Hewlett-Packard Co., Palo, Alto, Calif., is taking steps to make its non-U.S. pension plans more efficient. For its European funds, the company is attempting to set up a vehicle for investing in U.S. equities. Other investment pools could be created for the foreign funds if the U.S. equities pool is successful.
Also, at the request of H-P's Japanese fund, the company is stepping up its consulting activity with the fund. The Japanese fund, which has been a heavy user of insurance contracts, would like to take advantage of new pension deregulation measures by using more specialized managers.
The efforts are being led by Jean-Claude Gauthier, H-P's global benefits financing manager.
