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ChesnaraAnnouncement

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RNS Number : 2426T  Chesnara PLC  17 February 2026

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THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION

17 February 2026

 

 

 

Chesnara plc
 

Acquisition of Scottish Widows Europe SA

Chesnara plc ("Chesnara" or the "Company" and, together with its subsidiaries,
the "Group") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to
acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Scottish Widows Europe SA
("Scottish Widows Europe"), a Luxembourg based closed life insurance business,
from Scottish Widows Limited ("Scottish Widows") (a subsidiary of Lloyds
Banking Group plc ("Lloyds Banking Group")) for total cash consideration of
€110 million((1)) (the "Acquisition").

 

Acquisition Highlights

·    Cash generation of ~€250 million over the lifetime of the policies
held in the Scottish Widows Europe portfolio, with ~€100 million of this
cash generation occurring in the first five years.

·    Adds €1.7 billion of assets under administration ("AuA") and
approximately 46,000 in-force policies.

·    €110 million((1)) consideration fully financed with available cash,
representing an attractive multiple 0.64x FY24 Own Funds of Scottish Widows
Europe of €173 million.

·    Entrance into Luxembourg, an additional attractive market, and the
addition of new policyholders (based in Germany, Austria and Italy) provides a
platform for increased consolidation and scale across Europe.

·    Pro-forma Group Solvency II ratio to remain robust and above normal
operating range at 173%((2)) and pro-forma leverage ratio expected to remain
in line with investment grade rating.

·    Completion of the Acquisition expected around end 2026, subject to
customary regulatory approvals.

Commenting on the Acquisition, Chesnara CEO, Steve Murray stated:

"We are delighted to announce Chesnara's second significant acquisition in the
past twelve months. Scottish Widows Europe is another material and
value-accretive transaction with a product set that we know well. It marks our
entry into Luxembourg, providing a new platform for in-market and wider
European consolidation and expansion. We are pleased that another major
financial institution, Lloyds Banking Group, has chosen us to look after their
policyholders. We look forward to welcoming Scottish Widows Europe
policyholders and new colleagues to Chesnara."

 

Summary of Strategic Rationale and Financial Benefits of the Acquisition

Chesnara's primary focus is consolidating life and pensions books in the UK
and Europe, complemented by profitable new business written across the Group's
businesses in Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK. The Group's business model
is to identify and deliver value-enhancing acquisitions which can be
efficiently integrated into the Group to grow future cash generation. This
transaction further enhances the sustainability of the Group's cash and
capital generation following the recently completed transformative acquisition
of HSBC Life (UK) Limited in January 2026. Chesnara diligently assesses deals
on a regular basis by applying well-established criteria and a robust
risk-based due diligence process. The board of directors of the Company (the
"Board") unanimously considers the Acquisition to be in the best interests of
the shareholders of the Company ("Shareholders") as a whole. The Acquisition
is considered to be strategically attractive and offers significant financial
benefits:

 

·    Enhanced cash generation: The Acquisition is expected to deliver
~€250m of incremental cash generation over the lifetime of the policies held
in the Scottish Widows Europe portfolio, with ~€100m of this cash generation
occurring in the first five years. This will be achieved through capital
surplus generation from future profits and by applying our efficient and
prudent approach to capital management.

 

·    Attractive transaction pricing: Total consideration for the
Acquisition of €110 million((1)) represents 64% of Scottish Widows Europe's
Eligible Solvency II Own Funds as at 31 December 2024.

 

·    Broadens the future consolidation opportunity: Luxembourg is a large
life insurance market which broadens the opportunity set for future
cross-border consolidation, further supporting the Group's strategy of being a
leading European life and pensions consolidator.

 

·    Scalable platform that provides value creation opportunities and
facilitates further expansion: Scottish Widows Europe is a standalone
operating business which will continue to be led by an experienced, local
management team post-Acquisition. It has a largely outsourced model with
modern technology and policy administration powered by Lifeware SA, a leading
European third-party technology provider.

 

·    Efficient financing structure: Chesnara will fund the Acquisition
from internal cash resources, utilising some of the proceeds from its £150
million RT1 bond issue, which was issued in August 2025.

 

·    Maintains balance sheet strength: The Group's Solvency II capital
coverage ratio is estimated to be 173%((2)) on a pro-forma basis as at 31
December 2024 taking into account the Acquisition and the issuance of the RT1
bond (compared to 169% on a pro-forma basis as at 31 December 2024 reflecting
only the acquisition of HSBC Life (UK)) which is well above the Group's normal
operating range of 140% - 160%. Leverage is estimated to remain below
longer-term target of <30% with significant financial firepower remaining
to pursue further M&A opportunities.

 

The Acquisition, due to its size relative to the Group, constitutes a
"significant transaction" for the purposes of the UK Listing Rules made by the
Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA"), and is therefore notifiable in
accordance with UK Listing Rules 7.3.1R and 7.3.2R. Additional details as
required under the UK Listing Rules are included in the Appendix.

Webcast and Conference Call

A presentation for analysts and investors will be held today, 17(th) February
2026, at 8.30 am (GMT).

