LONDON - 14 October 2026 - Statera Energy ("Statera"), a UK-based developer and operator of energy storage and flexible generation, announced today that Ares Infrastructure Equity funds ("Ares"), affiliates of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager, have acquired a significant minority stake in its operational portfolio. The transaction marks the first investment made by Ares Infrastructure Equity in Europe. Financial terms were not disclosed. The investment represents one of the largest transactions of its kind in the European flexibility market to date.

The portfolio is comprised of approximately 1.9GW of storage and flexible generation assets across the UK. This includes the 680MW Carrington Storage project in Greater Manchester and the 750MW Thurrock Flexible Generation project in Essex. Statera will continue to own, operate and manage the portfolio, with Ares joining as a long-term investment partner.

Ares' investment reflects its continued commitment to the energy transition and provides significant additional capital to support Statera's next phase of growth. Statera will continue advancing its 16GW development pipeline, helping deliver the flexible infrastructure needed to balance an increasingly renewables-led electricity system.

Tom Vernon, Chief Executive Officer of Statera, said:

"Ares is one of the world's leading investors, and its choice of Statera's portfolio for its first infrastructure equity investment in Europe is an endorsement of our assets and capability as a business. The capital supports our plan to deliver 7GW of flexible capacity by 2030. We look forward to working with Ares as we continue to build and operate the flexible assets needed for a secure and affordable electricity system in the UK and across Europe."

Keith Derman, Partner and Head of Infrastructure Equity at Ares, said:

"We are excited to partner with Statera to further develop and unlock incremental value from this high-quality portfolio. This investment underscores our conviction in energy transition infrastructure and reflects our belief in the critical role these assets will play in supporting the UK's evolving energy system. We look forward to working closely with Tom and the Statera team in this new chapter."

Ares Infrastructure is a leading platform focused on energy transition, digital infrastructure, sustainable infrastructure, midstream and utilities. With roughly $15 billion deployed across over 60 investments and a seasoned team averaging 22 years' experience, Ares invests in essential, quality infrastructure assets with durable cash flows and competitive advantages. As of June 30, 2026, the Ares Infrastructure business had $29.9 billion of AUM, with over 130 investment professionals across the globe.

Macquarie Capital are acting as financial adviser to Statera Energy on the transaction, with Paul, Weiss serving as transaction counsel and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP as due diligence counsel. KPMG served as financial and tax adviser to Ares, with DLA Piper and Baringa serving as legal and commercial advisers, respectively.

About Statera Energy

Statera Energy is a UK-based energy company that develops, owns, and operates flexible generation, battery storage and pumped storage hydro projects. These assets will help the UK build more renewable energy, more quickly, by providing the flexible capacity needed to balance the future grid whilst lowering carbon emissions and delivering best value for energy users. Statera has 2.2GW of assets delivered or under construction and plans to deliver 7GW of flexibility assets by 2030 with a total pipeline of over 16GW. For more information visit www.stateraenergy.co.uk.

About Ares Management Corporation

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to advance our stakeholders' long-term goals by providing flexible capital that supports businesses and creates value for our investors and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of June 30, 2026, Ares Management Corporation's global platform had over $671 billion of assets under management, with operations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.ares.com.

Media Contact

Statera Energy
Imogen Aubrey
[email protected]

Ares
Giles Bethule | Emelia Rice
[email protected]