Essex Regional Retirement System , Danvers, Mass., hired MFS...

Essex Regional Retirement System, Danvers, Mass., hired MFS Investment Management to handle $34 million in active domestic core-plus fixed income, said Timothy A. Bassett, chairman of the $228 million pension fund. The assets were run in a similar style by State Street Research & Management; an RFP was issued after BlackRock acquired the firm in January, Mr. Bassett said. BlackRock was among 34 firms that responded to the RFP, he added. Segal Advisors assisted.