 

A link to a live webcast of the presentation and a copy of the presentation
will be available at www.chesnara.co.uk.

 

To join the webcast, please register using the following link here
(https://stream.brrmedia.co.uk/broadcast/6991c22bf12443001293628d) .

 

The person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement on
behalf of Chesnara is Al Lonie, Company Secretary.

 

Notes:

 

(1)  Subject to adjustment in accordance with the provisions of the Sale and
Purchase Agreement (including via a "locked box" mechanism)

(2)  This information was derived from Scottish Widows Europe's and
Chesnara's audited management accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 and
associated calculations provided by Chesnara's management, and Chesnara's
estimates of forecast Scottish Widows Europe accounts using business plan
assumptions. All estimated pro-forma metrics shown pro-forma of the
acquisitions of HSBC Life (UK) and Scottish Widows Europe as well as the
issuance of the £150 million RT1 Bond in August 2025.

 

Enquiries

 

Investors/Analysts:

Chesnara

Steve Murray, Group CEO

Tom Howard, Group CFO

Sam Perowne, Head of Strategic Development & Investor Relations

E - sam.perowne@chesnara.co.uk

 

RBC Capital Markets (Sole Financial Adviser and Joint Corporate Broker)

James Agnew

Ezzedine Ben Frej

Jamil Miah

T - +44 (0) 20 7653 4000

 

Panmure Liberum (Joint Corporate Broker)

Stephen Jones

David Watkins

Atholl Tweedie

T - + 44 (0) 20 3100 2000

 

Media:
Misha Bayliss - +44 20 7427 5465

Oscar Burnett - +44 20 7427 5435

Teneo

E - chesnara@teneo.com

 

Notes to Editors

LEI Number: 213800VFRMBRTSZ3SJ06

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (as it forms part of domestic law as defined in
the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018).

About Chesnara plc

Chesnara (CSN.L) is a European life and pensions consolidator listed on the
London Stock Exchange. It administers around 1.4 million policies and operates
as Countrywide Assured and Chesnara Life (UK) in the UK, as Scildon in the
Netherlands and as Movestic in Sweden.

Following a three-pillar strategy, Chesnara's primary responsibility is the
efficient administration of its customers' life and savings policies, ensuring
good customer outcomes and providing a secure and compliant environment to
protect policyholder interests. It also adds value by writing profitable new
business in the UK, Sweden and the Netherlands and by undertaking
value-adding acquisitions of either companies or portfolios.

Consistent delivery of the Company strategy has enabled Chesnara to increase
its dividend for over 20 years in succession.

Further details are available on the Company's website (www.chesnara.co.uk
(http://www.chesnara.co.uk/) ).

 

APPENDIX

 

KEY TERMS OF THE ACQUISITION

 

Financial Information and Impact of the Acquisition((2))

 

As at 31 December 2024, Scottish Widows Europe's balance sheet reflected total
assets and total liabilities of €3,805 million and €3,709 million
respectively, while loss after tax for the year was €39 million. This
information was extracted from audited accounts prepared in accordance with
Lux GAAP.

 

The Acquisition will bring to the Group approximately an additional €1.7
billion of assets under administration ("AuA") and approximately 46,000
policies.

 

The Acquisition is expected to lead to incremental lifetime cash generation of
~€250 million with ~€100 million of incremental cash generation occurring
in the first five years post-Acquisition.

 

The proposed use of internal cash resources raised through the issuance of the
RT1 bond in 2025 will maintain the Group's balance sheet strength, with the
leverage ratio of the enlarged Group expected to be in line with the Group's
investment grade rating.

 

The estimated Solvency II Surplus of the enlarged Group is expected to be
£454 million as if the Acquisition had occurred on 31 December 2024, with the
Solvency Coverage Ratio 173%, continuing to be above our target operating
range of 140% - 160%.

 

The Company expects that the Acquisition will unlock significant value for
Shareholders over time.

 

Information on Scottish Widows Europe

 

Scottish Widows Europe is a standalone, Commissariat aux Assurances (the
"CAA") regulated, closed life business managing approximately 46,000 life
policies.

 

The policies are split across three product lines: Endowments, which make up
the majority of products; Pensions, the majority of which have an annuity
benefit; and Post-Vesting Annuities. Policyholders are primarily invested in
Unitised With-Profits funds, with the remainder invested in Unit-Linked funds
and annuities post-vesting.

 

Scottish Widows Europe is the European life insurance arm, and a wholly-owned
subsidiary, of Scottish Widows. Lloyds Banking Group, one of the UK's largest
banking and financial services organisations, is currently the ultimate parent
company of Scottish Widows and Scottish Widows Europe.

