The US-based asset management firm Ares Management is significantly deepening its commitment to the European market. A dual-pronged strategy, involving a new credit vehicle and a planned specialized fund, targets key growth areas within the region’s private markets. This move highlights a calculated expansion beyond its domestic base.
Strong Platform Growth and Shareholder Returns
This European push coincides with a period of substantial growth for Ares Management’s overall platform. The company confirmed earlier this month that its assets under management (AUM) reached nearly $623 billion by the close of 2025. This milestone was driven by record levels of capital raising and investment activity throughout the previous year.
Bolstered by rising fee-related earnings, the company’s board recently authorized a 20% increase in the quarterly cash dividend. The payout will now be $1.35 per share. Shareholders will have a key opportunity to engage with leadership at the annual general meeting scheduled for June 8, 2026.
Launch of a Second European Direct Lending CLO
In a key step for its credit business, Ares Management announced the pricing of its second European Direct Lending Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO). The “Ares European Direct Lending CLO II” has a total volume exceeding €300 million.
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The portfolio is comprised entirely of actively managed loans originated directly by Ares. These funds are channeled to more than 70 mid-sized companies, predominantly based in Western Europe. This marks the second such vehicle launched in under twelve months, underscoring a strategic focus on Europe’s private credit landscape.
Adapting a US Strategy for European Private Wealth
Separately, the firm has revealed plans to introduce a dedicated Sports, Media, and Entertainment fund aimed at European high-net-worth individuals. This initiative adapts a strategy successfully launched in the United States in June 2025.
The planned fund will provide both debt and equity financing to sports leagues, individual teams, and media-related businesses. This approach effectively opens institutional investment strategies to private capital sources in Europe. By the end of 2025, Ares already managed approximately $589 million in this segment across 106 portfolio companies.
The success of this European offensive now hinges on execution. A primary focus will be the speed at which the new sports-focused fund can attract capital from private investors across the continent.
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