Europe

DENMARK - ATP has entered into the first of a planned series of property investments throughout Europe by investing EUR50m into the Euro Growth II property fund managed by LaSalle Investment Management.

UK - In anticipation of the Budget Statement next week, Tim Keogh, European Partner at Mercer Human Resource Consulting, has commented on quick wins for the Chancellor to improve UK pension provision.

UK - State Street global Advisors has announced that it has received recognition from the Financial Services Authority for its family of European streetTRACKS Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) based on MSCI sector indices.

UK/EUROPE - Barclays Global Investors (BGI) has appointed Jagdeep Bains as head of transition portfolio management.

UK - Consulting actuaries Punter Southall has recruited Graeme Muir, an actuarial adviser to local authority pension schemes, as a principal of the firm with effect from April 9, 2002.

UK - A potential landmark case on pension surplus distribution - which is currently before the ombudsman - has moved a step closer to completion.

UK - SEI is urging Alan Pickering's simplification review to put forward radical changes in the way defined benefit schemes are structured.

UK - Legal & General (L&G) Investment Management has posted a first quarter new business result of just over £3bn, eight percent down from the same time last year.

NORDIC - Mercer Investment Consulting has appointed Skandia fund manager Hanne Hother as a senior investment consultant.

EUROPE - Liberty Ermitage and Finaltis have today announced the launch of the Japan Absolute Fund, a Luxembourg SICAV, seeded with capital from both Groups and to be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.