AEGON is to offer schemes a new funding solution that combines traditional investments and deferred annuities.

Germany- The Conservatives and Social Democrats have proposed lowering the value of state pensions as well as increasing the retirement age and the statutory contribution.

US - New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi - responsible for managing the state's pension funds - could be removed from office after he was accused of using a state employee to chauffeur his wife for over three years.

CAMBRIDGE University Press - the world's oldest printing company - is threatening to close unless staff members accept changes to pension plans.

HENDERSON Group has failed in its bid to buy construction company and infrastructure operator John Laing.

ASPEN ACTUARIES and Pension Consultants has appointed Malcolm Pearce as managing director from November 1, 2006 following John Hough's appointment as chairman.

EUROPE - The EU directive to enhance shareholders' rights is due to be agreed early next year, said Pierre Delsaux, director general of internal market and services at the European Commission.

US - The California Public Employees' Retirement System has committed a further US$400m to Centinela Capital Partners, which will oversee a new private equity fund of funds for emerging managers.

RETIREMENT incomes could be sliced in half if advisers recommending drawdown fail to ensure clients of all the associated risks, warns Rowanmoor Pensions.

UK - Gartmore has increased its focus on global emerging markets with two new hires as it aims to target the consumer and information technology sectors in these areas.