Mumbai, Oct 19 (IANS): Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors (EAAA), part of Edelweiss Asset Management (EAM) on Monday announced the final close of its $900 million (around Rs 6,600 crore) alternative investment fund -- ESOF III.

In a statement, the company said that the fundraise amid subdued economic climate, is a strong endorsement of the opportunities in the Indian alternative asset management space, as well as the robust and unique private debt platform of EAM.

The third in the Special Opportunities Series, ESOF III was launched with an investment mandate centered around the performing credit space with a focus on providing structured credit to Indian companies.

The ESOF III strategy has generated strong investor interest and has received commitments from marquee global institutional investors, which include recent investments by the Canadian Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board, Florida's State Board of Administration, Swedish Pension Fund - AP4 and a European Insurance Investor, among others, the statement said.

Rashesh Shah, Chairman and CEO, Edelweiss Group said, "The overwhelming response we've received for ESOF III is testament to India's growth potential and investors' strong confidence in the Edelweiss private debt platform."

He observed that banks and mutual funds have been receding from the structured credit space in line with global trends and the current dislocation has further accentuated the need for long-term flexible capital.

"This presents a huge opportunity for private debt players and it's reassuring to note that the present market environment has not deterred investors who are keen to participate in India's long-term growth story," Shah said.