Ariel Alternatives

Overview

Ariel Alternatives is a private equity firm investing in middle-market, minority-owned businesses across the United States. The firm focuses on taking majority positions in leading B2B companies to sustainably scale and position them as preferred suppliers to Fortune 500 companies. Their investment strategy includes engaging in thematic deal sourcing and investment thesis development, proactively identifying sectors and market trends that align with their strategy and offer compelling investment opportunities. Post-investment, Ariel Alternatives leverages strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 organizations and executives to enhance organic revenue growth for their portfolio companies. The firm's core philosophy centers on scaling businesses while emphasizing sustainable growth and long-term strategic development. Through their ownership, they aim to transform portfolio companies into scaled, Tier 1 suppliers to Fortune 500 companies. As part of their value creation, Ariel Alternatives strives to close the wealth gap by generating jobs and economic growth within underrepresented communities. Ariel Alternatives is a subsidiary of Ariel Investments, LLC, a global value-based asset management firm founded in 1983. As of December 31, 2022, Ariel Investments' firm-wide assets under management totaled approximately $16.2 billion, including $1.35 billion for Ariel Alternatives. The firm serves individual and institutional investors through five no-load mutual funds and nine separate account strategies. Ariel Alternatives' recent activities include the acquisition of Groome Industrial Service Group, a leading provider of specialty maintenance solutions serving power generation, diversified heavy industrial, and municipal end markets. This acquisition reflects the firm's commitment to scaling sustainable, middle-market, minority-owned businesses and fueling Fortune 500 vendor diversity.