Clearance applications

Whether you’re undergoing a corporate transaction or another event could affect your DB pension scheme, obtaining a clearance statement from The Pensions Regulator (TPR) is rarely a straightforward process.

There are many situations where you may consider using the Pensions Regulator’s clearance process - especially those that may be of material detriment to your defined benefit (DB) pension scheme and its members. These include:

• a change in the pension scheme sponsoring employer's financial status or weakening of the employer covenant - caused by events such as a return of capital, share buy backs, changes in the level of security for creditors, sale and leaseback transactions etc
• pension scheme funding and pension deficit reduction negotiations
• corporate transactions - including merger, acquisition and divestiture, as well as dealing with proposed compromise arrangements
• group re-structure, merger of employers or replacement of a participating employer
• pension scheme amendments - such as changes to the level of future benefit accrual
• pension scheme mergers
• introducing a new pensions investment strategy
• phoenix events following sponsoring employer insolvency

Typically, when a TPR clearance application is being made, pension trustees and the scheme sponsor are likely to be in a position of disagreement and potential conflict. PSGS's experience as professional independent trustees, and trained mediators, together with our close working relationship with The Pensions Regulator, mean we can steer you through the clearance process and come to agreement quickly and efficiently, no matter how complex your situation is.

If you would like to find out more about how we can help you with your Pensions Regulator clearance application, please contact us.