Running with the BIG DOGS

It invests in government and corporate bonds. It invests in stock markets, including the fast-growing economies of China and India. It also buys real estate and infrastructure and is a mover and shaker in private equity deals, buying up majority stakes in industry-leading firms such as Skype, one of the world's largest voice-over-Internet protocol software providers (VoIP).

"This is part of our accountability framework, and every two years we go across the country and hold a public meeting in each of the provinces," says Ian Dale, vice-president of communications and stakeholder relations with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).

-- The CPP Fund acquired the Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group for $2.1 billion. The company owns infrastructure assets in Australia and the U.K. and was purchased for its strong cash flows, states the CPPIB 2010 summary report.

-- The fund provided debt financing to General Atlantic LLC and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. for a leveraged buyout of Northrop Grumman Corp.'s TASC Division, which provides IT solutions for government and business. The buyout was a $1.6-billion deal.