Connecticut Retirement Plans & Trust Funds, Hartford, made four new commitments totaling nearly $200 million.
Shawn T. Wooden, state treasurer and principal fiduciary of the $40 billion state pension system, announced at the state's investment advisory council Wednesday his decision to commit $100 million to the BlackRock Global Renewable Power Fund III, an infrastructure fund targeting climate-oriented assets with a focus on energy storage, renewable power generation and distribution; and $50 million to Rubicon First Ascent, a real estate fund managed by Rubicon Point Partners that targets office opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.
Mr. Wooden also announced his decision to commit $38 million to Icon Partners II and $11.5 million to Icon Partners III, private equity funds run by Clearlake Capital Group.
In addition, the state treasurer decided to hire K2 Advisors as the fund's hedge fund risk mitigating strategy investment consultant.
BlackRock Alternative Advisors and RockCreek Group were the other finalists interviewed.
Finally, Mr. Wooden told the council that he is considering committing to two value-added real estate funds: $100 million to Mesirow Financial Real Estate Value Fund IV, which targets multifamily investment opportunities in the U.S.; and $50 million to Penzance DC Real Estate Fund II, a fund managed by Penzance Properties focused on assets in the Greater-Washington area.
The timeframe for making the commitments were not disclosed.
