<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Merrill Bridge  6.1.177.0 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 5/10/2016 5:06:31 AM-->
<!--Modified on: 5/10/2016 5:06:31 AM-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfFinancialCondition" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfFinancialCondition" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfFinancialConditionParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfFinancialConditionParenthetical" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentsTables" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueTables" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureDebtTables" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDebtTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureRedeemableInterestsTables" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureRedeemableInterestsTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsCarryingValueAndAmortizationDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsCarryingValueAndAmortizationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationRollforwardDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationRollforwardDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentsBySectorDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsBySectorDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueRecurringRfDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueRecurringRfDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueRecurringRfForLoanObligDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueRecurringRfForLoanObligDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueByValuationTechniqueDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueByValuationTechniqueDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueInvestmentsUsingNavPerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueInvestmentsUsingNavPerShareDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsSetoffRowsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsSetoffRowsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureDebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDebtDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureDebtLoanObligOfConsolClosDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDebtLoanObligOfConsolClosDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureDebtCreditFacilOfConsolFundsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDebtCreditFacilOfConsolFundsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureRedeemableInterestsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureRedeemableInterestsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerCommonUnitAntidilutiveDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerCommonUnitAntidilutiveDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureEquityCompensationAepRestrictedAndPhantomUnitsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureEquityCompensationAepRestrictedAndPhantomUnitsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureEquityCompensationAdoptionOfAsu201609Details" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureEquityCompensationAdoptionOfAsu201609Details" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingRevExpComponentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingRevExpComponentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingRevAdjDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingRevAdjDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingExpAdjDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingExpAdjDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingOtherIncomeExpenseAdjDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingOtherIncomeExpenseAdjDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconEconNetIncDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconEconNetIncDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconFeeRelatedEarningsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconFeeRelatedEarningsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconDistrEarningsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconDistrEarningsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconPerformanceEarningsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconPerformanceEarningsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureConsolidationViesDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureConsolidationViesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureConsolidationBalanceSheetDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureConsolidationBalanceSheetDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureConsolidationIsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureConsolidationIsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" roleURI="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfFinancialCondition" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00100 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_635984535855256384" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_635984535855256384" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="us-gaap_Investments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Investments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesReceivable" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesReceivable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesReceivable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ReceivableForSecuritiesSold" xlink:label="ares_ReceivableForSecuritiesSold" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_ReceivableForSecuritiesSold" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PayableForSecuritiesPurchased" xlink:label="ares_PayableForSecuritiesPurchased" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PayableForSecuritiesPurchased" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeeCompensationPayable" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeeCompensationPayable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeeCompensationPayable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PutOptionLiability" xlink:label="ares_PutOptionLiability" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PutOptionLiability" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" xlink:label="ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FundBorrowings" xlink:label="ares_FundBorrowings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_FundBorrowings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_MinorityInterestGross" xlink:label="ares_MinorityInterestGross" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" xlink:to="ares_MinorityInterestGross" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriated" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriated" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriated" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapital" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapital" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapital" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfFinancialConditionParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00105 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00200 