Winding up EMAP pension scheme

Onyva

EMAP plc was broken up & sold off in bits a couplme of years ago and then "sold" off its pension liabilities the year after. I have now received a letter from the trustees informing me that it is winding up the pension scheme & that I have to choose what to do with it. Sadly I was persuaded to transfer out of a final salary scheme into a money purchase scheme 20 years ago so I now find I have to either find another solution myself or transfer my "pot" into a trustee buy out plan (Standard Life) - and I have 5 weeks to decide. I realise this is far too complicated a subject for a magic solution to present itself here. I also don't trust financial advisors, or even banks anymore for that matter, but I would appreciate any steers along the following lines:

1) are there any other ex EMAP people in the same boat out there (I've searched the net but can't find even one!?). If so, what have you done / decided? Have you managed to get onto their website ?(I guess it's specific to us and EMAP but SL main web site claims this link does not exist)

2) anyone else out there who have been in a similar situation with another company (money purchase scheme being wound up)? If so, what did you do & how did it work out?

3) anyone have any experience with the following Funds:-

SL Blackrock Aquila HP (50:50) Global Equity Fund
SL Blackrock Aquila HP Over 15 Year Guilt Fund
SL Blackrock Aquila HP Corporate Bond All Stocks Pension Fund
Standard Life Pension Managed Cash One Fund

if I do nothing my "pot" (£400k) will transfer to Standard Life who will invest it, in differing proportions depending on lifestyle choice, in the above.

4) what are the absolute MUST DOs & MUST NOT DOs in a situation like this from anyone with similar experiences?

Appreciate your help
Dsgruntled ex EMAP employee

lamb1102

Dont know anything about emap but i have a company pension with standard life and i can choose up to 12 funds to invest in. The list you have is maybe a default selection of funds for those with no preference. I would think you could choose any of the dozens of SL funds available. Personally I would speak to an IFA (theyre not all bad) , find one thats recommended.