Athora Netherlands Drives Pension Transition with Significant Buyouts
Athora Netherlands, a renowned life insurer and pension provider, is making strides in the Dutch pension sector by successfully executing two significant pension buyouts under its Zwitserleven brand. These actions signify crucial progress in the country’s move toward a revamped pension system.
Together, these transitions impact over 9,500 participants and manage nearly €1.13 billion in pension capital. The larger of the two deals involves the Nedlloyd Pension Fund, a scheme closed since 2020. It includes around 8,200 participants and approximately €950 million in assets, marking Zwitserleven’s most substantial buyout to date. This transaction has received approval from the Dutch Central Bank (DNB), and the pension fund will now commence its winding-down process.
As of 2026, members will benefit from a fixed annual increase of 3% for four years, followed by estimated long-term indexation of around 1.3%. Annemieke Visser-Brons, Executive Committee member of Athora Netherlands, remarked, “With this transaction, Zwitserleven once again delivers an attractive solution for a pension fund and its participants navigating the complex transition to the new pension system. This allows Nedlloyd participants to enjoy an insured pension with Zwitserleven. I extend my gratitude to the pension fund board for their trust and warmly welcome all these new customers to Zwitserleven.”
Jacco Heemskerk, Chairman of the Nedlloyd Pension Fund, commented, “After a thorough process, we have decided to transfer to Zwitserleven. The board believes that Zwitserleven provides the best solution for both former participants and pensioners, offering security regarding pension payments and increased purchasing power through partial catch-up indexation and fixed annual indexation.”
Just two days following the Nedlloyd announcement, Athora Netherlands confirmed the buyout of the Trespa Pension Fund. This smaller transaction, involving around 1,300 participants and €180 million, offers a one-time 10.5% pension increase on April 1, 2025, and a fixed annual indexation starting January 2026. The fund has been closed since late 2022, and the transfer was completed following a DNB declaration of no objection.
Visser-Brons added, “Our second buyout this year demonstrates the appreciation for Zwitserleven’s expertise in this field. We provide Trespa a fitting solution that enables participants to enjoy an insured pension with Zwitserleven. I thank the pension fund board for their trust and extend a warm welcome to all these new customers.”
Erik Goris, Chairman of the Trespa Pension Fund, stated, “The board believes that transferring the pensions to Zwitserleven will provide our participants the security of a solid pension with a well-capitalized insurer. We conducted a meticulous selection process, considering not just indexation but also factors like communication and service provision.”
As more pension funds prepare for the nationwide transition to the new pension system, Athora Netherlands continues building momentum. Through its insurance-based approach and dedicated pension brand Zwitserleven, the company offers tailored solutions addressing the challenges many funds now face, ensuring long-term stability for participants in a changing system.
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