 

Scottish Widows Europe was established to receive the EEA business of Scottish
Widows before the UK exited the European Union. That business was transferred
to Scottish Widows Europe by a UK scheme of transfer under Part VII of the
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) which became effective on
29 March 2019 (the "2019 Scheme"). At the same time, the Investment
Reassurance Agreement and the Annuity Reassurance Agreement (as defined below)
were entered into so that in particular there could be continuity of
with-profits benefits for policyholders whose with-profits policies were
transferred to Scottish Widows Europe. Through this reinsurance, those
policies continue to be invested in the Clerical Medical With-Profits Fund in
Scottish Widows. Also at the same time, the Existing Deed of Indemnity (as
defined below) was entered into so that Scottish Widows Europe was protected
from ongoing costs from legacy issues relating to the policies transferred to
Scottish Widows Europe. In the context of the Acquisition: (i) each
reassurance agreement is to be amended and restated; and (ii) the Existing
Deed of Indemnity is to be replaced by the Deed of Indemnity and the Project
Indemnity (each as defined below) which will together cover the matters which
are currently covered by the Existing Deed of Indemnity  (see Other
Information, Part A - Material Contracts section, below).

 

Scottish Widows Europe has partnered with a single outsource provider
(Lifeware) to create a modern platform capable of operating throughout
Continental Europe, providing an opportunity to consolidate other platforms
and potentially reopen to new business.

 

Operations of Scottish Widows Europe are based in Luxembourg with the majority
of policyholders based in Germany. Further policyholders are then based in
Austria with the remainder in Italy.

 

Key Individuals

 

The key individuals important to Scottish Widows Europe are Rose-Marie
Arcanger, Chief Executive Officer, and Bruno Durieux, Chief Financial Officer,
who will both continue to be employed by Scottish Widows Europe following
completion of the Acquisition.

 

Key Terms of the Acquisition

 

Sale and Purchase Agreement

 

The Company (as the buyer) and Scottish Widows (as the seller) have entered
into a Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital
of Scottish Widows Europe (the "Sale and Purchase Agreement").

Completion of the Acquisition under the Sale and Purchase Agreement is subject
to certain conditions being satisfied, including: (i) the CAA having not
objected to, or being treated as having approved, the acquisition of a
qualifying holding in Scottish Widows Europe by Chesnara; and (ii) a
non-objection or deemed consent from the CAA, the Prudential Regulatory
Authority ("PRA") and the FCA to the amendment of the Investment Reassurance
Agreement and the Annuity Reassurance Agreement ((i) and (ii) together, the
"Conditions"). Both Chesnara and Scottish Widows have agreed to use all
reasonable endeavours to undertake certain actions in connection with the
satisfaction of the Conditions. If both Conditions have not been satisfied by
the date falling twelve months after the date of the Sale and Purchase
Agreement (or such later date as may be adopted by the parties pursuant to the
terms therein), the Sale and Purchase Agreement can be terminated by either
Chesnara or Scottish Widows and the Acquisition will not complete.

Subject to adjustment in accordance with the provisions of the Sale and
Purchase Agreement (including via a "locked box" mechanism), the total
consideration for the Acquisition comprises an amount equal to €110 million

Under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement, both Chesnara and Scottish
Widows give customary warranties to each other for a transaction of this
nature. Scottish Widows' liability in respect of claims made pursuant to the
Sale and Purchase Agreement is subject to certain customary terms.

Documents between Scottish Widows and Scottish Widows Europe to be modified on
completion of the Transaction

The Investment Reassurance Agreement and the Annuity Reassurance Agreement are
to be amended and restated with effect from completion of the Acquisition. The
Project Indemnity and the Deed of Indemnity are to supersede the Existing
Indemnity Deed with effect from completion of the Acquisition.

Each of these contracts is described under the Other Information, Part A -
Material Contracts section below.

Advisers

 

RBC is acting as Sole Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker and Linklaters is
acting as Legal Adviser to Chesnara in connection with the Acquisition.

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

Part A - Material Contracts

 

1.   Group

 

The following is a summary of contracts which have been entered into by
Chesnara or another member of the Group (not being contracts entered into in
the ordinary course of business): (i) within the period of two years
immediately preceding the date of this announcement that are, or may be,
material to the Group; or (ii) that contain any provisions under which
Chesnara or any other member of the Group has any obligation or entitlement
that is, or may be, material to the Group.

 

Sale and Purchase Agreement

 

Details of the Sale and Purchase Agreement are set out above.

 

Other material contracts

Further details of other material contracts which Chesnara or another member
of the Group has entered into (not being contracts entered into in the
ordinary course of business): (i) within the period of two years immediately
preceding the date of this announcement that are, or may be, material to the
Group; or (ii) that contain any provisions under which Chesnara or any other
member of the Group has any obligation or entitlement that is, or may be,
material to the Group can be found in the recent Prospectus the Company
published on 3 July 2025, paragraph 9, Part XVII of which is incorporated by
reference in this announcement. Shareholders can access the Prospectus at
www.chesnara.co.uk/investors (http://www.chesnara.co.uk/investors) .

2.   Scottish Widows Europe

The following is a summary of contracts which have been entered into by
Scottish Widows Europe (not being contracts entered into in the ordinary
course of business): (i) within the period of two years immediately preceding
the date of this announcement that are, or may be, material to Scottish Widows
Europe; or (ii) that contain any provisions under which Scottish Widows Europe
has any obligation or entitlement that is, or may be, material to Scottish
Widows Europe.

