The $245 billion California Public Employees' Retirement System has allocated $546 million to Standard Life Investments (Private Equity) Limited, which invests in small- to middle-market buyout funds in Europe via the European Strategic Partners-Golden Bear Europe Fund.

“Our new partner offers us unique access to the premier managers and co-investment opportunities in Europe, leveraging SLIPE’s strong relationships and proven track record,” said CalPERS Chief Investment Officer Russell Read. “We have a particular need for a partner who will focus exclusively on Small to Middle market European private equity.”

Edinburgh, Scotland-based Standard Life is globally ranked by Watson Wyatt as the sixth largest manager of p.e. funds of funds for pension plans.