Bloomberg has reported that Ares Management Corp. is set to acquire GLP Capital Partners Ltd.’s operations outside of China in what could be a major deal in the alternative asset management industry. The announcement of this transaction is expected to be made soon, according to sources familiar with the matter who asked to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the discussions.
The deal involves a significant upfront payment of around $3.5 billion, with the total value potentially climbing to $5 billion over time if certain targets are met. GLP Capital Partners, known as GCP, manages approximately $66 billion in assets outside of China, with a presence in Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, the US, and Brazil. Ares Management’s CFO, Jarrod Phillips, has expressed interest in growing the firm’s presence in Asia through acquisitions and expanding in infrastructure equity.
Alternative asset managers are increasingly seeking mergers to increase their scale and diversify into new sectors and regions, transforming into comprehensive providers offering a range of investment strategies. This potential deal would enhance Ares’s position in the infrastructure sector, such as data centers and renewable energy, aligning with investor interest in these areas to capitalize on the anticipated growth in artificial intelligence.
Historically, GCP has focused on investments in real estate related to logistics, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy. The firm originated from GLP Pte, a Singapore-based warehouse developer and operator benefiting from the surge in e-commerce. GLP expanded into fund management to invest third-party capital in the sector, leading to the formation of GLP Capital Partners through a series of transactions in 2022.
In conclusion, the agreement between Ares Management Corp. and GLP Capital Partners Ltd. outside of China represents a significant move in the alternative asset management industry, with the potential for substantial growth and expansion into key sectors. As the competition in the market intensifies, mergers like this allow firms to consolidate their positions and offer diverse investment opportunities to clients. The growing demand for infrastructure investments, particularly in data centers and renewable energy, underscores the strategic direction of this deal and the focus on future growth and profitability. Stay tuned for more industry news and analysis on DeFi Daily News!