Corporate team advises Cheshire-based group on two major transactions in successive months
Thursday 22nd January 2015
Gordons’ corporate team has helped Cheshire-based advisory and pension administration group Alexander Beard to complete two important transactions in successive months.
The Chester-based organisation firstly merged its international benefits business with that of Netherlands-headquartered Bogaard Pensioen Consultancy (BPC). It then acquired London-based independent financial advisory business Lepretre & Partners (L&P).
Gordons lawyer Duncan Firman advised Alexander Beard Group (ABG) on both deals.
Founded in 2002, BPC operates as an independent consultant in the Dutch and European pension fund and employee benefit markets. The firm has also specialised in working with US multinational clients since 2009.
Following the merger, the combined entity is named Alexander Beard International Benefits and will be based in the Netherlands for regulatory purposes. It is, however, continuing to operate through the two existing locations, combining back office and other overlapping functions, while becoming an integral part of ABG’s growing worldwide presence.
ABG sees the L&P deal as producing substantial opportunities for all parties, as well as useful synergies and cost savings.
Commenting on Gordons’ involvement in the transactions, Paul Beard, founder and executive chairman of ABG, said: “Throughout these matters, Duncan has demonstrated a great understanding of our business and its aims. The advice we received was straightforward, practical and always had in mind our commercial interests.”
In addition to its Cheshire headquarters, ABG, founded 28 years ago, now has UK offices in Bath, Leeds and London, plus locally-regulated businesses in Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA. The group has over 50 directors, partners and support staff, and is expected to generate revenue of £2.75m this year.