The entire share capital of @sipp Limited, a £2bn AUM business, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by @sipp Group Holdings Limited, a holding company set up by the management team. 

The company was established in 2001 and the management team said it was keen for the business to remain fully independent.   

They said the MBO would help drive the firm’s growth and was part-funded by debt from Santander.  The firm remains independent of any investment platform, fund manager or private equity business.  

In March last year the firm lost founder and chairman Colin Barral who died unexpectedly at the age of 64.

Eddie McGuire, managing director of @sipp said: “Our management buyout means we can continue to operate and act as an independent and nimble pensions specialist, just as we have for the past 23 years.  It means business as usual in the day-to-day running of our company.”   

He said the MBO ensures the interests of the management team and the company’s shareholders are aligned. 

Richard Mathison, structured finance director, Santander UK, said: “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.   

@sipp is headquartered in Glasgow with another office in Essex. The company has around £2bn assets under administration for 4,600 clients and 550 financial advisers. The company is also a specialist in commercial property and has around 1,000 properties held within Sipps and SSAS on its books.