Attain Consulting was established in 2008 by John Feely, former Chairman of the IAPF (Irish Association of Pension Funds), Tara Flynn, HR and employee engagement specialist and Maurice Whyms, current IAPF Chairman. The company employs a highly respected team within the domestic pension industry, consisting of 10 people, including five actuaries, and provides traditional pension consulting, as well as pension scheme review consulting, industrial relations management, and HR conflict management, to a range of corporate and personal clients. Trustee Principles specialises in providing pension trusteeship services.
Willis Ireland, which specialises in employee benefits, insurance broking and risk management, employs in excess of 230 people in Ireland. With the acquisition of Attain Consulting and Trustee Principles, the combined operation in Ireland will have an employee benefits staff of 70, with one of the largest actuarial teams in the country. The enlarged Trustees team will provide a full suite of trustee services and, with a combination of actuarial and legal expertise, will be well positioned to further expand the existing trustee client base.
“The employee benefits market is an important growth area for our business in Ireland. The addition of such a senior team will not only further strengthen our existing expertise at Willis, but will also enhance our service offering to existing and future clients,” said Brian Curtis, CEO of Willis Ireland.
“This acquisition takes place at a time of unprecedented change in the Irish pensions' landscape. Through their unique combination of actuarial and HR expertise, Attain has developed a strong track record in supporting clients with the practical implementation of pension change. We look forward to continuing to expand these services.”
Attain Director, Maurice Whyms added, “We see this as a very positive move for clients and staff. The combined business will enable clients to gain from access to global resources while benefiting from local expertise and a committed personalised service. It will also help expand the range of services available to clients.”