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]