Asia

ASIA - Investors are underestimating the opportunities for Asian local currency bond markets, Legg Mason affiliate Western Asset Management believes.

SOUTH KOREA - National Pension Service, South Korea's biggest investor, said it is in talks to buy into a US oil pipeline to diversify its portfolio.

KOREA/FRANCE - Hammerson has agreed to sell 51% of its interest in a Paris shopping centre to the National Pension Service of Korea (NPS) for €217m ($278m).

NETHERLANDS - Algemene Pensioen Groep NV, which manages about €250bn ($321bn) for the Netherland's largest pension fund, said it plans to increase its real estate investment in Asia as it seeks to benefit from the region's economic growth.

SOUTH KOREA/FRANCE - South Korea's National Pension Service said it plans to buy a 51% stake in a shopping mall near Paris for about 350bn won ($300m), adding to property investments in London and Berlin.

UK/CANADA/ASIA - Standard Life has seen net corporate business inflows increase by 71% in the first half of the year.

Asia/UK - Baring Asset Management has appointed Wayne Shum to the newly created role of head of institutional business for Asia.

US - Blackstone Group LP, the world's biggest private-equity firm, won a $200m commitment for its sixth buyout fund from the Oregon state pension system after agreeing to fee concessions.

JAPAN/UK - Japanese fund house Chuo Mitsui and UK-based Standard Life Investments have partnered to cross-manage funds worth US$2.2bn.

JAPAN - Fund managers have seen assets under management in mandates from Japanese pension schemes jump by 20.2% in the year to March 31.