Multi-manager

UK - Aberdeen has acquired £13.5bn (US$21.6bn) of long-only multi-manager and fund of hedge fund assets from RBS Asset Management for £84.7m.

While considered a good way for smaller funds to diversify, the reputation of multi-manager strategies has been tarnished, as Andrew Sheen reports

Investment Solutions has launched a fiduciary management service targeting small and medium sized firms.

Multi-manager strategies have allowed smaller pension funds to diversify their investments through a broad range of asset classes, but have often been criticised for their lack of transparency. Andrew Sheen weighs up the pros and cons of this approach...

UK/GLOBAL - Any deal to sell Barclays Global Investors would lead to further industry consolidation, consultants say.

Investment Solutions has hired Emma Jackson as a defined contribution customer relationship manager in a bid to expand its offering.

The £1.4bn Avon Pension Fund has hired Partners Group and Schroders to manage a property mandate worth approximately £180m.

UK - The £1.4bn Avon Pension Fund has hired Partners Group and Schroders to manage a property mandate worth approximately £180m.

FRANCE - BNP Paribas has backtracked on a statement made Wednesday by Michel Anastassiades, global chief executive of subsidiary FundQuest, about the state of negotiations over the Fortis acquisition.

FRANCE- BNP Paribas believes Fortis shareholders who blocked its acquisition of the troubled bank have changed their stance and BNP will be able to successfully negotiate a deal by the March 6 deadline.