Core Insights - Ares Management Corporation has acquired 100% equity interests in Meade Pipeline Co LLC for approximately $1.1 billion, enhancing its energy infrastructure portfolio [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves Meade Pipeline, which owns about 40% of the Central Penn Line, a 180-mile pipeline regulated by FERC that transports natural gas from the Marcellus and Utica Shale regions to various demand centers [2][3] - The Central Penn Line has a gross capacity of approximately 2.3 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/day) and began operations in 2018, with an expansion completed in 2022 [2] Group 2: Strategic Rationale - Ares Infrastructure Opportunities aims to invest in critical infrastructure that provides access to reliable and cost-competitive energy, with this acquisition diversifying its energy asset portfolio [3] - The investment is driven by increasing demand for power due to factors such as electrification, industrial activity, and rising LNG exports [4] Group 3: Financial Advisory - Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Wells Fargo acted as financial advisors to Ares in this transaction, while J.P. Morgan served as the financial advisor to XPLR Infrastructure [4]

“The addition of Forge First will expand our capabilities in this important segment and serve as an excellent complement to our existing lineup of liquid alternatives and private markets funds,” Marc-André Lewis, president and chief investment officer of CI GAM, said in a release.He added that the Forge First team has “an impressive track record of results” in the alternatives space, with a strong focus on risk management that has paid off during market downturns.The terms of the transaction, expected to cl ...