Independent Governance Group (IGG) has acquired KGC Associates for an undisclosed amount, in a move that is intended to strengthen its governance offering further. 

The KGC team will all retain their positions under IGG’s ownership, with Kim Gulber remaining as managing director, and Lesley Carline as director, while Hayley Mudge will continue on as head of research.

IGG’s trustee and governance expertise is expected to be well complemented by KGC's offering, which includes independent evaluation and operational governance services, such as benchmarking, market review, operational governance and management consulting.

In particular, the group said that the acquisition further enhances IGG’s capability to deliver end-to-end solutions that achieve good governance and optimal outcomes for members, an area where demand from employers and scheme trustees remains strong.
  
The move also follows two recent senior hires for IGG, with Hatty Goodwin recently appointed as trustee director and head of risk transfer, while Jeremy Petty has joined as a director to lead IGG’s creative communications and employee engagement agency, Like Minds.

Further acquisitions could be on the horizon, as ECI Partners, which previously invested in IGG in late 2024, confirmed that the group will also continue to evaluate complementary acquisition opportunities to accelerate its successful organic growth strategy and further deepen its talent pool.

Commenting on the deal, IGG CEO, Andrew Bradshaw, said: "I am very pleased to welcome Kim, Lesley and Hayley to the IGG group. 

"The first-class reputation they have built within the industry is based on deep expertise, while their focus on independent evaluation and operational governance services is a natural fit for our existing offering. Bringing KGC into the IGG group will allow us to offer our clients more of the governance services they are asking us for, from an established team of industry experts.”
 
Adding to this, KGC managing director, Kim Gubler, said: “I founded KGC to give trustees and employers truly independent, practical insight they could rely on. Over the years, we’ve become known for clear thinking, rigorous analysis and strong working relationships. 

"Our values of integrity, evidence-based judgement and high governance standards align closely with those of IGG. It’s a natural fit, and we’re ready to create even greater impact for our clients.”
 
This was echoed by KGC director, Lesley Carline, who said: “The pensions landscape is fast evolving with increased regulation, market consolidation, and the advent of new technology driving demand for quality operational governance.

"We’re already playing our part in shaping how the industry responds to this with our evidence-based insights and solutions, but we want to go further. We’re looking forward to making the most of IGG’s network of offices across the UK to bring the KGC approach to even more clients.”
 

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