Mark Affolter

Overview

As a Partner and Co-Head of U.S. Direct Lending at Ares Management, Mark Affolter plays a pivotal role in overseeing the firm's direct lending operations. He is also a member of the Ares Credit Group's U.S. Direct Lending Investment Committee and co-leads the Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment strategy. In this capacity, he serves on the investment committees for various sports and entertainment assets, including Atletico de Madrid, Eagle Football Holdings, RWD Molenbeek, Olympique Lyonnais, and Botafogo football clubs. Prior to joining Ares in 2008, Mr. Affolter was a Managing Director at CIT, focusing on building its sponsor finance business. He also served as a Senior Managing Director at GE Capital in its sponsor finance business and as a Senior Vice President at Heller Financial, leading its mezzanine finance business in corporate finance. Mr. Affolter holds an A.B. from Washington University in Economics and serves on its Regional Committee. He is based in New York, New York. Under Mr. Affolter's leadership, Ares Management has made significant investments in the sports, media, and entertainment sectors. The firm has invested in various sports assets, including a stake in Eagle Football Holdings, which owns Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais. Ares also invested $500 million into Chelsea FC and participated in the $1.85 billion private financing behind Legends' purchase of ASM Global. These investments reflect Ares' commitment to providing flexible capital solutions in the sports and entertainment industries. Mr. Affolter's extensive experience in direct lending and his strategic role in Ares' sports and entertainment investments underscore his significant influence in the financial and sports sectors. His leadership continues to drive Ares Management's growth and diversification in these dynamic industries.

Investment Focus

• Established companies with strong financial performance
• Opportunities in growth, buyout, and distressed stages
• Assets in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, Hong Kong
• Investments in technology, healthcare, consumer goods, energy, financial services, telecommunications, media, entertainment, real estate, infrastructure, retail, transportation, education, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors

Portfolio Companies