Europe

UK - Local authorities could save up to £850m annually under proposals to increase the normal retirement age in local government pension schemes to 65.

UK - Hundreds of bus company workers are set to strike over the closure of their final salary scheme to new members.

UK - Consultants have dubbed government proposals that schemes can pay for increased member protection costs through a return to equities as "farcical" and "actuarial mumbo jumbo".

UK - Malcolm Wicks has been appointed as pensions minister in the latest government reshuffle - the sixth since 1997.

UK/EUROPE - American Express Financial Advisors has acquired Threadneedle Asset Management for £340m (US$570m/e488m) as the former eyes opportunities in Europe in light of pension reforms.

UK/EUROPE - American Express Financial Advisors has acquired Threadneedle Asset Management for £340m (US$570m/e488m) as the former eyes opportunities in Europe in light of pension reforms.

UK - The £670m Bedfordshire County Council Pension Fund is looking to hire a replacement actuary.

UK - Scottish Life Administration Services has appointed Kevin Smith as head of operations.

FRANCE - CGT, France's biggest and most militant trade union, has hit back at claims that public support for its fight against pension reform is waning as strikes threaten to cripple the country again today.

UK - Firefighters have told the government that they will fight any attempts to either increase the retirement age or cut their pension benefits.