Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Abandonment definition

What does Abandonment mean? Abandonment describes, in pensions practice, steps by an employer to sever or materially reduce its ongoing support for an occupational pension scheme—typically a defined benefit (DB) scheme—so the scheme becomes effectively independent of its sponsor (for example, by removing or replacing the statutory employer with a weak vehicle, leaving no meaningful employer covenant). The term is not defined in legislation or case law; it is a descriptive expression used in regulatory guidance and practitioner discourse. Across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, such activity engages The Pensions Regulator’s anti-avoidance regime and may warrant seeking clearance. TPR can issue...

UK CMA merger investigation: Pearson VUE/learndirect computer-based testing—phase 2 referral, undertakings in lieu rejected, transaction abandoned

Published by a LexisNexis Competition expert

Practice notes

Archived case hub reflecting the position at the point the Transaction was abandoned on 6 January 2016; it is not maintained. See the timeline and commentary for further detail.

Case facts

Outline UK merger probe into the proposed purchase by Pearson Professional Assessments Limited of learndirect Limited’s computer‑based testing operations. The deal featured horizontal overlap within the market for invigilated computer‑based testing aimed at post‑school (16+) candidates.

Latest developments

On 6 January 2016, the CMA cancelled its phase 2 investigation into the anticipated Acquisition after the parties announced, and provided assurances to the CMA, that the transaction had been abandoned.

Parties

Pearson Professional Assessments Limited (Pearson VUE) is owned by Pearson PLC, a UK publishing and education company based in London. Pearson PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange with a secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Pearson VUE runs Pearson’s computer‑based training division in more than 150 countries worldwide.
learndirect Limited is a UK company owned by the private equity group LDC. The target business comprises learndirect’s e‑assessments unit, which supplies computer‑based training services.

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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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