The Manchester team at Hill Dickinson LLP is well-equipped to advise its client roster, the list of which features the trustees of the array of schemes, funds and plans, on pensions aspects of significant and high-value corporate transactions including M&A and distress scenarios. Further, it is experienced in assisting with buy-in projects, alternative funding solutions and proposals. The team’s workload spans the hospitality, aviation and life sciences sectors. Barry Gibb leads the practice and has a workload which includes assisting with the restructuring of schemes and the implementation of funding solutions. Paula Warnock ‘instils confidence in clients’ and is a name to note for her expertise assisting both trustees and corporate clients in respect of pensions aspects of imminent insolvencies, major refinancings and buy-outs. Charlotte Killeen and Frances Bailey are also recommended in the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team are extremely reliable, responsive and pragmatic. They combine excellent black letter legal knowledge with a genuine interest in the client's objectives, to deliver a high quality commercial solution.'
- 'Paula Warnock has an excellent, no-nonsense, pragmatic style. She instils confidence in clients with ease. Charlotte Killeen and Frances Bailey are stars of the future.'
Key clients
- Swissport GB Limited
- Trustees of Instem LSS Pension Scheme
- Trustee of Robert McBride Pension Fund
- Trustee of the Rical Limited Section of Stanplan F
- Trustees of Graham & Brown Retirement Benefits Scheme
- Trustees of CSM (United Kingdom) Limited Pension Scheme
- Trustee of the Tektronix UK Pension Plan
- Trustee of the William Jackson Pension Plan
- Screen Europe Limited
- Trustee of Iggesund (UK) Pension Scheme
- Trustees of the Elcometer Instruments Limited Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme
- Trustee of the JJ Churchill Limited Pension Plan
Work highlights
Advised Swissport GB Limited on the pensions implications of a dividend recapitalisation, the Pensions Regulator’s anti-avoidance powers and prepared security documents.
Advised the Trustees of the Instem LSS Pension Scheme in relation to a take-private transaction, their powers under the Scheme and negotiated a mitigation package.
Advising the Trustees of a Scheme regarding creating a new defined contribution section of a Scheme to utilise £15m of surplus assets in a defined benefits scheme.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Barry Gibb
Other key lawyers
Paula Warnock; Charlotte Killeen; Frances Bailey; Mark Ridler