Ares Management SEC filling in relation to AMP

Item 8.01 Other Events.

As a leading global alternative investment manager, in the ordinary course of business, Ares Management Corporation (“Ares”) constantly evaluates numerous strategic opportunities, including large and complex businesses and divisions thereof, that may supplement or offer adjacencies to its core Credit, Private Equity and Real Estate groups and which often includes making non-binding indicative proposals. As publicly disclosed by AMP Limited (“AMP”), Ares has made a confidential non-binding indicative proposal to AMP consistent with its previously announced strategic review process. Any potential transaction would be subject to a variety of conditions and structural considerations, including extensive due diligence, evaluation of divestiture of certain assets or non-core businesses, and may involve third party co-bidders. The diligence and discussions are very preliminary and there is no certainty that any transaction will occur on the proposed terms, within any particular timeframe, or at all. By furnishing the information in this Item 8.01, Ares is making no admission as to the materiality of such information

Boy did they try to keep this one quiet - head over to the Ares website and try to find the news..

The "may involve third party co-bidders" is an exciting new development, whilst "evaluation of divestiture of certain assets or non-core businesses" shows their intent loud and clear.

For all we know, this could end up a consortium bid.

Exciting times ahead.