SSAS provider WBR Group has acquired pension consultancy Censeo Actuaries & Consultants Limited for an undisclosed sum to enhance its offering of SSAS & DBSSAS and other actuarial services.

Censeo will be rebranded as WBR Actuarial Limited on 1 April, with the actuarial business becoming a separate legal entity wholly owned by WBR Group.

Three qualified actuaries, including managing director Gail Higgins, will join WBR Actuarial forming a team of nine professionals including five Chartered Actuaries, operating out of the WBR Group office in Salisbury.

WBR Group said the deal continues to build on its strategy of growth through acquisition and diversification.

Censeo was founded in 2004 and based in Salisbury and built its reputation in actuarial, investment and pension consultancy services.

Under its new name, WBR Actuarial Limited will provide clients with a range of services, including:

• SSAS and DBSSAS actuarial services
• Full services for ‘smaller’ defined benefit pension schemes (generally fewer than 1,500 members or under £50M in invested assets):

            ◦           Pensions administration and treasury

            ◦           Scheme actuary services

            ◦           Investment consultancy

            ◦           Pensions consultancy

            ◦           Trustee training

• Funeral plan trusts
• Pensions on divorce

David Downie, managing director – SSAS and actuarial of WBR Group, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for us and we will continue to grow our presence in the actuarial sector. Gail and her team bring a wealth of experience to the group.”

Gail Higgins, managing director of Censeo, said: “Having spent over 40 years in the profession, the last 20 running Censeo, I have been privileged to work with a range of loyal clients and staff. I am confident that this acquisition aligns with our ethos and is the right fit for the business.”