Thomas Duffell
.jpg "Colony NorthStar offloads Townsend to Aon")
Listed insurance group, Aon, has agreed to acquire the Cleveland, Ohio-based real assets consultant and multi-manager for $475m.
The leading Australian property group looks at expanding its real asset capabilities with the potential acquisition of the A$14bn infrastructure fund manager.
The current investment environment is considerably uncertain and valuations in many markets are high, meaning returns may be inadequate for the risks being taken, the Singaporean sovereign wealth fund said.
.jpg "NPS’ global investing bolsters alternatives returns")
The world’s third-largest pension fund’s rate of return for FY2016 was 5.74% for domestic alternatives and 12.34% for global alternatives.
%2080%202.jpg "GPIF’s first step is to target ‘gatekeepers’")
The world’s largest pension fund has made public its investment framework, which will see it target gatekeepers and funds of funds, before making co-investments, and ultimately fund investments.
Japanese conglomerate Mitsui is set to acquire 20% of the Los Angeles-headquartered real estate and infrastructure fund management firm.
The Singaporean sovereign wealth fund has teamed up with Unite Students to acquire more than 3,000 beds in Birmingham.
.jpg "Cindat makes first move into US healthcare")
The Beijing-headquartered investment manager has formed a JV with Welltower and Union Life Insurance to invest $930m in a portfolio of senior housing and healthcare assets.
Alternatives growth spiked as traditional equity and fixed income AUM among the largest 500 asset managers declined 7% during 2015, according to fresh research.
The Melbourne-based pension giant currently employs two investment professionals in London with expertise in real estate and infrastructure.