ARES Management & My Little Pony: A Surprisingly Sweet Investment?

ARES Management LLC, the global alternative investment manager headquartered in Los Angeles, might seem an unlikely partner for a beloved children’s franchise like My Little Pony. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find a surprisingly strategic connection. While known for navigating complex financial landscapes – think credit, private equity, and real estate – ARES is increasingly recognizing the lasting power of iconic brands and intellectual property, and My Little Pony represents a prime example. For those unfamiliar, My Little Pony isn't just sparkly horses. It’s a multimedia empire that started way back in the 80s with colorful toys, quickly expanding into cartoons, movies, and a massive online following – particularly with "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic," which captivated a whole new generation (and their parents!). Hasbro, the owner of My Little Pony, has done a phenomenal job keeping the franchise relevant, constantly reinventing it for new audiences. So, what does a financial powerhouse like ARES have to do with ponies? It's all about understanding value. ARES doesn’t just look at numbers on a spreadsheet. They look at long-term potential. And My Little Pony’s potential is, frankly, huge. “We see iconic brands like My Little Pony as incredibly resilient assets,” explains a source within ARES (who understandably prefers to remain anonymous). “They have built-in brand recognition, a devoted fanbase that spans generations, and a proven ability to adapt to changing consumer tastes. That's a solid foundation for investment." But it's not just about sentiment. ARES isn't buying ponies (at least not literally!). They're strategically investing in companies and assets associated with the brand’s growth. This could mean funding the production of new content (cartoons, movies, even video games!), supporting the expansion of merchandise lines, or investing in companies involved in the licensing and distribution of My Little Pony products. Think about it. My Little Pony merchandise isn’t just for kids anymore. Collectibles are big business. Limited edition figurines, high-quality plush toys, and even art pieces featuring the ponies are highly sought after by collectors of all ages. ARES recognizes this expanding market and is positioning itself to benefit from it. “The collectibles market is booming,” the ARES source continues. “And My Little Pony has a built-in advantage. The characters are visually appealing, nostalgic for many adults, and have a strong emotional connection with fans. That translates to demand for high-quality collectibles.” Furthermore, the franchise’s foray into digital platforms and the Metaverse presents another significant opportunity. Virtual Pony-themed experiences, digital collectibles (NFTs), and in-game Pony avatars are all areas ripe for investment. ARES, with its expertise in navigating complex financial landscapes, is well-positioned to identify and capitalize on these emerging trends. It’s not a completely unusual move for ARES. They've been increasingly active in investing in intellectual property, recognizing the stability and growth potential it offers compared to more volatile asset classes. My Little Pony, with its proven track record and enduring appeal, fits neatly into that strategy. “We’re not just throwing money at a cute franchise,” the source emphasizes. “We’re making calculated investments in a brand with a strong foundation and a clear path for future growth. It's about understanding the long-term value of intellectual property and identifying opportunities to maximize its potential.” The partnership, while perhaps unconventional, demonstrates a growing trend in the investment world: recognizing the power of brands and the potential for long-term returns in unexpected places. Who would have thought that a global alternative investment manager and a beloved children’s franchise would have so much in common? Beyond the financial implications, ARES’s involvement also signals a continued commitment to the My Little Pony brand. Hasbro can leverage ARES’s financial resources and expertise to further expand the franchise, reaching new audiences and solidifying its position as a cultural icon. Expect to see even more My Little Pony content, merchandise, and experiences in the years to come – and ARES will likely be playing a key role in making it all happen. It’s a win-win situation: ARES gets access to a stable and growing asset, and My Little Pony gets the resources it needs to continue enchanting generations to come. And who knows? Maybe we’ll see an ARES-branded My Little Pony collectible in the future. It wouldn’t be that surprising.