Ares Capital Corporation is a specialty finance company structured as a business development company focused on providing financing solutions to private middle market businesses in the United States. Its primary role is to originate and hold diversified portfolios of corporate credit investments, with an emphasis on first lien senior secured loans, including unitranche structures, as well as second lien loans, subordinated debt, and select equity positions. Ares Capital Corporation typically targets companies seeking capital for growth, acquisitions, recapitalizations, leveraged buyouts, and restructurings. It invests across a wide range of industries, including business services, healthcare, consumer products, manufacturing, and information technology-related services, among others. Managed by an affiliate of Ares Management, the company leverages a direct origination model and long-standing borrower relationships to source and underwrite transactions. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in New York, Ares Capital Corporation plays a significant role in the U.S. private credit and middle market lending landscape, offering companies flexible, tailored financing solutions while serving investors seeking exposure to diversified corporate credit.