Annuity Reassurance Agreement

Chesnara and Scottish Widows have agreed the terms of an amendment and
restatement of the existing annuity reassurance agreement in force between
Scottish Widows and Scottish Widows Europe, to take effect on completion of
the Acquisition, relating to with-profits annuities payable under the terms
and conditions of policies transferred to Scottish Widows Europe under the
2019 Scheme and annuities issued by Scottish Widows Europe after that date to
the holder of a policy transferred to Scottish Widows Europe under the 2019
Scheme (the "Annuity Reassurance Agreement").

Under the Annuity Reassurance Agreement, Scottish Widows Europe cedes to
Scottish Widows the liability to make guaranteed annuity payments and to share
a portion of the longevity profits arising on those policies with the holders
of those policies. To provide security under the Annuity Reassurance
Agreement, the parties operate a funds withheld arrangement whereby assets
structured to closely cover the liabilities under the Annuity Reassurance
Agreement are held by Scottish Widows Europe in Luxembourg under a custody
arrangement. These assets are rebalanced based on the value of those
liabilities on a quarterly basis.

Scottish Widows Europe can only terminate the Annuity Reassurance Agreement
and recapture the liabilities under it, in restricted circumstances which
mainly relate to the financial difficulties or default of Scottish Widows. On
termination, Scottish Widows Europe is entitled to receive an amount equal to
Scottish Widows' best estimate of the reassured liabilities and its risk
margin in respect of the reassured liabilities. This amount shall also reflect
any accounting provisions in respect of the reassured liabilities.

Scottish Widows Europe is entitled to cease the agreement in respect of new
annuity business at any time.

Investment Reassurance Agreement

Chesnara and Scottish Widows have agreed the terms of an amendment and
restatement of the existing investment reassurance agreement in force between
Scottish Widows and Scottish Widows Europe, to take effect on completion of
the Acquisition, relating to the with-profits elements of certain policies
that were originally issued by Scottish Widows (or its predecessor companies)
and transferred to Scottish Widows Europe pursuant to the 2019 Scheme and the
with-profits elements of the annuities reinsured under the Annuity Reassurance
Agreement (the "Investment Reassurance Agreement").

Under the Investment Reassurance Agreement, Scottish Widows Europe cedes to
Scottish Widows the liability of Scottish Widows Europe to pay with-profits
benefits under its with-profits policies and with-profits annuities. As well
as paying the value of reassured units in Scottish Widows unitised
with-profits funds including the value of relevant bonuses, Scottish Widows
pays any sums required to cover guarantees on the reassured polices (including
guaranteed annuity conversion terms, return of premium guarantees, and minimum
bonus guarantees), and the value of relevant bonuses payable under the
reassured with-profits annuities.

To provide security under the Investment Reassurance Agreement, the parties
operate a funds withheld arrangement whereby assets structured to closely
cover the liabilities under the Investment Reassurance Agreement are held by
Scottish Widows Europe in Luxembourg. These assets are rebalanced based on the
value of those liabilities on a quarterly basis. As the reassurer under the
Investment Reassurance Agreement, Scottish Widows determines the amounts
payable to Scottish Widows Europe. Scottish Widows Europe then uses those
amounts to fund payments to its policyholders under their policies. Management
charges in accordance with the policy terms of Scottish Widows Europe policies
are deducted by Scottish Widows from the assets backing those policy benefits
and paid to Scottish Widows Europe. Scottish Widows is entitled to deduct from
these amounts an investment management charge equal to the underlying
investment management costs of Scottish Widows.

Scottish Widows Europe can only terminate the Investment Reassurance Agreement
and recapture the liabilities under it, in restricted circumstances which
mainly relate to the financial difficulties or default of Scottish Widows.
Scottish Widows Europe can opt to terminate each of the Annuity Reassurance
Agreement and the Investment Reassurance Agreement if Scottish Widows decides
to close the Clerical Medical With-Profits Fund (when that fund is small
enough to entitle Scottish Widows to close it under the terms of a previous
Part VII transfer scheme effective in 2015).

On termination, Scottish Widows Europe is to receive an amount equal to
Scottish Widows' best estimate of the liabilities reassured under the
Investment Reassurance Agreement, a proportion of the estate of the Clerical
Medical With-Profits Fund (the "estate" being any part of the Clerical Medical
With Profits Fund that is in excess of the obligation to pay guaranteed
benefits to Scottish Widows' policyholders (which includes Scottish Widows
Europe)), as well as its share of any other assets and accounting provisions
in respect of the Clerical Medical With-Profits Fund.

Deed of Indemnity

 

Scottish Widows Europe and Scottish Widows entered into a deed of indemnity in
respect of certain liabilities at the time of the 2019 Scheme (the "Existing
Deed of Indemnity"), which will be superseded by a replacement deed of
indemnity with effect from completion of the Acquisition (the "Deed of
Indemnity").

