Europe

US/EUROPE - A US court ruling could herald a massive shake-up for the private equity sector, industry experts believe.

UK/AUSTRALIA - UK government hopes of sustaining a voluntary pension system are "inherently flawed", a leading Australian politician claims.

UK - F&C Management is to combine its US and global equity research desks.

UK - Councils are selling properties - including flats and buildings leased to charities - to plug massive pension scheme deficits.

UK - Bank workers' union Unifi is urging Royal Bank of Scotland to settle its dispute over clawback ahead of a tribunal.

EUROPE - European markets will remain volatile this year but should also show real signs of recovery, Govett Investments believes.

UK - MNPA - a subsidiary of the £2.9bn Merchant Navy Officers' Pension Fund - has appointed John Finan and John Edler as non-executive directors.

UK - IPN's sister title Professional Pensions is launching a new pension industry diary service.

UK - Majedie Asset Management has launched a range of UK equity funds for pension funds and charities.

UK - The £1.1bn John Lewis Partnership Trust for Pensions has appointed Isis Asset Management to provide SRI overlay for a £400m index equities mandate.