The private equity firm increased cash salaries and wages by 25% in 2010 and reduced the amount paid through employee benefit trusts, ahead of government moves to change the tax status of the vehicle, according to accounts filed earlier this month.

The accounts for Cinven Limited -- the principal operating subsidiary of the pan European private equity firm -- filed at Companies House show that the group's overall wage bill and staffing levels stayed broadly static, with 80 employees receiving about £12m, but its distribution methods changed sharply.