Northamptonshire Pension Fund Invests in Iconic Companies to Fund Pensions

Strategic Insights -

Over 45,000 people in Northamptonshire are reliant on the investments of companies such as Walt Disney, Nintendo, and McDonald's to fund their pensions, according to new figures. The Northamptonshire Local Government Pension Fund has invested in a list of 414 companies, including notable brands like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Pepsico. The pension fund, which manages contributions from public sector employers in the county, has invested a significant amount in these iconic companies, with nearly £1 million invested in McDonald's alone.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Northamptonshire Local Government Pension Fund has invested in 414 companies, including iconic brands like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Pepsico.
  • The largest investment is in UBS Asset Management Company, worth over £176 million, followed by BP (£28.6 million) and Vodafone (£28.1 million).
  • More than £9 million has been invested in tobacco companies, including British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Lorillard, and Imperial Tobacco.
  • The pension fund has 18,672 active contributors, 12,240 pensioners, and 15,358 with deferred pensions.
  • The fund is currently £445 million in deficit but aims to recover this through increased member payments over the next 20 years.
  • The "Statement of Investment Principles" allows fund managers to use their discretion when considering social, environmental, and ethical factors in investment decisions.

Statistics:

  • £1 million invested in McDonald's
  • £500,000 invested in Starbucks
  • £700,000 invested in Pepsico
  • £2.3 million invested in Walt Disney
  • £1.7 million invested in eBay
  • £1 million invested in Google
  • £2.6 million invested in Nestle
  • £9 million invested in tobacco companies
  • £5.2 million invested in British American Tobacco
  • £3 million invested in Japan Tobacco
  • £700,000 invested in Lorillard
  • £422,000 invested in Imperial Tobacco
  • £176 million invested in UBS Asset Management Company
  • £28.6 million invested in BP
  • £28.1 million invested in Vodafone
  • 45,000 people relying on pension fund investments
  • 18,672 active contributors
  • 12,240 pensioners
  • 15,358 deferred pensioners
  • £445 million in pension fund deficit

Sources:

  • Northampton Chronicle & Echo
  • Freedom of Information request
  • Northamptonshire Local Government Pension Fund's "Statement of Investment Principles"
  • Sources cited in the original article