• In March 2009, AWD Group agreed to sell Read Independent Financial Advisers (“Read”) to management for an undisclosed sum
• AWD Group’s key objectives of achieving a “clean break” and a quick sale (given the impending agreed takeover of AWD by Swiss Life) were successfully achieved
• The sale documentation was completed, subject to FSA authorisation, within six weeks of the formal announcement of the offer for sale
• Read was founded in 1990 and has specialised since 1995 in acting for individuals who wish to access their pension funds by taking early retirement
• Our role included exploring and evaluating the various sale options, as well as advising AWD Group throughout the process

“We sold two financial service companies in a hugely difficult market within 14 weeks. The high quality advice and support given by the Asgard team was central to our success. Asgard were particularly helpful in working with management on the preparation of the business case and on the FSA submission.”
Mike Kirsch, Chief Executive Officer, AWD Group Plc

• Asgard Partners acted as sole financial adviser to AWD Group Plc