
BESTrustees has supported its client the Menzies Pension Fund during its £260 million buy-in transaction with Just Group.
This transaction was completed in March 2024 and secures the benefits of over 3,000 members, including almost 1,400 pensioners and over 1,650 deferred members.
The complex transaction included dovetailing the process with a secondary market sale of an illiquid asset and deferral of premium to enable the buy-in shortfall to be met by a continuation of the existing schedule of contributions.
“This was a collaborative process to achieve a positive solution tailored to the Scheme. Just Group worked closely and flexibly with all advisers to determine a suitable price lock for the Scheme’s circumstances alongside a premium deferral structure that dovetailed with the Scheme’s funding plan. We are delighted to have secured the pensions of the Scheme’s members.”
Clive Gilchrist, who represented Bestrustees as trustee to the Scheme
Latest Insights

The defined contribution (DC) section of the Schroders Retirement Benefits Scheme (SRBS), chaired by BESTrustees professional trustee Lisa Mundy, has announced its investment in Schroders’ climate-focussed private assets long-term asset fund (LTAF), the Schroders Capital Climate+ LTAF. The SRBS has made a £48m investment – equalling 20% of the default growth fund – as it aims to provide greater diversification benefits and access to the ‘robust returns’ private markets can deliver. The strategy is to invest in a range of assets including infrastructure, real estate, private equity, natural capital and biodiversity through a combination of Schroders Capital and externally managed …

BESTrustees recruits former Grant Thornton covenant partner Paul Brice as professional trustee
BESTrustees has announced its second professional trustee recruit of 2025 – with the arrival of former Grant Thornton covenant advisory partner Paul Brice. Paul joins BESTrustees after a prestigious career in Pensions, both in the Advisory side as a Partner at KPMG and Grant Thornton; and as an executive for nearly eight years for what is now Railpen, the Executive Company of the Railways Pension Scheme where he Chaired the Scheme’s Risk Management Committee. Paul has advised on a considerable number of covenant-related matters across a wide range of business sectors – including in relation to highly complex corporate transactions, …