ZEDRA acquires UK professional pension trustee firm 

ZEDRA, the global specialist in Corporate Services & Global Expansion, Active Wealth and Fund Solutions, has acquired a second independent UK professional pension trustee firm, Caledonian Trustees Limited.  

Founded in 2006, Caledonian is a specialist provider of professional independent trustee and secretarial services to corporate pension and funeral plans. 

This acquisition, which follows those of Inside Pensions and PTL in 2021, further enhances ZEDRA's presence in the UK pension space. Caledonian will sit alongside and report through PTL, until both are fully integrated within ZEDRA in the coming months. 

Ivo Hemelraad, chief executive officer, ZEDRA, said: "As the UK regulatory system has become increasingly complex over recent years, so too has the challenge of running a pension scheme -  regardless of size, for employers and trustees alike. 

"Add to this the pressure being applied by the Department for Work and Pensions and The Pension Regulator, it is no surprise that the number of pension schemes requiring additional support continues to grow.  We recognized this some time ago and, over the last few years, we have planned our expansion to ensure we were well equipped to support schemes in meeting these challenges head on. 

"This deal further cements our offering and capabilities and is in line with the strategic approach we are adopting in the UK market, and the pensions governance sector specifically. We have a strong proposition, with a strong team of outstanding industry experts which will, shortly, sit under a strong unified brand."

Richard Butcher, managing director at PTL, said: "This is a great acquisition for the team. Brian has done really important work with his list of blue-chip clients and we look forward to working with him, and them."

Brian Doherty, managing director, Caledonian Trustees, added: "The PTL and ZEDRA teams have cemented a great reputation in the market, with strong cultural values and work ethics.  This makes it a perfect fit for Caledonian and its clients - we look forward to the collaboration."