Inland is contributing eight centers to the deal, and NYSTRS will put $50 million toward the transaction. Inland officials say they will add $100 million to purchase more centers if needed.

"Our partnership with NYSTRS will enable us to further diversify our capital resources, and will allow us to enhance our growth by expanding our core strategy of acquiring high-quality shopping centers in infill Midwest markets," says Mark Zalarotis, Inland Real Estate Corp.'s COO, in a statement.

Inland Real Estate Corp., based here, is owned by the Inland Group of Cos. and operates 139 centers in the Midwest. The Inland Group also owns two other shopping center investment trusts that own centers on the West and East coasts.