Ares Management Raises €30 Billion for Fund

Ares Management has successfully raised €30 billion for its European direct lending strategy, marking the largest fundraise in the firm's history for this asset class. The latest fund, Ares Capital Europe VI (ACE VI), closed with commitments of €17.1 billion, exceeding its €15 billion target and reaching its hard cap. This record-breaking total reflects growing investor demand for private lending as traditional banks pull back from middle-market financing. Ares plans to deploy the capital across diverse industries, focusing on customized loan structures for businesses facing financial challenges. The firm’s strong track record and expertise in private credit markets have attracted a diverse global investor base, including sovereign wealth funds and pension plans. With this fundraise, Ares reinforces its leadership position in the private credit sector, addressing increasing borrower demand for flexible financing solutions.