Regions

GLOBAL - US-based Milliman Global has added Dutch employee benefits consultancy HV&P to its roster.

GLOBAL - BlackRock has made five additions to its board of directors, having last week completing its merger with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM).

GLOBAL - DB pension buy-outs are an extreme solution, and companies should address each of their risks individually as some could be beneficial to keep, said Anthony Ashton, an investment consultant with Hewitt.

EUROPE - San Diego-based equity boutique Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management has four new funded products in the incubator which represent an extension of its long-only offering.

GLOBAL - Gartmore today announced the completion of its MBO from Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, backed by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman (H&F).

GLOBAL - The massive losses incurred by Amaranth Advisors has not triggered a hedge fund sell off from large pension funds.

NIGERIA - Pension fund administrators have called on the National Pensions Commission to launch an awareness campaign on pensions because a large number of the population are still unaware of the changes the 2004 reform brought about.

EUROPE - The Bear Stearns Companies has appointed Michel Péretié (pictured) to the newly-created position of European CEO, and said further appointments were imminent as the firm seeks to increase its European focus.

GLOBAL - Baring Asset Management has appointed Scottish Widows Investment Partnership's Tim Scholefield to the newly-created position of global equities head as it seeks to better target US pension funds.

GLOBAL - Mercer Investment Consulting is set to expand its research of alternative investments on the back of increased demand from institutional clients.