SOME 90% of UK companies with a defined benefit pension scheme are worried about its impact on their business, PricewaterhouseCoopers fourth annual pensions survey reveals.

BUCK CONSULTANTS has appointed Sean Gilfeather to lead its business development in Scotland.

US - Equity allocations in 401(k) schemes hit an historic low of just above 50% of portfolios in January, Hewitt Associates analysis reveals.

THE Universities Superannuation Scheme has backed the publication of guidelines for responsible investment by the US Private Equity Council.

UK - The £1bn (US$1.47bn) Oxfordshire County Council pension fund has appointed Peter Davies as independent adviser to the scheme.

CANADA - The five unions representing Air Canada workers are calling on the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to force ACE Aviation Holdings to fund Air Canada's pension plan before being permitted to wind-up the holding company....

Pension funds have huge and unrealised potential to influence the corporate governance of the companies they invest in, Hermes Equity Ownership Services chief executive Colin Melvin claims.

GLOBAL - The US Private Equity Council has launched a set of comprehensive responsible investment guidelines its members will apply prior to investing in companies and during their period of ownership.

NETHERLANDS - Financial consultant bfinance has appointed Frans Verhaar to lead its expansion into the Netherlands.

Myners calls on shareholders to challenge reward cultures; Madoff agrees not to contest Ponzi civil charges; Bullion sales hit record; Brown under pressure to scrap part sale of Royal Mail