NEW YORK — Ares Management Corporation has announced the final close of its inaugural data center-focused investment fund, Japan DC Partners I LP, with approximately $2.4 billion (¥350 billion) in equity commitments.
The fund marks Ares’ first vehicle dedicated to data center development and positions the firm among the largest investors in Japan’s fast-growing digital infrastructure sector.
The fund’s capital will be deployed toward the development of three hyperscale data center campuses in Greater Tokyo, collectively expected to provide nearly 240 megawatts of IT load.
These facilities will incorporate renewable energy solutions and advanced water-efficient cooling systems, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability in infrastructure development.
Development and operations will be handled by Ada Infrastructure, Ares’ vertically integrated global data center platform formed through its acquisition of GCP International.
Supported by a 70-member team, Ada brings extensive experience in executing large-scale, complex data center projects.
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) has committed roughly US$1.3 billion (¥193 billion) to the fund, accounting for more than half of the total capital.
Other major backers include Singapore-based GLP Pte Ltd, which retains exposure to digital infrastructure assets globally and previously held a significant stake in GCP International.
Ares expects continued investment opportunities in Japan’s data center market as artificial intelligence and cloud computing fuel rising demand for low-latency data processing.
The firm’s established logistics real estate platform in Japan has provided access to land sourcing and key stakeholder partnerships, enhancing its ability to scale in this space.
The closing of Japan DC Partners I LP comes as part of Ares’ broader strategy to integrate its digital and climate infrastructure capabilities, aligning with increasing global investor appetite for resilient, technology-driven real assets.
Ares currently manages approximately US$546 billion in assets across credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure.
Business News Asia