UK pensions insurance specialist Rothesay has completed a £4bn buy-in with the Co-op Section of the Co-operative Pension Scheme.
According to Rothesay, the buy-in secures the benefits for almost 50,000 members of the Scheme, which includes defined benefit liabilities for 17,655 pensioners and dependants and a further 31,896 deferred members.
The Scheme is sponsored by the Co-operative Group, one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance, and legal services.
“No contribution was required from the sponsoring employer as the Scheme is in surplus, and illiquid assets, held in the Scheme’s investment portfolio, were used to pay the premium,” Rothesay explained.
The firm also noted that the transaction is the final trade to secure member benefits as part of a long-term plan to de-risk the Scheme, which includes three previous buy-ins with other insurers in 2020.
“Rothesay has been working collaboratively with the Scheme and its advisers for 18 months to structure this transaction and has now completed over £5bn of pensions de-risking for the Co-operative Pension Scheme following 2022’s buy-in with the Bank Section,” the firm said.
The lead broker on the transaction was Aon. Rothesay and the Scheme received legal advice from Gowlings and Linklaters, respectively. Addleshaw Goddard provided the Company with legal advice. Mercer acted as scheme actuary and the Trustee’s investment adviser.
Sammy Cooper-Smith, Head of Business Development at Rothesay, commented, “It is really pleasing to reach such a successful outcome for the Scheme, its members, and the sponsor. Having worked in partnership for 18 months, we are proud to now offer security for a further 50,000 Co-op scheme members.
“Economic conditions continue to contribute to a very busy bulk annuity market, resulting in a number of exciting opportunities as more schemes than ever pursue insurance solutions.”
Cooper-Smith continued, “One of the impacts of scheme funding levels improving so quickly is the increased number of clients coming to market with a greater exposure to illiquid assets.
“Rothesay’s Illiquid Asset Transition team is purpose-built to support these schemes in their de-risking journey and was delighted to achieve this for the Co-op scheme members.”
Chris Martin, professional trustee at IGG and Chair of Trustees, said, “We are delighted to have achieved this significant milestone in our de-risking journey, providing members with greater security.
“Through a collaborative approach and our advisers’ commitment to our objectives, plus Rothesay’s flexibility and partnership, we were able to navigate a significant period of volatility.
“I am pleased that by working together, we were able to achieve, an extremely successful outcome for our members. I would like in particular to thank my colleagues on the Trustee Board and within Co-op Group and our excellent advisers.”
Gary Dewin, People Director, Pensions for the Co-op, noted, “The Co-op is supportive of the de-risking action taken by the Trustee which we see as a positive outcome for scheme members.
“It also reduces our exposure to future funding risks associated with our defined benefit liabilities which, in turn, helps us strengthen our Co-op for the benefit of our members.”
Martin Bird, Senior Partner and Head of Risk Settlement at Aon observed, “In what has proven to be one of the busiest years on record for the bulk annuity market, we are extremely pleased to have supported the Trustee on this highly innovative transaction, helping to provide further security for members of the Section.”
