Independent Governance Group (IGG) has acquired pensions consultancy KGC Associates.
KGC has provided independent evaluation and operational governance services for more than two decades, including benchmarking, market reviews and management consulting for pension schemes. The firm is known for its focus on objective assessment and operational insight. Meanwhile, IGG says the acquisition broadens the support it can offer to schemes seeking trustee and governance services.
The KGC team members will remain with the business and managing director Kim Gubler and director Lesley Carline will continue in client-facing roles, while Hayley Mudge will continue to oversee the research function as head of research.
IGG CEO Andrew Bradshaw says: “I am very pleased to welcome Kim, Lesley and Hayley to the IGG group. The first-class reputation they have built within the industry is based on deep expertise, while their focus on independent evaluation and operational governance services is a natural fit for our existing offering. Bringing KGC into the IGG group will allow us to offer our clients more of the governance services they are asking us for, from an established team of industry experts.”
KGC managing director Kim Gubler says: “I founded KGC to give trustees and employers truly independent, practical insight they could rely on. Over the years, we’ve become known for clear thinking, rigorous analysis and strong working relationships. Our values of integrity, evidence-based judgement and high governance standards align closely with those of IGG. It’s a natural fit, and we’re ready to create even greater impact for our clients.”
KGC director Lesley Carline says: “The pensions landscape is fast evolving with increased regulation, market consolidation, and the advent of new technology driving demand for quality operational governance. We’re already playing our part in shaping how the industry responds to this with our evidence-based insights and solutions, but we want to go further. We’re looking forward to making the most of IGG’s network of offices across the UK to bring the KGC approach to even more clients.”
KGC head of research Hayley Mudge says: “I’m excited to join a business that aligns so strongly with our values. IGG has a reputation for combining excellence in service with a people-first approach, and this also reflects the way we see the world at KGC. Couple that with our complementary business specialisms, KGC’s independent oversight expertise with IGG’s broader trustee services, and there’s strong alignment in how our businesses will fit together to deliver excellence for clients.”
ECI partner Michael Butler says: “The acquisition of KGC to the IGG portfolio will further enhance its governance offering, allowing IGG to offer truly end-to-end governance services. Furthermore, bringing Kim, Lesley and Hayley into the IGG fold also strengthens the bench of experts within the business – an area where IGG already stands out as a business prioritising breadth and depth of industry expertise. We look forward to continuing to support the IGG growth story, through this acquisition and beyond.”
