Isio advises on £11m full-scheme buy-in with Just Group

Full scheme buy-in secures the benefits of 147 members

23 April 2026: Isio has successfully advised on Just Group’s £11m full-scheme buy-in transactions with CH Johnson Pension Plan (“the Scheme”), sponsored by Heimbach UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Heimbach GmbH, securing benefits for 147 scheme members.

The transaction follows recent changes at the sponsoring employer and represents a significant step in ensuring that the members’ benefits are protected for the long term.

Following the commencement of a collective consultation process, all parties moved quickly to expedite plans for insurance. The transaction was delivered through close collaboration between the Scheme’s Trustees, Heimbach UK, and their advisers, Isio, Gateley and Travers Smith, enabling a swift and efficient completion. Isio provides multi-disciplinary advice to the Trustees, including Actuarial, Administration, Investment, Covenant and Insurance.

Alma Goyanes–Payne, Business Development Manager at Just Group commented: “Just is committed to supporting schemes of all sizes achieve their de-risking objectives. This Scheme is a great example where our streamlined Beacon pricing service has added real value by enabling a quick transaction process that provides peace of mind to Trustees and members. We are proud to have been selected by the Trustees as their trusted insurance partner.”

Phil Burgess, Chair of Trustees of the CH Johnson Pension Plan said: “Against the backdrop of recent corporate change, securing this buy-in provides vital reassurance to our members that their benefits are backed by an insurer for the long term. We would like to thank Isio and Gateley, as our trusted advisers, for leading the broking process and for their longstanding advice to the Trustees over many years which ultimately enabled this transaction to take place. The support of Isio’s covenant team and their detailed assessment of the financial strength of our selected insurer counterparty helped us respond at pace to the Company restructure.”

Tom Ridley, Senior Manager at Isio said: “This was a highly collaborative transaction, with all parties aligned on the importance of providing certainty and security for members following the Company restructure announcements. The proactive engagement from the Trustees, Heimbach UK and Albany enabled us to move quickly, address challenges efficiently and deliver security for members through a swift buy‑in process.”