Ares Management Corp Dossier
Qualitative Analysis
Business overview
Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure asset classes. Founded in 1997, the firm operates a highly collaborative, multi-asset platform designed to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of March 31, 2026, Ares managed approximately $644 billion in assets under management (AUM) and employed around 4,400 professionals operating across North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. The firm's largest segment is its Credit Group, which has established Ares as a global powerhouse in the rapidly growing private credit and direct lending markets.
Research as of 29 Jul 2026
Strategic Initiatives
Growth programs, investments, and their expected impact
Expanding access to private market investments for individual wealth management clients. This includes launching retail-focused versions of institutional strategies, such as the Sports, Media, and Entertainment strategy.
Expected impact: Aims to scale wealth-channel assets under management (AUM) to $125 billion by 2028.
A data-driven emissions measurement and decarbonization initiative launched in partnership with Watershed to engage portfolio companies in emissions monitoring and reduction goals.
Expected impact: Expanded carbon footprint coverage from 35% to 82% of the portfolio, establishing a foundation for third-party verification and streamlined investor reporting.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships
Recent deals and strategic collaborations
Recent Acquisitions
Acquisition of a London-based scientific active fixed income investment manager to enhance Ares' quantitative investment capabilities.
Financial impact: Added approximately $5.5 billion of assets under management (AUM) to the Ares Credit Group.
Acquisition of a Houston-based commercial real estate investment firm to expand Ares' real estate footprint and retail portfolio.
Financial impact: Take-private acquisition of a 54-property retail portfolio.
Strategic Partnerships
High
Terms: To connect institutional-grade private market investment opportunities with private wealth investors, streamlining the investment journey and lowering barriers to entry [1.4.1].
Medium
Terms: Ares Management Private Equity funds signed a definitive agreement to acquire a significant minority stake in EP Wealth, providing growth capital and strategic support.