A specialist firm focusing solely on pensions, Sacker & Partners LLP advises on complex and high-value work, from strategic issues and scheme funding to derisking, tax issues, and DC developments. The team advises over 400 occupational pension schemes, including 36 of the UK’s top 200 pension funds. Led by David Saunders, an expert in DB and DC pension arrangements, mergers and demergers, scheme funding, and derisking, the team has strengthened the bench with the hire of Andy Lewis, a specialist in complex projects, covenant, DC solutions, and contentious matters, and the pension aspects of corporate transactions. Other key figures include Janet Brown, a specialist in DB and DC arrangements, and derisking; Fuat Sami, experienced in funding, restructurings, and derisking in M&A transactions; and Jacqui Reid, a regular adviser to DC master trusts, DC and DB occupational schemes, personal pension providers, and IGC and FTSE 100 companies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Their advice is always commercial and pragmatic. The client’s requirements are listened to carefully and support is provided accordingly. ’
‘The team provides pragmatic and proportionate advice. They adjust their styles to reflect the audience and offer both our in-house executive and our trustee the full suite of pensions advice - they are a one-stop shop.'
‘Sackers are an excellent pensions firm that provides first-class corporate pensions advice. At the heart of the relationship is the stability of the Sackers team supporting our business. The depth of knowledge and speed to respond is of the highest level. ’
‘The team provides excellent, well-thought-out advice which helps us to recognise our business need alongside the commitment we must show to our pension schemes.'
‘The team at Sackers is a delight to work with, they are all so interested in their work and doing the best possible job for their clients.'
‘Janet Brown and Kirsty Pake are great to work with — they make pensions fun (if that is possible!), breaking down complex issues and explaining things in lay terms very well.'
Key clients
- Royal Mail Pension Plan (RMPP)
- Aviva Master Trust
- TfL Pension Fund
- DHL Group Retirement Plan
- Bank of England Staff Pension Fund
- Trustee of the Boots Pension Scheme
- The Trustee of the GSK Pension Scheme and the GSK Pension Fund
- The Trustee of the TotalEnergies UK Pension Plan
- Airways Pension Scheme (APS)
- The Trustee of the Nationwide Pension Fund
Work highlights
Advised the Trustee of the Royal Mail Pension Plan on the proposed corporate takeover of Royal Mail’s parent company International Distribution Services by EP Group.
Advised the Trustee of the TotalEnergies UK Pension Plan on its £1.2bn buy-in of all remaining defined benefit pensioner and deferred liabilities with Pension Insurance Corporation.
Advised the Trustee of the Rolls-Royce & Bentley Pension Fund on its £880m buy-in with Standard Life, securing the benefits of c6,000 members of the scheme.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
David Saunders
Other key lawyers
Andy Lewis; Fuat Sami; Janet Brown; Jacqui Reid