK at legacy firm Olswang (now part of CMS), Gourlay brings a wealth of international experience to his new role.

In recent deals, Gourlay has played a key role in arranging a significant sustainability-linked loan of AU$1.5 billion for a healthcare company, a term loan of AU$1.7 billion to finance an acquisition in the oil and gas industry and a financing package of roughly AU$1 billion for a US-based global sponsor taking a company private. Gourlay's legal expertise comes from prior experience as a partner at Baker McKenzie and working at Clifford Chance, a prestigious international law firm, across offices in Sydney, London, and Brazil.

Alban Caillemer du Ferrage, chair of Jones Day’s financial markets practice for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia, emphasised the importance of Gourlay’s expertise in leveraged finance and cross-border deals. Meanwhile, Chris Ahern, who leads the firm’s Sydney office, expressed enthusiasm about working alongside Gourlay.

Gourlay cited Jones Day’s strong Australian presence and US reach as key factors in his decision to join the firm. He believes it is ideally positioned to advise clients on the ever-increasing private capital flows between the US and Australia.

In addition to Gourlay’s appointment, Lewis Grimm, a Senior London Financial Markets Partner, will relocate to Jones Day’s Melbourne office in August. Grimm boasts over two decades of expertise in leveraged and Project Finance, having worked on marquee deals in New York, Europe, and Australia. His practice encompasses domestic and cross-border lending, high-yield transactions, restructuring, liability management, and bankruptcy matters. Clients such as Citizens, Jefferies, KeyBank, M&T Bank, TD Securities, US Bank, and Wells Fargo benefit from his insightful counsel.