Marvin OnumonuJust Group completed an £11m full scheme pension buy-in for the John Cotton (Mirfield) Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme, covering the last 105 uninsured members.
The scheme, backed by John Cotton Group Limited, supports current and former employees at the Yorkshire-based home textiles manufacturer.
The buy-in, which finished in June 2025, covers 48 deferred members and 57 pensioners.
Isio led on risk transfer advice, Squire Patton Boggs acted for the trustees, and Just Group used its in-house legal team.
Alma Goyanes-Payne, deal manager at Just Group, said: “This transaction is a great example of how smaller schemes are benefitting from a dynamic and flexible insurance market.
“Beacon, our market leading solution, provides schemes of all sizes with ready access to a price monitoring and bulk quotation service.
“Beacon equips parties to the deal with the insight to move quickly to complete the transaction when the price aligns with the Scheme’s target price.”
Goyanes-Payne added: “Just is committed to helping schemes of all sizes achieve their de-risking objectives and delivering an excellent member experience.”
Stephen Swalwell, chair of trustees, said: ”Securing this buy-in with Just Group marks a pivotal step in the Scheme’s de-risking strategy.
“As our trusted adviser, Isio’s expertise was instrumental in coordinating all parties and guiding us, with the support of legal advice from Squire Patton Boggs, through the complexities of this transaction.
“We extend our gratitude to Just Group, Isio and Squire Patton Boggs for their collaborative approach, which delivered both immediate security and long term stability for our members.”
John Cotton MBE, life president, John Cotton Group, said: ”As a family business with over a century of heritage, we take pride in fulfilling our obligations to current and former employees.
“This buy-in reinforces our commitment to responsible stewardship and ensures the Scheme’s benefits are protected for the long term.
“I’d like to thank my fellow Trustees and our advisers for their dedication in achieving this outcome.”
Tom Ridley, senior manager, insurance at Isio, said: ”We’re delighted to have supported the Trustees and the Sponsor in securing members’ benefits through the purchase of this buy-in policy.
“The Scheme’s unique features required tailored planning, and we’re pleased to have delivered an outcome that balances security, value and member peace of mind.”
