April 10, 2026

Royal Bank of Canada finances £2.4 billion acquisition of Just Group by Brookfield Wealth Solutions

Goodmans LLP advised Royal Bank of Canada, as agent, in connection with its financing of a £2.4 billion recommended cash offer for Just Group plc (Just Group) by Brookfield Wealth Solutions (BWS).

The acquisition of Just Group accelerated BWS’ expansion into the UK pension risk market, a core region for BWS given its status as one of the world’s pre-eminent pension markets combined with highly attractive investment opportunities. BWS merged Just Group with its UK insurance business, Blumont, with the combined entity operating under the Just Group brand.

Canada-based BWS was spun off from Brookfield Corporation in 2021. BWS provides retirement services, wealth protection products, and capital solutions to individuals and institutions.

"Goodmans is able to pull together teams to make sure 100% coverage of all risks is obtained. The firm is able to guide us through complex negotiations and interpret complex issues and documents." — Chambers Canada
Primarily recognized for its advice to corporate borrowers, where it routinely handles high-value transactions, it also has an increasingly prominent lender-side practice, with its recent work spanning advice to financial institutions and alternative lenders. — The Legal 500 Canada
The team's work has a significant emphasis on corporate lending, acquisition finance and real estate financing transactions. The department demonstrates considerable experience in managing cross-border transactions. — Chambers Canada
Goodmans LLP’s banking and finance team ‘positions its clients to make informed business decisions’. — The Legal 500 Canada
The banking and finance team at Goodmans has experienced counsels at all relevant levels, from senior partners to junior associates. — Chambers Canada
Clients note, "A very responsive team, which works well under tight timelines, provides quality work with minimal back and forth, and demonstrates attention to detail." — The Legal 500 Canada
...its borrower-side work and involvement in complex restructuring-related matters is particularly impressing. — The Legal 500 Canada
Clients note, "The team is extremely commercially oriented and able to get to the crux of the issue right away." — Chambers Canada
Clients note, "The firm provides sound advice on various complex and time-sensitive transactions including explaining our options and the related pros and cons to each decision." — Chambers Canada
Clients note, the Goodmans team takes a "Pragmatic, commercial view towards getting the transaction closed in a smooth, efficient manner," adding "Partners remain deeply engaged through the transaction." — IFLR1000
One client noted, "They bring a solid, pragmatic and commercial approach to dealing with key legal issues, are flexible and easy to work with, and are client focused." — Chambers Global
Clients remark, "#1 in senior housing sector expertise. #1 in helping network. Very professional and responsive. Great quality work.” — IFLR1000
On the Banking and Finance group, interviewees say: "Goodmans has an amazing team that is very responsive, knowledgeable, reliable and pleasant." — Chambers Global

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Royal Bank of Canada finances £2.4 billion acquisition of Just Group by Brookfield Wealth Solutions

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