DLA Piper advises Ares on strategic stake in Statera

DLA Piper has advised Ares Infrastructure Equity funds (affiliates of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES)) on the acquisition of a significant minority stake in Statera Energy (Statera), a UK-based developer and operator of energy storage and flexible generation. The transaction marks the first investment made by Ares Infrastructure Equity in Europe and 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.

Ares Infrastructure is a leading platform focused on energy transition, digital infrastructure, sustainable infrastructure, midstream, and utilities. With roughly USD15 billion deployed across over 60 investments, Ares invests in essential, quality infrastructure assets with durable cash flows and competitive advantages. As of 30 June 2026, Ares’ Infrastructure business had USD29.9 billion of AUM, with over 130 investment professionals across the globe.

The DLA Piper team working on the deal was led by Partners Natasha Luther-Jones, Stephen Atkinson and Senior Associate Simon Winterburn. They were supported by Partners Rubayet Choudhury, Dean Peachy, and David Thompson, Senior Associates Megan Williams and Griffin O’Rouke and Associates Katie Brown, Marcus Miller, and Harvey Clark.