Newsmakers

University of Texas Enjoys Robust Returns

The five endowment funds of the University of Texas -- which total more than $20 billion -- have enjoyed returns of about 20% for the 12 months ended June 30.

United Continental Begins Hefty Payback to PBGC

United Continental Holdings Inc., the parent of United Airlines, is set to begin making its first payment to the PBGC, repaying up to $500 million in eight equal installments of $62.5 million.

S&P Announces Potential Downgrade of US Bonds

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s announced yesterday that it may downgrade US Treasury bonds from their current AAA rating if the large-looming debt ceiling problem is not resolved.

Two Canadian Pension Funds Team With Buyout Firm in LBO

In an uncommon partnership, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board of Canada joined together with buyout firm Apax Partners in a leveraged buyout of Kinetic Concepts Inc.

UK Public Pension Liabilities on the Upswing

Britain's Office for Budget Responsibility has revealed that the total liabilities for the pensions of teachers, policemen and civil servants totals £1.13 trillion.

PIMCO Snags Harvard Talent

Pacific Investment Management Co., the manager of the world’s biggest bond fund, has hired John Devir for its credit-analyst team -- after he accepted a position as a managing director at Harvard University’s $27.6 billion endowment.