Eddie McGuire

The entire share capital of @sipp Limited has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by @sipp Group Holdings Limited, a holding company set up by the company’s existing management team.

Having been established in Glasgow in 2001, the @sipp management team is keen for the business to remain fully independent and in control of its destiny.

@sipp specialises in self-invested personal pensions (SIPP), small self-administered schemes (SSAS) and commercial property. It supports financial advisers and serves more than 4,000 end consumers.

The MBO will help drive the firm’s growth plans and was part-funded by debt from major bank Santander UK, which reflects @sipp’s continued strong financial position.

The firm remains independent of any investment platform, fund manager or private equity business.

Majority shareholders in @sipp Group Holdings Limited are Mr McGuire and Mr Lancaster. The remaining balance is held by the long serving members of the management team who have contributed to the success of the company.

The MBO ensures the interests of the management team and the company’s shareholders are wholly aligned.

Mr McGuire said: “Our management buyout of the firm means we can continue to operate and act as an independent and nimble pensions specialist, just as we have for the past 23 years.

“This news is fantastic for advisers and their clients because it means business as usual in the day-to-day running of our company. Alongside the management team I’m very excited to progress with this new era of @sipp and continue to build a strong specialist pensions business for advised consumers.”

Richard Mathison, structured finance director at Santander UK, added: “Santander UK is delighted to have supported Eddie, Steve and the wider management team with their buy out of @sipp Limited, following a number of years of relationship build.

“The transaction sees ownership transition to the team delivering value creation and provides them with a platform for additional future growth. We look forward to continuing our ongoing relationship and support for the years ahead.”

@sipp Group Holdings Limited was advised by CMS Cameron McKenna on the transaction.