 

The Deed of Indemnity covers certain liabilities, costs, expenses and other
losses incurred by Scottish Widows Europe as a result of claims by customers
of Scottish Widows Europe relating to past actions and omissions of Scottish
Widows (and other predecessor companies) (the "Indemnity Claims").

 

Under the Deed of Indemnity, Scottish Widows will continue to indemnify
Scottish Widows Europe for 90% of the amount by which the amount paid by
Scottish Widows Europe in respect of an Indemnity Claim exceeds: (a) for
policies which are reinsured to Scottish Widows under the Investment
Reassurance Agreement or the Annuity Reassurance Agreement (see above): (i)
the amount which Scottish Widows Europe is entitled to receive under those
reinsurance contracts; or (ii) if those reinsurance contracts have been
terminated, the amount that would have been paid under the policy had the
Indemnity Claim not been made; and (b) for Indemnity Claims involving a
unit-linked policy, the bid value of the units of the relevant Scottish Widows
Europe linked funds allocated to the relevant policy (minus applicable
charges) (together, the "Excess Liabilities").

 

In addition, Scottish Widows will indemnify Scottish Widows Europe for 90% of
the expenses incurred by Scottish Widows Europe in managing the Indemnity
Claims, subject to certain restrictions which may be imposed by Scottish
Widows (the "Indemnified Expenses").

 

From the point at which the aggregate amount of the retained 10% of each of
the Excess Liabilities and the Indemnified Expenses incurred by Scottish
Widows Europe since 29 March 2019 exceeds €60 million, Scottish Widows will
be liable for the full 100% of the Excess Liabilities and the Indemnified
Expenses. This position is currently not expected to be reached: as at the end
of December 2025, Scottish Widows Europe had incurred €7.75 million of the
original €60 million threshold since 29 March 2019, while Scottish Widows
Europe's gross provision for the Indemnity Claims as at 31 December 2024 was
€60.4 million.

 

Project Indemnity

Scottish Widows Europe and Scottish Widows have also entered into a deed of
indemnity, to come into force with effect from completion of the Acquisition,
in respect of certain costs associated with rectifying certain more recent
errors in the administration of Scottish Widows Europe's policies and
reinsurance agreements, some of which are currently indemnified under the
Existing Deed of Indemnity (the "Project Indemnity").

 

In addition, Scottish Widows has agreed to indemnify Chesnara in respect of
certain losses that may arise from a customary audit that is currently being
conducted by one regulatory authority (the "Regulatory Audit Liabilities").
The indemnity under the Regulatory Audit Liabilities is divided between the
Sale and Purchase Agreement and the Project Indemnity. The indemnity for the
Regulatory Audit Liabilities under the Project Indemnity is limited to 20% of
the base consideration, to losses incurred in the two years following
completion of the Acquisition and also subject to certain customary terms.

 

The costs of rectifying administrative errors mainly relate to the
rectification of Scottish Widows Europe's administration systems (identified
as part of the migration of such systems to its current third-party outsource
provider), and (in certain instances) the costs associated with ensuring that
affected policyholders are in the same position as they would have been in had
the relevant error not occurred (the "Project Liabilities"). Under the Project
Indemnity, Scottish Widows will indemnify Scottish Widows Europe for up to
€20 million in Project Liabilities.

 

Under the terms of the Project Indemnity, within three years after completion
of the Acquisition, both Scottish Widows and Scottish Widows Europe will be
entitled to seek termination of the Project Indemnity by means of a lump sum
payment from Scottish Widows to Scottish Widows Europe, representing the
estimated value of the outstanding Project Liabilities at that time.

 

Outsourcing Agreement

Lifeware S.A. ("Lifeware") is a Luxembourg professional provider of insurance
services subject to authorisation and supervision by the CAA.

Scottish Widows Europe and Lifeware entered into an outsourcing agreement,
with effect from 1 January 2023, pursuant to which Lifeware provides business
processing outsourcing services and hosted services to Scottish Widows Europe,
including for the benefit of Scottish Widows Europe's customers (the
"Outsourcing Agreement").

The Outsourcing Agreement has an initial term of 10 years from November 2023
and will subsequently continue until terminated in accordance with its terms.
Lifeware also provides certain services associated with the Indemnified Claims
and Project Liabilities.

Investment Management Agreements

Scottish Widows Europe and Scottish Widows have entered into Investment
Management Agreements with the following asset managers in respect of
unit-linked funds accessible to Scottish Widows Europe's policyholders: (i)
Fundsight (formerly Lemanik Asset Management), which manages seven unit-linked
funds; (ii) Hauck and Aufhauser, which manages three unit-linked funds; (iii)
Schroder Asset Management (Europe) S.A., which provides access to seven funds;
and (iv) BNY Mellon, which provides access to a global multi asset fund.

Part B - Risk Factors

 

The Acquisition is subject to a number of risks. The risks and uncertainties
set out below are those which the Directors believe are the material risks
relating to the Acquisition, material new risks to the Group as a result of
the Acquisition or existing material risks to the Group which will be impacted
by the Acquisition. If any, or a combination of, these risks actually
materialise, the business, results of operations, financial condition,
cash-flows or prospects of the enlarged Group (post completion of the
Acquisition) could be materially and adversely affected.

