The Manchester-based practice at Shoosmiths LLP is well-equipped to advise its roster of clients, which includes employers, trustees and managers of SIPP and SSAS arrangements, on various pension issues. Paul Carney is noted for his ‘brilliant technical ability’ and his workload includes assisting with complex occupational pension mergers, exits from centralised pension schemes, and buy-in and buy-out cases. Alexandra Ventham advises trustees on multi-section schemes with the array of benefit structures.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Paul Carney stands out for his ability to achieve a sensible outcome regardless of the complexity of the legal issues.’

  • ‘Paul Carney's ability to lead a complex team and project manage a difficult transaction whilst always ensuring the best achievable outcome for all stakeholders is what really stands out.’

  • ‘Paul Carney is extremely user-friendly and manages to combine approachability with brilliant technical ability. He is able to break down complex issues into a language clients understand and is extremely responsive and commercial.’

  • ‘We consistently receive detailed, high-quality advice from the pensions team. The level of responsiveness is excellent.’

  • ‘Paul Carney is great to work with. His advice is of an excellent standard and crucially, he understands our business. He responds promptly and is always keen to help provide advice, guidance and assistance wherever he can.’

Key clients

  • Trustees of the Hexcel Composites pension scheme
  • Stellantis Group
  • Elior UK Limited
  • Trustees of the Guardian Media Group legacy pension schemes
  • Trustees of the Frederic Robinson Limited Pension Scheme
  • Aramark Limited

Work highlights

Advised trustees of a pension scheme in relation to the buyout of its defined benefit liabilities and the winding up of that scheme’s Defined Benefit section.
Advised the bond-holders in the sale of the shares in a transaction valued at approximately €250m.
Advised the trustees of a pension scheme in relation to multiple technical issues as part of the consolidation of the scheme’s formal governing documents.

Other key lawyers

Paul Carney; Alexandra Ventham