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European law firm Fieldfisher has advised Albourne Partners, a leading independent consultant in the alternative investment industry, on its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
The move marks a pivotal moment in the firm’s journey, reinforcing its commitment to long-term independence, employee empowerment and alignment with its clients.
Founded in 1994, Albourne has grown to become one of the largest alternatives consultants globally, with over 600 employees across 11 locations worldwide. The firm is regulated by the FCA and several overseas regulators, and the transaction required change of control approvals in multiple jurisdictions.
Fieldfisher played a central role in structuring the transaction, proposing the EOT model as a way to preserve the long-term independence of the business. The Fieldfisher team provided end-to-end legal, tax and regulatory support, overseeing the process through its various cross-border complexities.
Fieldfisher’s Employee Ownership Solutions team led the transaction, with Partner Mark Gearing, Senior Associate Jessica Kilkelly, and Director Tom Martin at the helm. Regulatory support was provided by Partner Simon Lafferty, Director (Barrister) Sam Clyndes, Solicitor Andrea Carrera, and Senior Associate Asfand Gulzar.
Albourne is independently owned and has long championed employee ownership through direct share ownership and its internal share market. The move to an EOT enables the firm to become majority employee-owned via a trust structure for the benefit of all employees, protecting its unique culture and ability to be a multi-generational independent business.
Partner Mark Gearing commented:
"We are proud to have supported Albourne on this landmark transaction. The EOT structure aligns perfectly with the firm’s values and long-term vision, and we’re pleased to have helped deliver a new form of ownership structure that supports Albourne’s continued success."
John Claisse, CEO at Albourne, added:
“We see Albourne’s EOT as an important milestone on our “Road Less Traveled”: it enshrines our values and our commitment to the non-discretionary path. While many other consultants prioritise discretionary opportunities, we do not run OCIO mandates, funds of funds, interval funds to access retail investors, co-investment funds, hedge or private market funds. We never want to compete with our clients.”
This transaction follows Fieldfisher’s recent work on another complex EOT deal involving a highly regulated international business. The firm continues to see growing interest in the EOT model, particularly among companies seeking to secure long-term independence and reward employee contribution.