Trustees of the Wolseley Group Retirement Benefits Plan have completed a £600 million bulk purchase annuity buy-in for the Wolseley Group retirement benefits plan via its trustee.
Finalised in September, the transaction was carried out by Aviva. It provides long-term security for nearly 10,000 members’ benefits and secures all remaining uninsured defined benefits in the plan.
The trustee was advised by Aon as lead transaction adviser and CMS provided legal advice. Ferguson Group, in its role as scheme sponsor, was advised by LCP and Freshfields.
Wayne Phelan, chair of the plan trustee and chief executive officer at Vidett, said: “This is an important milestone for the plan and an extremely positive development for members. As trustee, we’re there to make sure plan members receive the benefits they’ve earned. We have been working closely with the organisation, advisers and Aviva to achieve this extra security for members, which would not have been possible now without commitment and additional financial support.”
Julia Mattison, UK finance director at Ferguson, said: “Ferguson is proud to have supported the plan trustee in achieving this significant buy-in with Aviva. This transaction demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting the security of member benefits for the future. We are grateful for the collaboration between the organisation, trustee and all advisers during this complex process.”
Sarah Cave, senior deal manager at Aviva, added: “It’s been a pleasure to work with the trustee and its advisers to provide long-term security for members of the plan through this significant buy-in transaction. This milestone reflects the strength of collaboration between all parties and the shared commitment to delivering robust member outcomes.”
Hannah Brinton, partner at Aon, said: “We were delighted to partner with the trustees, including Vidett, and Ferguson on this complex transaction. A competitive auction process, and careful management of illiquid asset sales, ultimately led to a great outcome for all parties and importantly members of the plan. This further underpins that there continues to be opportunities in the insurance market for well-positioned schemes.”
