Irelands National Pensions Reserve Fund, Dublin, hired William M. Mercer as an investment strategy consultant. The 7 billion euro ($6.25 billion) plan also expects to hire another consultant to advise on hiring a global custodian, said Deborah Reidy, the funds head of investment manager selection. The fund has two finalists, and a decision is expected within the next few days. Paul Sullivan, director for risk and financial management for the fund, could not be reached for comment by press time.
The fund also in late June will begin a search for a consultant to assist in investment management research, once the asset allocation has been determined.
Manager searches are likely to result, but not until late September or early October, added Ms. Reidy.