 

The risks and uncertainties described below are not intended to be exhaustive
and are not the only ones that face the Group. The information given is as at
the date of this announcement and, except as required by the FCA, the London
Stock Exchange, the UK Listing Rules, the UK Market Abuse Regulation and/or
any regulatory requirements or applicable law, will not be updated. Additional
risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Directors or that they
currently deem immaterial, may also have an adverse effect on the business,
results of operations, financial condition, cash-flows or prospects of the
Group. If this occurs, the price of the Company's shares may decline and
Shareholders could lose all or part of their investment.

 

Completion of the Acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of certain
conditions

Completion of the Acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of the Conditions
set out above in the Key Terms of the Acquisition - Sale and Purchase
Agreement section above.

There is no guarantee that these Conditions will be satisfied. Failure to
satisfy any of these Conditions may result in the Acquisition not completing.
If the Acquisition does not complete, the Group will not benefit from the
expected benefits of the Acquisition, and such failure could adversely impact
the Group's reputation as a successful consolidator leading to difficulty in
acquiring future targets and an adverse effect on the business and financial
condition of the Group. Both Chesnara and Scottish Widows have agreed to use
all reasonable endeavours to undertake certain actions in connection with the
satisfaction of the Conditions. As a result, there is a risk that Chesnara may
incur significant expenditure in connection with, or to satisfy, such
Conditions which will be in addition to the actual costs of the Acquisition
and the integration process.

Capped warranties are provided by Scottish Widows which may not cover all of
the potential liabilities associated with Scottish Widows Europe

The Group would be dependent on the financial position of Scottish Widows in
the event that it sought to recover amounts in respect of any breach of
warranty claims for which Scottish Widows is liable. If claims arose but
losses could not be recovered, this could adversely affect the Group's
business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Under the Investment Reassurance Agreement, Scottish Widows determines the
benefits for policyholders of Scottish Widows Europe but Scottish Widows
Europe will be responsible to its policyholders for those benefits

Under the Investment Reassurance Agreement, Scottish Widows determines
discretionary benefits funded from the Clerical Medical With-Profits Fund in
Scottish Widows which Scottish Widows Europe will pay on to its policyholders.
In doing so, Scottish Widows must comply with UK regulation in relation to
with-profits businesses. Scottish Widows Europe passes on those benefits to
its policyholders. Despite its reliance on Scottish Widows in relation to
those benefits, Scottish Widows Europe is nonetheless responsible to its
policyholders for those benefits and may face claims and complaints from those
policyholders. Any losses incurred by Scottish Widows Europe could adversely
affect the Group's business, prospects, financial condition and results of
operations.

Scottish Widows Europe has the right to receive regular information from, and
to attend regular meetings with, Scottish Widows in relation to the running of
the Clerical Medical With-Profits Fund in order to seek to mitigate this risk.
However, Scottish Widows is not under any obligation to act on any
representation made by Scottish Widows Europe on behalf of its policyholders.
Scottish Widows Europe would have to take other steps if it felt that Scottish
Widows' approach was not in compliance with UK regulation.

Under the Investment Reassurance Agreement, Scottish Widows manages the
financial position of the Clerical Medical With-Profits Fund, part of which
Scottish Widows Europe will inherit on termination of that agreement

Under the Investment Reassurance Agreement, Scottish Widows manages the
financial position of the Clerical Medical With-Profits Fund. On termination
of the Investment Reassurance Agreement, Scottish Widows Europe would inherit
its proportion of the Clerical Medical With-Profits Fund including its
liabilities. When Scottish Widows closes that fund (at the time when that fund
has sufficiently reduced in size such that Scottish Widow is entitled to do so
under the provisions of its previous 2015 Part VII transfer scheme) Scottish
Widows Europe may choose to inherit what is expected to be the greater
proportion of that fund. The result of termination and recapture by Scottish
Widows Europe of the business reassured under the Investment Reassurance
Agreement could include Scottish Widows Europe needing to find additional
capital to support that business. Depending on the financial position of the
Clerical Medical With-Profits Fund at the point of termination, this could
adversely affect the Group's business, prospects, financial condition and
results of operations.

On termination of the Annuity Reassurance Agreement, Scottish Widows Europe
would need to find additional capital to support that business or take other
steps

On termination of the Annuity Reassurance Agreement, Scottish Widows Europe
would recapture the liabilities for the reassured annuities. Regulatory
capital rules for annuity businesses currently differ between the UK and
Luxembourg. Scottish Widows can utilise a matching adjustment under the rules
of the PRA which reduces the amount of its technical provisions in relation to
that business. Scottish Widows Europe is unlikely to use a matching adjustment
so it would have to set higher technical provisions for the same annuity
business.

