North America

The aggregate deficit of S&P 1500 pension plans increased by $134bn in September, reaching a "post-World War II high", Mercer claims.

CANADA/US - The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in Flexera Software.

US - Acadian Asset Management has named Ronald Frashure chairman and Churchill Franklin, chief executive, after a restructure of the firm's top ranks.

CANADA/US - Canada Pension Plan Investment Board CPPIB) has entered a joint venture with General Growth Properties to acquire a stake in two US shopping malls.

CANADA - The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) has signed up to the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment Initiative (PRI).

US/CANADA - McGraw-Hill, owner of ratings agency Standard & Poor's, has agreed to divide itself into two separate entities following demands from shareholders including the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

CANADA - The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec has invested C$200m ($201m) in local insurer Industrial Alliance, Insurance and Financial Services as part of its strategy to invest more heavily in Québec-based companies.

GLOBAL - Have you missed the biggest stories in pensions this week? Find out below, as we list the top 10 most popular stories on www.globalpensions.com over the past seven days.

US - Private equity giant Carlyle Group has confirmed its plans to go public.

GERMANY/US - German insurer Allianz has announced a restructure of its asset management business that gives subsidiary PIMCO, the world's largest bond manager, more freedom around distribution of its products.