Europe

UK - Workers at car manufacturer Land Rover are being balloted on industrial action over a new pay and pensions deal.

UK - The Isle of Man Insurance and Pensions Authority (IPA) has approved over 30 applications in respect of schemes seeking authorisation under its new international retirement benefits schemes legislation.

UK - Investment managers predict a "dramatic" influx of offshore pension fund money back into the UK.

UK - Alternative investment among UK pension funds could reach as much 30% of the total portfolio, according to one industry expert.

UK - British Airways and its pension scheme trustees have challenged the jurisdiction of the ombudsman in dealing with a complaint against them.

UK - Manufacturing firm The Brickbusiness has pledged to increase contributions into its defined contribution scheme after staff threatened to strike.

UK - Charles Beazley is to join Gartmore Investment Management as head of institutional and alternative investments.

FINLAND - Accenture and Meridea Financial Software will lead the initial technology development of a pension administration system for the Finnish Centre for Pensions and a consortium of Finnish pension insurance companies.

EUROPE - Private equity investment in the EU, including both venture capital and buy-out investments, increased slightly in 2002 compared to the previous year, but failed to reach the record highs of 2000.

UK - Hewitt Bacon & Woodrow has overhauled its management structure following the departure of managing director, Richard Moore.