International Pension issues

Our Pensions & Employee Benefits team is helping an increasing number of international clients understand their UK pension responsibilities as a non-UK parent company.

Acquisitions of UK companies by non-UK companies continue to grow and pensions often play a large part in the due diligence process for many of these acquisitions – especially where the target company sponsors a UK defined benefit ‘final salary’ pension scheme.

As recent litigation shows, the UK Pensions Regulator considers its powers extend to non-UK holding companies. Our insight into this intricate area of law is crucial in helping non-UK entities evaluate their risks.

We have acted in cases involving non-UK parent companies in various jurisdictions including Norway, Sweden, USA, Switzerland and France – with considerable experience in situations where UK pension scheme deficits result in UK trustees seeking guarantees and/or security from non-UK holding companies.

If you are a non-UK resident individual, our Pensions & Employee Benefits team can help advise you on the tax efficient transfer of UK pension benefits to non-UK jurisdictions.

We also help offshore providers in establishing QROPS and QNUPS, ensuring compliance with UK tax requirements.