On termination of the Annuity Reassurance Agreement, the termination amount
includes Scottish Widows' technical provisions. Accordingly Scottish Widows
Europe would need to set a higher technical provision and to find the
additional capital to support that business. This also applies if Scottish
Widows Europe terminates the Annuity Reassurance Agreement in relation to new
business, as it is entitled to do (for example if it is concerned about
pricing offered to its customers). An alternative approach for Scottish Widows
Europe following termination of the Annuity Reassurance Agreement would be to
enter into a new reinsurance agreement with a reinsurer that has the benefit
of matching adjustment and would price that reinsurance arrangement
accordingly. Depending on matters such as the regulatory capital rules in the
UK and Luxembourg and market for reassurance at the time of termination, this
could adversely affect the Group's business, prospects, financial condition
and results of operations.

Scottish Widows may get into financial difficulties meaning that it is unable
to fund payments on the reassurance agreements and the deeds of indemnity

If Scottish Widows gets into financial difficulties this may delay or reduce
the amount of payments received by its contractual counterparties. Failure of
Scottish Widows Europe to receive the amounts due from Scottish Widows under
the Investment Reassurance Agreement, the Annuity Reassurance Agreement, the
Deed of Indemnity and the Project Indemnity could adversely affect the Group's
business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

The largest credit exposure is under the two reassurance agreements (currently
the Investment Reassurance Agreement is the largest exposure but this will
transition to the Annuity Reassurance Agreement over time). A funds withheld
arrangement has been put in place under each reassurance agreement whereby
assets structured to closely cover the liabilities under the reassurance
agreements are held by Scottish Widows Europe. That amount approximates to the
termination payment due under the reassurance agreements. Those funds withheld
assets would be set off against the termination payment due from Scottish
Widows (and therefore retained by Scottish Widows Europe to pay the
termination payment) if the reassurance agreements are terminated in
circumstances where Scottish Widows is in financial difficulties or it
defaults.

For the Deed of Indemnity, a floating charge has been put in place in favour
of Scottish Widows Europe which will ensure that Scottish Widows Europe is
treated pari passu with direct insurance customers of Scottish Widows on an
insolvency of Scottish Widows.

Scottish Widows Europe has a right to terminate the Deed of Indemnity and the
Project Indemnity in advance of Scottish Widows' insolvency and to receive an
amount equal to the present value of expected future payments under the Deed
of Indemnity and the Project Indemnity at the point in time of termination.

There is not a floating charge in favour of Scottish Widows Europe in relation
to the Project Indemnity.

The indemnification provided by Scottish Widows under the Deed of Indemnity
and the Project Indemnity may not cover all potential liabilities incurred by
Scottish Widows Europe

Under the Deed of Indemnity, Scottish Widows will only indemnify Scottish
Widows Europe for 90% of the Excess Liabilities and the Indemnified Expenses
until the aggregate amount of the 10% of Excess Liabilities and Indemnities
Expenses borne by Scottish Widows Europe exceeds €60 million. Therefore,
Scottish Widows Europe will be liable for 10% of these amounts until a cap of
approximately €52 million as at the date of signing is exceeded, following
which all such amounts will be indemnified.

In addition, under the Deed of Indemnity, the claims management process will
remain under the control of Scottish Widows and Scottish Widows Europe will
have to satisfy detailed requirements relating to the management of claims. If
Scottish Widows Europe fails to do so, this may result in Scottish Widows
reducing the amount of payments or suspending payments under the Deed of
Indemnity.

The Project Indemnity only covers Project Liabilities associated with certain
projects. The cap of €20 million for the Project Liabilities in the Project
Indemnity is based on Scottish Widows' estimate of the total amount of Project
Liabilities. If these estimates are materially incorrect, the Project
Liabilities may be greater than €20 million. Under the Project Indemnity,
the indemnification in respect of the Regulatory Audit Liabilities is capped
at 20% of the purchase price. If these losses exceed that amount, they will
not be covered by the Project Indemnity.

In addition, under the Project Indemnity, the management of the remediation
process for both Project Liabilities and Regulatory Audit Liabilities will
remain under the control of Scottish Widows and Scottish Widows Europe will
have to comply with certain procedural requirements in respect of each
project. If Scottish Widows Europe fails to do so, this may result in Scottish
Widows reducing the amount of payments or suspending payments in respect of
each project under the Project Indemnity.

In the circumstance mentioned above, if losses could not be recovered, this
could adversely affect the Group's business, prospects, financial condition
and results of operations.

The Group has limited management resources which may impact the process of
integrating and managing the Group. There may be unforeseen integration
difficulties which could mean that, following completion of the Acquisition,
the implementation of the Group's strategy may not proceed as expected

The Group has been, and will be, required to devote significant management
attention and resources to executing the Acquisition and subsequently
integrating Scottish Widows Europe into the Group's business. While the Group
has carried out significant planning in respect of the Acquisition, there is a
risk that the Group may encounter difficulties when seeking to integrate
Scottish Widows Europe, as a result of differences in management and operation
of Scottish Widows Europe prior to the Acquisition. If such integration
difficulties are significant, this could result in management distraction or
overstretch and the deferral of certain planned management actions and
adversely affect the Group's business, prospects, financial condition and
results of operations. Should any of these integration difficulties occur,
Scottish Widows Europe's businesses may not perform in line with management or
shareholder expectations, which could have an adverse effect on the Group's
business, results, financial condition and prospects.

