Pensions & benefits

Corporate activity and M&A

Defined benefit pension plans need to be carefully considered in any corporate transaction. We help buyers, sellers, trustees and pension plan sponsors manage the costs and risks associated with merger and acquisition activity.

Our long-standing, experienced M&A team provides expert guidance, ensuring that pension obligations are appropriately assessed and effectively managed as part of any M&A situation, in Ireland, the UK and worldwide.

We also help our clients manage pensions long after transactions close, providing the full range of support to help you successfully optimise pensions to achieve your wider objectives.

Our M&A advice is clear and communicated in plain language to help you understand the pension risks in order to make difficult decisions.

We are the only M&A pensions adviser that offers all of the following services in a joined-up way:

Due diligence

Identifying and quantifying pension-related risks in the context of the wider deal. Our clients tell us that our support in navigating the complexities of pension liabilities is second-to-none.

In-house employer covenant specialists

A critical aspect of any deal is the impact the transaction will have on the sponsor’s ability to support the pension plan. Our specialist covenant team can help you understand how pensions fit within the wider business and work closely with actuarial colleagues to measure the impact, helping you negotiate an optimal pension solution.

Negotiation support

Defined benefit pension plans are managed by an independent trustee board. With a well-established trustee advisory practice, we understand this perspective and help our M&A clients engage effectively from the outset. This is critical to successful transactions where pensions are involved. We also support our clients with interactions with the Pensions Authority where they arise.

Longer-term strategic advice

We can help you manage DB pension plans post-transaction, including optimising asset strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and, where appropriate, to maximise value on exit.