Aviva has today announced the successful completion of a £134 million bulk purchase annuity (BPA) buy-in transaction with the Quest UK Pension Scheme.
Finalised in July 2025, the transaction secures the benefits of more than 440 members of the scheme. The scheme sponsors are Givaudan UK Limited, the Swiss-based global manufacturer of flavours and fragrances.
The deal marks the second transaction between Aviva and the Sponsor, following a transaction with the Givaudan UK Pension Plan in 2021.
The Trustees were advised by Aon, who led the transaction process, with legal advice provided by HSF Kramer.
It was a pleasure to have supported the scheme trustees, helping to secure member benefits for the long-term. This second transaction with the Sponsor reflects the strength of our ongoing relationship and we look forward to welcoming members to Aviva soon.
Sean Rooney, Senior BPA Deal Manager at Aviva, said: “It was a pleasure to have supported the scheme trustees, helping to secure member benefits for the long-term. This second transaction with the Sponsor reflects the strength of our ongoing relationship and we look forward to welcoming members to Aviva soon.”
Ian Messenger, Chair of Trustees: “Protecting our members’ benefits has always been the key objective for both the trustees and company, and full insurance has been our long-term target for a number of years. This has now been made possible by the detailed preparation and strong collaboration across all workstreams led by Aon, with legal advice from HSF Kramer. The result is a very good outcome for all parties – members, the trustees and the company.”
Christian Frener, Head of Global Benefits, Givaudan International SA: “We were pleased to work closely with the trustees through a joint working group to support the long-term security of members' benefits. Over recent years, we have systematically reduced risk through asset de-risking and member options exercises. Following the £64 million buy-in of a sister scheme in 2021, we are now in a position to have secured the vast majority of Givaudan’s UK defined benefit pension liabilities.”
Jamil Merali, Associate Partner, Aon: “Through the seamless integration of a multidisciplinary Aon team - risk settlement, administration, investment, and actuarial - we were able to complete the transaction through an accelerated and efficient process. Aon’s investment team was able to move quickly to capture the attractive terms, while a collaborative joint working group enabled highly effective decision-making, that has led to a positive outcome for all parties.”
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Enquiries:
Fiona Whytock
Retirement, Savings and Investments
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Phone
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+44 (0) 7800 692 299
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Notes to editors:
- We are the UK's leading diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China.
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