Ares Management Corporation has agreed to acquire 100% of the equity interests in Landmark Partners LLC from global asset management company BrightSphere Investment Group Inc. and the management team of Landmark Partners LLC for $1.08 billion.
Founded in 1989 and acquired by BrightSphere in August of 2016, Landmark manages private equity, real estate and infrastructure secondaries funds totaling $18.7 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2020 with 150 employees across six global offices.
BrightSphere will sell its 60% ownership interest for $690 million and the Landmark management team will sell its 40% ownership interest for $390 million in Landmark to Ares.
”The transaction is valued at $1.08 billion, including approximately $787 million in cash and approximately $293 million in Ares Operating Group Units, in each case subject to certain adjustments,” said Ares in a statement.
In addition to acquiring BrightSphere’s equity interest in Landmark, Ares has also agreed to acquire BrightSphere’s co-investments in Landmark funds, which had a book value of approximately $34 million as of December 31, 2020.
“We are incredibly proud to announce this transaction with Landmark, a pioneer in developing the asset class of private market secondaries,” said Michael Arougheti, Chief Executive Officer and President of Ares.
“We believe secondary investments are only increasing in their appeal to a growing group of investors and we are excited to include these strategies in our comprehensive alternatives offering. We have known Landmark’s leadership team for many years and hold them in high regard for their approach to partnership and demonstrated ability to develop creative, win-win solutions. We look forward to welcoming Frank Borges, Tim Haviland and their colleagues and we expect significant benefits for our investors, employees and other stakeholders from this combination,” he added.
“We are excited to join forces with Ares as we enter this new chapter in Landmark’s history,” said Francisco Borges, Chairman and Managing Partner of Landmark Partners. “Ares’ global platform and significant resources will enhance our combined investment capabilities and my partners and I look forward to driving continued strong performance, transaction structuring innovation and business growth for many years to come. As a reflection of this optimism, I am very pleased that our management team has agreed to accept significant equity in the combined firm.”
“As alternative assets continue to gain share, we believe growth in the secondaries market should also continue to accelerate,” said Timothy Haviland, President and Managing Partner of Landmark Partners. “We are excited to enhance and expand our already strong market position as a new investment group within the broader Ares platform. Our approach and processes are culturally similar to Ares’ and we look forward to building on key sourcing, relative value and structuring advantages as well as unlocking new growth opportunities.”
