EUROPE - Scandinavian institutional investors are looking to award $230m (€167m) worth of corporate bond mandates, using IPE Quest.

In the first search, QN1205, a Scandinavian insurance company is looking to invest $150m in the US corporate bond market, with the investment-grade fixed income rated between AAA and BBB by ratings agencies.

It asks that asset managers employ an active investment style, with the Barclays Capital Global Aggregate US credit bond index applied as a benchmark. However, it stresses that a non-benchmark orientated manager is preferable.

Companies interested in applying should have at least $1bn of assets in similar mandates, with at least $3bn total assets under management.

Additionally, a track record of three years is required, with five years of trading experience preferred.

Interested parties should apply by 6 October, stating investment performance net of fees until the end of June.

The second search, QN1206, seeks to invest $70m in euro-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds, with desired ratings again ranging from AAA to BBB.

Again conducted by a Scandinavian insurance company, managers should employ an active, non-benchmark orientated approach, with the Barclays Capital Aggregate euro corporate index selected as benchmark.

Interested parties are requested to have 3-5 years of trading experience, with $2bn in assets under management at the company and half of this in a portfolio reflecting the investor's desired portfolio.

All applications should be submitted by 5 October, stating performance net of fees until the end of June.

Finally, EIRGrid - Ireland's state-owned electricity grid operator - has awarded a four-year contract for pension consultancy, actuarial and administration services to Willis Ireland.

The contract, for which five providers applied, was first put out to tender by the utilities company in early December last year.

The IPE.com news team is unable to answer any further questions about IPE Quest tender notices to protect the interests of clients conducting the search. To obtain information direct from IPE Quest, please contact Jayna Vishram on +44 (0) 20 7261 4630 or email jayna.vishram@ipe-quest.com.