The Blackstone Group has raised $3.0 billion for its first fund that focuses exclusively on Asia Pacific investment.

Energy Capital Partners has launched a third fund, Energy Capital Partners III, with a $3.4 billion fundraising goal, according to a filing with the SEC.

Steve Walker has plans to retire as senior vice president and managing director at Hunt Investment Management, effective Jan. 1, 2014.

DRA Advisors has raised $774.3 million for DRA Growth & Income Fund VIII, according to a filing with the SEC.

Equus Capital Partners has held a $309.8 million final close for its ninth fund, BPG Investment Partnership IX, according to a filing with the SEC.

DivcoWest has raised approximately $599.3 million for its recently launched fourth fund, according to a filing with the SEC.

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas has committed $434.6 million to Europe-focused funds.

Ethika Investments has pushed back the final closing of Ethika Diversified Opportunity Real Estate Fund and will continue raising capital until June 2014.

The $49.4 billion Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System has committed $275 million to noncore real estate, as confirmed by board documents released this month.

The largest completed transactions included two office properties in Chicago and Massachusetts.

At a recent board meeting, the Florida State Board of Administration voted to up its target allocation to real estate from 7 percent to 10 percent.

The $15 billion Kentucky Retirement System has approved three commitments to three separate real estate funds, reaching its target allocation to the asset class.

Harbert Management Corp. has raised approximately $110 million of the $300 million it is seeking for its latest real estate fund.

Publishing company Scholastic Corp. has agreed to pay $255 million for its headquarters building at 555 Broadway in the SoHo area of Manhattan, according to a Form 8-K.

The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association has approved a €100 million ($137 million) commitment to the Prologis Targeted Europe Logistics Fund.