The Group may face challenges operating under a new regulatory regime in a
market it does not currently operate in

Chesnara does not have existing operations in Luxembourg, where Scottish
Widows Europe is based. As a result, the Group may face unforeseen challenges
in this market. Although a European Union jurisdiction, Luxembourg has a
distinct regulatory framework which differs from the UK and other regions the
Group operates in. This could lead to compliance challenges, particularly in
areas such as solvency requirements, governance expectations, and reporting
obligations. The Group may also face challenges in integrating the Luxembourg
business into its existing governance and risk management structures, ensuring
consistency across jurisdictions. Furthermore, as Scottish Widows Europe
engages in cross-border activities, the Group will need to manage the
complexities of EU regulations alongside local requirements.

The Group may incur higher than expected Acquisition-related costs and
integration costs

The Group has incurred and will continue to incur legal, accounting and
transaction fees and other costs related to the Acquisition. Some of these
costs are payable regardless of whether the Acquisition is completed. The
actual costs associated with the Acquisition or the separation and integration
processes may exceed those estimated and there may be further additional and
unforeseen expenses incurred in connection with the Acquisition or the
separation and integration process.

In addition, in connection with the Acquisition, Scottish Widows and Scottish
Widows Europe will enter into various arrangements relating to services to be
provided by Scottish Widows to Scottish Widows Europe and vice versa. Certain
services will only be provided by Scottish Widows to Scottish Widows Europe
for an agreed transitional period (which may be extended by Scottish Widows
Europe) pursuant to a transitional services agreement. It has also been agreed
that certain other services (to be provided by Scottish Widows Europe to
Scottish Widows and vice versa) will continue beyond the completion of that
transitional period.

If Scottish Widows fails to provide the transitional services in a timely
manner, or to the standard required under the transitional services agreement,
the parties may need to agree a further extension period which could result in
additional costs for Scottish Widows Europe. As a result, there is a risk that
the actual costs of the transitional services agreement could be higher than
expected.

Any of the above factors could materially adversely affect the Group's results
of operations.

The value of Scottish Widows Europe may be less than the consideration paid

Prior to completion of the Acquisition, Chesnara has limited rights to
terminate the Acquisition. Accordingly, in the event that there is an adverse
event affecting the value of Scottish Widows Europe or the value of Scottish
Widows Europe otherwise declines prior to completion of the Acquisition (to
the extent not protected by the transaction documents), the value of Scottish
Widows Europe may be less than the consideration agreed to be paid and,
accordingly, the net value to the Group could be reduced. There is no ability
for Chesnara to renegotiate the consideration amount and Chesnara may
therefore pay an amount in excess of market value for Scottish Widows Europe,
which could have an adverse effect on the business and financial condition of
the Group.

Risks of executing the Acquisition could cause the market price of Chesnara's
shares to decline

The market price of Chesnara's shares may decline as a result of the
Acquisition if, among other reasons, the Group does not achieve the expected
benefits of the Acquisition as rapidly or to the extent anticipated, or at
all, or the effect of the Acquisition on Chesnara's financial results is not
consistent with the expectations of investors, or Shareholders sell a
significant number of Chesnara's shares after completion of the Acquisition.

Part C - Legal and Arbitration Proceedings

 

1.   Group

 

There are no governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings (including any
such proceedings which are pending or threatened of which Chesnara is aware)
during a period covering at least the 12 months preceding the date of this
announcement which may have, or have had in the recent past, a significant
effect on Chesnara and/or the Group's financial position or profitability.

 

2.   Scottish Widows Europe

 

The following is a summary of governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings
(including any such proceedings which are pending or threatened of which
Chesnara is aware) during a period covering at least the 12 months preceding
the date of this announcement which may have, or have had in the recent past,
a significant effect on Scottish Widows Europe's financial position or
profitability.

 

 

·    Policy Claims

 

Scottish Widows Europe faces potential claims arising from with-profits
policies distributed by brokers predominantly between 1998 and 2008 which were
transferred under the 2019 Scheme. These claims principally relate to
policyholders' contractual rights and lack of disclosure, with late withdrawal
from contract and regular encashments now representing the main issues raised
in claims: (the "Policy Claims"). As at 31 January 2026, 37 cases in relation
to the Policy Claims are pending.

 

Part D - Related Party Transactions

 

1.   Group

 

There have been no additional related party transactions between the Group and
its related parties which are relevant to the Acquisition during the period
between 30 June 2025 (being the end of the last financial period for which
interim financial information of the Group has been published) and the date of
this announcement.

Part E - Significant Change in Chesnara's Financial Position

1.   Group

 

Other than the increase in the cash position as a result of the fully
underwritten £140 million rights issue announced by the Company on 3 July
2025 and the issue of £150 million of restricted Tier 1 convertible notes
announced by the Company on 1 August 2025, there has been no significant
change in the financial position of the Group during the period between 30
June 2025 (being the end of the last financial period for which interim
financial information of the Group has been published) and the date of this
announcement.

 

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