Carne Global Financial Services has acquired Aontas Consultants, a specialist in fund marketing and distribution services to investment management companies.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

John Hamrock, founder of Aontas Consultants, who was previously head of State Street Global Advisors Fund Solutions team responsible for fund distribution and sub-advisory mandates, will join Carne as Senior Consultant.  Prior to State Street Hamrock established Federated Investors' <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Dublin fund management subsidiary, successfully building its offshore fund business.

"We are delighted to incorporate Aontas Consultants into Carne and to bring John Hamrock on board to help our customers in developing their European and global distribution efforts," said John Donohoe, Carne CEO.

"Through the Aontas and Carne amalgamation, I am excited about the