Nearly half of pension scheme managers (41%) would consider a partial buy-in or full buyout in the next 12 months, should pricing and sponsor support be aligned.

According to research conducted among 42 of Europe's largest pension schemes, 84% said the preferred route to a buyout would be through a buy-in process.

The findings, from online report company Clear Path Analysis, come ahead of a report on pension buy-ins and buyouts entitled Buy-Ins and Buyouts for Pension Schemes, involving contributions from 17 company schemes across Europe.

Noel Hillman, managing director of Clear Path Analysis, said: “The survey reinforced our opinions that pension plan de-risking is rapidly becoming a central boardroom issue as finance directors and chief executives realise the vast benefits a buy-in our buyout can bring to the funding position of the company, and in turn the confidence among the company’s shareholders of the corporation’s overall finances.”

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