ARES Management Tackles Floor Cleaning with Innovative Wet Mop Pads, Boosting Efficiency & Sustainability

Los Angeles, CA – October 26, 2023 – ARES Management LLC, a leading global alternative investment manager headquartered in Los Angeles, today announced a surprisingly practical new venture: high-performance wet mop pads designed for both commercial and residential cleaning. While best known for managing billions in assets across credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure, ARES has quietly been developing and testing these mop pads, focusing on durability, absorbency, and eco-friendliness. “You might be thinking, ‘ARES Management… mop pads?’,” says a company spokesperson. “And yeah, it’s a bit different than what people expect from us. But we approach everything with a focus on efficiency and long-term value, and that applies to cleaning just as much as it does to investing. We saw a need for better mop pads – ones that really work, last a long time, and aren’t terrible for the planet. So we built them.” Beyond the Balance Sheet: A Deep Dive into the Product These aren’t your grandma’s flimsy, disposable mop pads. ARES’s wet mop pads are built to withstand serious use. The company, leveraging its analytical capabilities, identified key shortcomings in existing products: poor absorbency leading to multiple passes, quick degradation requiring frequent replacement, and reliance on materials that contribute to landfill waste. “We looked at the data – how often people were replacing pads, how much cleaning solution they were using, the environmental impact. It quickly became clear there was a huge opportunity to improve things,” explains Dr. Emily Carter, a materials science consultant brought on by ARES for the project. The resulting mop pads feature a unique multi-layered construction. The top layer utilizes a high-pile microfiber designed to aggressively lift dirt, grime, and grease. Underneath that is a super-absorbent core – a blend of recycled materials and a proprietary polymer designed to hold significantly more liquid than standard pads. This translates to fewer trips to the bucket, faster cleaning, and a more thorough result. “We weren’t just looking for something that soaked up water,” says a product development team member. “We wanted something that held onto it, even under pressure. That’s what really makes a difference when you’re mopping a large area.” Key Features & Benefits: Superior Absorbency: Holds over 5x more liquid than leading competitor pads, reducing refill frequency. Durable Construction: Built with reinforced edges and high-quality materials for extended lifespan. ARES estimates a single pad will last 50+ washes. Effective Cleaning: High-pile microfiber traps and lifts dirt, grime, and grease for a sparkling clean finish. Eco-Friendly Materials: Incorporates recycled content and reduces reliance on disposable pads. ARES is committed to sustainable sourcing and manufacturing. Universal Compatibility: Designed to fit most standard wet mop frames, making it easy to upgrade your cleaning routine. Machine Washable: Easy to clean and reuse, further reducing waste and saving money. Reduced Chemical Usage: The increased absorbency allows for more efficient use of cleaning solutions, reducing both cost and environmental impact. From Asset Management to Floor Care: A Strategic Diversification? The move into wet mop pads might seem unusual for an investment firm, but ARES sees a logical connection. The company’s core expertise lies in identifying undervalued assets and improving their performance. They applied this same mindset to the cleaning industry. “We're always looking for opportunities where we can leverage our analytical skills and operational expertise to create value,” explains a senior executive at ARES. “We saw a clear need in the market for a better mop pad, and we believed we could develop a product that offered a superior cleaning experience while also being more sustainable. It’s about applying a problem-solving mindset to everyday challenges.” The company is initially targeting commercial cleaning companies, healthcare facilities, schools, and large retail spaces. However, they also plan to offer the mop pads directly to consumers through their website and select retail partners. Sustainability at the Core ARES’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the use of recycled materials. The company is also focusing on reducing its carbon footprint throughout the manufacturing and distribution process. They’ve partnered with a domestic manufacturer committed to ethical labor practices and environmentally responsible production methods. “We believe that businesses have a responsibility to operate in a sustainable manner,” says a representative from ARES’s sustainability team. “We’re not just trying to create a better mop pad; we’re trying to create a more sustainable cleaning solution.” Availability and Pricing ARES Management's wet mop pads are available for purchase starting November 15, 2023, at [website address - placeholder]. Pricing is competitive, with individual pads priced at $9.99 and bulk discounts available for commercial customers. The company offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. About ARES Management LLC ARES Management LLC is a global alternative investment manager operating across credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure. Founded in 1997, ARES manages over $324 billion in assets as of September 30, 2023, and employs over 1,400 people in offices around the world. While primarily known for its financial expertise, ARES is increasingly exploring opportunities to leverage its analytical capabilities and operational expertise to address real-world challenges, even those as mundane as cleaning floors.