Pensions an issue for FTI's Cobb

clock •

Martin Cobb, manager on the Franklin Templeton Investments UK Equity OEIC says pension fund issues may cause considerable problems in evaluating UK companies.

The issue has been bought to a head with the recent collapse of an acquisition deal for newsagent WH Smith. The deal fell through when the bidder walked on finding out about company pension fund liabilities. ”I don’t know what to do about this,” Cobb says. The WH Smith case showed trustees to have powers most people thought they did not, Cobb adds, and he believes the issues raised by that case will rumble on in the investment community until new rules come in on A-Day. Otherwise, Cobb is also concerned about the UK “recovery” being put about by government, the Bank of England a...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Baillie Gifford workforce faces 10% reduction following voluntary exit programme

Baillie Gifford workforce faces 10% reduction following voluntary exit programme

Around 160 roles vacated

clock 23 September 2026 • 1 min read
Nine SJP funds flagged for underperformance in AoV despite improvements on last year

Nine SJP funds flagged for underperformance in AoV despite improvements on last year

89% of assets given green light

Alex Sebastian
clock 22 September 2026 • 2 min read
The human advantage in an AI-powered asset management industry

The human advantage in an AI-powered asset management industry

'AI should be used to enhance, not replace, human engagement'

Apiramy Jeyarajah
clock 22 September 2026 • 5 min read