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" xlink:label="ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_PerformanceFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PerformanceFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseRelatedToPerformanceFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseRelatedToPerformanceFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseRelatedToPerformanceFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseInvestmentAdvisoryFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseInvestmentAdvisoryFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseInvestmentAdvisoryFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InterestIncomeExpenseAndInvestmentIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="ares_InterestIncomeExpenseAndInvestmentIncomeExpenseNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="ares_InterestIncomeExpenseAndInvestmentIncomeExpenseNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerUnitAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerUnitAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerUnitAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitBasicNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitBasicNetOfTax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerUnitAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitBasicNetOfTax" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitDiluted" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerUnitAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitDiluted" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_WeightedAverageCommonUnitsOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="ares_WeightedAverageCommonUnitsOutstandingAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="ares_WeightedAverageCommonUnitsOutstandingAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_WeightedAverageCommonUnitsOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstandingDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstandingDiluted" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_WeightedAverageCommonUnitsOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstandingDiluted" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00205 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_635984535855412385" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_635984535855412385" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_635984535855412385" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_635984535855412385" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresCapitalCorporationMember" xlink:label="ares_AresCapitalCorporationMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresCapitalCorporationMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" xlink:label="ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00300 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="ares_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="ares_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00400 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_635984535855412385" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_635984535855412385" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PartnersCapitalMember" xlink:label="ares_PartnersCapitalMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:to="ares_PartnersCapitalMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriatedMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriatedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriatedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_NonRedeemableNonControllingInterestMember" xlink:label="ares_NonRedeemableNonControllingInterestMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:to="ares_NonRedeemableNonControllingInterestMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ReallocationOfPartnersCapitalForChangeInOwnershipInterests" xlink:label="ares_ReallocationOfPartnersCapitalForChangeInOwnershipInterests" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:to="ares_ReallocationOfPartnersCapitalForChangeInOwnershipInterests" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesResultingFromAllocationOfContributions" xlink:label="ares_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesResultingFromAllocationOfContributions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:to="ares_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesResultingFromAllocationOfContributions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ProfitLossIncludingRedeemableInterest" xlink:label="ares_ProfitLossIncludingRedeemableInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:to="ares_ProfitLossIncludingRedeemableInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentIncludingRedeemableInterestNetOfTax" xlink:label="ares_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentIncludingRedeemableInterestNetOfTax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:to="ares_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentIncludingRedeemableInterestNetOfTax" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00500 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsAbstract" xlink:label="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividendNonCash" xlink:label="ares_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividendNonCash" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividendNonCash" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeAmortizationOfDiscount" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeAmortizationOfDiscount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeAmortizationOfDiscount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InvestmentsPurchased" xlink:label="ares_InvestmentsPurchased" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_InvestmentsPurchased" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IncreaseDecreaseInPerformanceFeesReceivableAndPayableNet" xlink:label="ares_IncreaseDecreaseInPerformanceFeesReceivableAndPayableNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="ares_IncreaseDecreaseInPerformanceFeesReceivableAndPayableNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IncreaseDecreaseInDueFromAndDueToAffiliatesNet" xlink:label="ares_IncreaseDecreaseInDueFromAndDueToAffiliatesNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="ares_IncreaseDecreaseInDueFromAndDueToAffiliatesNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredCompensation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredCompensation" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" xlink:label="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IncreaseDecreaseInCashAndCashEquivalentsForOperatingActivities" xlink:label="ares_IncreaseDecreaseInCashAndCashEquivalentsForOperatingActivities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" xlink:to="ares_IncreaseDecreaseInCashAndCashEquivalentsForOperatingActivities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CashRelinquishedWithDeconsolidationForOperatingActivities" xlink:label="ares_CashRelinquishedWithDeconsolidationForOperatingActivities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" xlink:to="ares_CashRelinquishedWithDeconsolidationForOperatingActivities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAssetsAndReceivables" xlink:label="ares_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAssetsAndReceivables" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" xlink:to="ares_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAssetsAndReceivables" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherLiabilitiesAndPayables" xlink:label="ares_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherLiabilitiesAndPayables" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_AllocableToNonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" xlink:to="ares_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherLiabilitiesAndPayables" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_NonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" xlink:label="ares_NonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_NonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_NonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_NonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_NonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_NonControllingInterestsInConsolidatedFundAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30403 - Disclosure - INVESTMENTS (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SummaryInvestmentHoldingsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SummaryInvestmentHoldingsTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SummaryInvestmentHoldingsTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30503 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30603 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30703 - Disclosure - DEBT (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DebtTable" xlink:label="ares_DebtTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_DebtTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ares_DebtTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_635984535855568386" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_635984535855568386" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:label="ares_DebtLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:to="ares_DebtTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureRedeemableInterestsTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30803 - Disclosure - REDEEMABLE INTERESTS (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40101 - Disclosure - ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:label="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOwnersHoldingsLpMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOwnersHoldingsLpMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOwnersHoldingsLpMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AffiliateOfAlleghanyCorporationMember" xlink:label="ares_AffiliateOfAlleghanyCorporationMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AffiliateOfAlleghanyCorporationMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:label="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DailyAverageOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="ares_DailyAverageOwnershipPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_DailyAverageOwnershipPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ares_OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40201 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_635984535855724387" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_635984535855724387" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201413Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201413Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201413Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_635984535855724387" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_635984535855724387" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_635984535855724387" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_635984535855724387" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsCarryingValueAndAmortizationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40301 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Carrying Value and Amortization (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_635984535855724387" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_635984535855724387" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CollateralManagementContractsMember" xlink:label="ares_CollateralManagementContractsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_CollateralManagementContractsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_635984535855724387" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_635984535855724387" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CreditGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_CreditGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_CreditGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_RealEstateGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_RealEstateGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_RealEstateGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_635984535855724387" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_635984535855724387" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IntangibleAssetsAccumulatedForeignCurrencyTranslation" xlink:label="ares_IntangibleAssetsAccumulatedForeignCurrencyTranslation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ares_IntangibleAssetsAccumulatedForeignCurrencyTranslation" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetOfForeignCurrencyTranslation" xlink:label="ares_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetOfForeignCurrencyTranslation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ares_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetOfForeignCurrencyTranslation" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFullyAmortizedAndWrittenOff" xlink:label="ares_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFullyAmortizedAndWrittenOff" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ares_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFullyAmortizedAndWrittenOff" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationRollforwardDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40302 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Future Amortization, rollforward (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CreditGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_CreditGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_CreditGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_RealEstateGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_RealEstateGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_RealEstateGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAdjustments" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAdjustments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAdjustments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40401 - Disclosure - INVESTMENTS (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_635984535855724387" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_635984535855724387" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" xlink:label="ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_635984535855724387" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_635984535855724387" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AREASponsorHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="ares_AREASponsorHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AREASponsorHoldingsLLCMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AceIIMasterFundLPMember" xlink:label="ares_AceIIMasterFundLPMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AceIIMasterFundLPMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresCorporateOpportunitiesFundIIILPMember" xlink:label="ares_AresCorporateOpportunitiesFundIIILPMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresCorporateOpportunitiesFundIIILPMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresCorporateOpportunitiesFundIvL.p.Member" xlink:label="ares_AresCorporateOpportunitiesFundIvL.p.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresCorporateOpportunitiesFundIvL.p.Member" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresEnhancedCreditOpportunitiesFundLPMember" xlink:label="ares_AresEnhancedCreditOpportunitiesFundLPMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresEnhancedCreditOpportunitiesFundLPMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ResolutionLifeLPMember" xlink:label="ares_ResolutionLifeLPMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_ResolutionLifeLPMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OtherPrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" xlink:label="ares_OtherPrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_OtherPrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInterestsMember" xlink:label="ares_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInterestsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInterestsMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InvestmentsInCommonStocksMember" xlink:label="ares_InvestmentsInCommonStocksMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_InvestmentsInCommonStocksMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FairValueInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="ares_FairValueInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="ares_FairValueInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsBySectorDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40404 - Disclosure - INVESTMENTS - By Sector (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain_635984535855880388" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain_635984535855880388" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_US" xlink:label="country_US" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain" xlink:to="country_US" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EuropeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EuropeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EuropeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AsiaAndOtherMember" xlink:label="ares_AsiaAndOtherMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain" xlink:to="ares_AsiaAndOtherMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_CA" xlink:label="country_CA" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain" xlink:to="country_CA" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_AU" xlink:label="country_AU" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain" xlink:to="country_AU" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentSectorAxis" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentSectorAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentSectorAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorAxis" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_635984535856036389" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorAxis" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_635984535856036389" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsumerDiscretionaryMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsumerDiscretionaryMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsumerDiscretionaryMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsumerStaplesMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsumerStaplesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsumerStaplesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_EnergyMember" xlink:label="ares_EnergyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_EnergyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FinancialsMember" xlink:label="ares_FinancialsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_FinancialsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_HealthcareEducationAndChildcareMember" xlink:label="ares_HealthcareEducationAndChildcareMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_HealthcareEducationAndChildcareMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IndustrialsMember" xlink:label="ares_IndustrialsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_IndustrialsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InformationTechnologyMember" xlink:label="ares_InformationTechnologyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_InformationTechnologyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_MaterialsMember" xlink:label="ares_MaterialsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_MaterialsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PartnershipAndLLCInterestsMember" xlink:label="ares_PartnershipAndLLCInterestsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_PartnershipAndLLCInterestsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_TelecommunicationServicesMember" xlink:label="ares_TelecommunicationServicesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_TelecommunicationServicesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_UtilitiesMember" xlink:label="ares_UtilitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:to="ares_UtilitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentHoldingsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40501 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_635984535856036389" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_635984535856036389" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_635984535856036389" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_635984535856036389" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_635984535856036389" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_635984535856036389" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" xlink:label="ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OtherDebtAndEquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="ares_OtherDebtAndEquitySecuritiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="ares_OtherDebtAndEquitySecuritiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_635984535856036389" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_635984535856036389" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherContractMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityContractMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PositionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PositionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PositionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PositionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PositionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PositionDomain_635984535856036389" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PositionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PositionDomain_635984535856036389" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueRecurringRfDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40502 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Recurring RF (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" xlink:label="ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OtherFinancialInstrumentMember" xlink:label="ares_OtherFinancialInstrumentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="ares_OtherFinancialInstrumentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetDeconsolidationOfFunds" xlink:label="ares_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetDeconsolidationOfFunds" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="ares_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetDeconsolidationOfFunds" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetAccruedDiscountsAndPremiums" xlink:label="ares_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetAccruedDiscountsAndPremiums" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="ares_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetAccruedDiscountsAndPremiums" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueRecurringRfForLoanObligDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40503 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Recurring RF for Loan Oblig (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_635984535856192390" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_635984535856192390" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityDeconsolidationOfFunds" xlink:label="ares_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityDeconsolidationOfFunds" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="ares_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityDeconsolidationOfFunds" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" xlink:label="ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueByValuationTechniqueDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40504 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - By Valuation Technique (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" xlink:label="ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="ares_PrivateInvestmentPartnershipInterestsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BorrowingsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BorrowingsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BorrowingsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_635984535856348391" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_635984535856348391" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_EVMarketMultipleAnalysisValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="ares_EVMarketMultipleAnalysisValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="ares_EVMarketMultipleAnalysisValuationTechniqueMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_BrokerQuotesAndThirdPartyPricingServicesValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="ares_BrokerQuotesAndThirdPartyPricingServicesValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="ares_BrokerQuotesAndThirdPartyPricingServicesValuationTechniqueMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_RecentTransactionPriceValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="ares_RecentTransactionPriceValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="ares_RecentTransactionPriceValuationTechniqueMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DiscountedCashFlowValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="ares_DiscountedCashFlowValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="ares_DiscountedCashFlowValuationTechniqueMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IncomeApproachBasedOnYieldValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="ares_IncomeApproachBasedOnYieldValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:to="ares_IncomeApproachBasedOnYieldValuationTechniqueMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IncomeApproachBasedOnCollectionRateValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="ares_IncomeApproachBasedOnCollectionRateValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:to="ares_IncomeApproachBasedOnCollectionRateValuationTechniqueMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IncomeApproachBasedOnOtherInputsValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="ares_IncomeApproachBasedOnOtherInputsValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:to="ares_IncomeApproachBasedOnOtherInputsValuationTechniqueMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember_635984535856348391" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember_635984535856348391" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinimumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinimumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationMultiple" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationMultiple" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationMultiple" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FairValueInputsNetIncomeMultiple" xlink:label="ares_FairValueInputsNetIncomeMultiple" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_FairValueInputsNetIncomeMultiple" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FairValueInputsYield" xlink:label="ares_FairValueInputsYield" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_FairValueInputsYield" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FairValueInputsWeightedAverageCollectionRate" xlink:label="ares_FairValueInputsWeightedAverageCollectionRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_FairValueInputsWeightedAverageCollectionRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsPrepaymentRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsPrepaymentRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsPrepaymentRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsProbabilityOfDefault" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsProbabilityOfDefault" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsProbabilityOfDefault" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FairValueInputsRecoveryRate" xlink:label="ares_FairValueInputsRecoveryRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_FairValueInputsRecoveryRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueInvestmentsUsingNavPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40505 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Investments Using NAV per Share (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CreditGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_CreditGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_CreditGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_RealEstateGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_RealEstateGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_RealEstateGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OperationsManagementGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_OperationsManagementGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_OperationsManagementGroupMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareUnfundedCommittments" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareUnfundedCommittments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareUnfundedCommittments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareRedemptionRestrictionPeriodInEffect1" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareRedemptionRestrictionPeriodInEffect1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareRedemptionRestrictionPeriodInEffect1" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40601 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OtherFinancialInstrumentMember" xlink:label="ares_OtherFinancialInstrumentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="ares_OtherFinancialInstrumentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityContractMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DerivativeAssetIncludingInvestmentsNotionalAmount" xlink:label="ares_DerivativeAssetIncludingInvestmentsNotionalAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_DerivativeAssetIncludingInvestmentsNotionalAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DerivativeAssetsIncludingInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="ares_DerivativeAssetsIncludingInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_DerivativeAssetsIncludingInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsSetoffRowsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40602 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Setoff rows (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:label="ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:label="ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:label="ares_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnSecurities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnSecurities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:label="ares_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract" xlink:label="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesGross" xlink:label="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesGross" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract" xlink:to="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesGross" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract" xlink:to="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract" xlink:to="ares_OffsettingAssetsLiabilitiesNetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40701 - Disclosure - DEBT (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresFinanceCoLLCMember" xlink:label="ares_AresFinanceCoLLCMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:to="ares_AresFinanceCoLLCMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_635984535856816394" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_635984535856816394" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CreditFacilityOfCompanyMember" xlink:label="ares_CreditFacilityOfCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_CreditFacilityOfCompanyMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AfcNotesMember" xlink:label="ares_AfcNotesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AfcNotesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_TermLoanOfCompanyMember" xlink:label="ares_TermLoanOfCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_TermLoanOfCompanyMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_635984535856816394" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_635984535856816394" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="ares_DebtObligationsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="ares_DebtObligationsMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_635984535856816394" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_635984535856816394" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityUpsized" xlink:label="ares_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityUpsized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="ares_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityUpsized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DebtIssuanceRate" xlink:label="ares_DebtIssuanceRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="ares_DebtIssuanceRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DeferredDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="ares_DeferredDebtIssuanceCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="ares_DeferredDebtIssuanceCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDebtLoanObligOfConsolClosDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40702 - Disclosure - DEBT - Loan Oblig of Consol CLOs (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SeniorNotesAndSubordinatedNotesAndPreferredSharesMember" xlink:label="ares_SeniorNotesAndSubordinatedNotesAndPreferredSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_SeniorNotesAndSubordinatedNotesAndPreferredSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SeniorNotesAndSubordinatedNotesAndPreferredSharesMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SubordinatedNotesAndPreferredSharesMember" xlink:label="ares_SubordinatedNotesAndPreferredSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SeniorNotesAndSubordinatedNotesAndPreferredSharesMember" xlink:to="ares_SubordinatedNotesAndPreferredSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" xlink:label="ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DebtInstrumentWeightedAverageRemainingMaturity" xlink:label="ares_DebtInstrumentWeightedAverageRemainingMaturity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="ares_DebtInstrumentWeightedAverageRemainingMaturity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureDebtCreditFacilOfConsolFundsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40703 - Disclosure - DEBT - Credit Facil of Consol Funds (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DebtTable" xlink:label="ares_DebtTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_DebtTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ares_DebtTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CreditFacilityMaturing01January2023Member" xlink:label="ares_CreditFacilityMaturing01January2023Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_CreditFacilityMaturing01January2023Member" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:label="ares_DebtLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:to="ares_DebtTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FundBorrowingsLongTermDebt" xlink:label="ares_FundBorrowingsLongTermDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:to="ares_FundBorrowingsLongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FundBorrowings" xlink:label="ares_FundBorrowings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:to="ares_FundBorrowings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ares_DebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureRedeemableInterestsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40801 - Disclosure - REDEEMABLE INTERESTS (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityNetIncome" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityNetIncome" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityNetIncome" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ReallocationOfPartnersCapitalForChangeInOwnershipInterests" xlink:label="ares_ReallocationOfPartnersCapitalForChangeInOwnershipInterests" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward" xlink:to="ares_ReallocationOfPartnersCapitalForChangeInOwnershipInterests" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustments" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_TemporaryEquityCompensation" xlink:label="ares_TemporaryEquityCompensation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward" xlink:to="ares_TemporaryEquityCompensation" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40901 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresCommercialRealEstateCorporationMember" xlink:label="ares_AresCommercialRealEstateCorporationMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresCommercialRealEstateCorporationMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_635984535857284397" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_635984535857284397" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_EIFManagementLLCMember" xlink:label="ares_EIFManagementLLCMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="ares_EIFManagementLLCMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_KayneAndersonCapitalAdvisorsLPMember" xlink:label="ares_KayneAndersonCapitalAdvisorsLPMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_KayneAndersonCapitalAdvisorsLPMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_635984535857284397" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_635984535857284397" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndirectGuaranteeOfIndebtednessMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndirectGuaranteeOfIndebtednessMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndirectGuaranteeOfIndebtednessMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_635984535857284397" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_635984535857284397" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesReversalsMember" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesReversalsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesReversalsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_UnfundedCapitalCommitments" xlink:label="ares_UnfundedCapitalCommitments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="ares_UnfundedCapitalCommitments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InvestmentCommitment" xlink:label="ares_InvestmentCommitment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="ares_InvestmentCommitment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PercentageOfOutstandingBalanceAtWhichEntityAgreedToPurchaseAllLoansAndOtherObligationsOutstanding" xlink:label="ares_PercentageOfOutstandingBalanceAtWhichEntityAgreedToPurchaseAllLoansAndOtherObligationsOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PercentageOfOutstandingBalanceAtWhichEntityAgreedToPurchaseAllLoansAndOtherObligationsOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PercentageOfCreditSupportFeeReceivableAnnually" xlink:label="ares_PercentageOfCreditSupportFeeReceivableAnnually" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PercentageOfCreditSupportFeeReceivableAnnually" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteesFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteesFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMaximum" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMaximum" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMaximum" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimatedRecoveryFromThirdParty" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimatedRecoveryFromThirdParty" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimatedRecoveryFromThirdParty" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41001 - Disclosure - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesUnclassifiedAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesUnclassifiedAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesUnclassifiedAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ManagementFeesReceivableFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="ares_ManagementFeesReceivableFromRelatedParties" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesUnclassifiedAbstract" xlink:to="ares_ManagementFeesReceivableFromRelatedParties" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ContingentObligationsReceivable" xlink:label="ares_ContingentObligationsReceivable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesUnclassifiedAbstract" xlink:to="ares_ContingentObligationsReceivable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PaymentsMadeOnBehalfOfAndAmountsDueFromNonConsolidatedFundsRelatedParty" xlink:label="ares_PaymentsMadeOnBehalfOfAndAmountsDueFromNonConsolidatedFundsRelatedParty" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesUnclassifiedAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PaymentsMadeOnBehalfOfAndAmountsDueFromNonConsolidatedFundsRelatedParty" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AmountsDueFromAffiliatesAsReimbursementForExpendituresAndAdvances" xlink:label="ares_AmountsDueFromAffiliatesAsReimbursementForExpendituresAndAdvances" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesUnclassifiedAbstract" xlink:to="ares_AmountsDueFromAffiliatesAsReimbursementForExpendituresAndAdvances" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesUnclassifiedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ManagementFeesRebatePayableToRelatedParties" xlink:label="ares_ManagementFeesRebatePayableToRelatedParties" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="ares_ManagementFeesRebatePayableToRelatedParties" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ManagementFeeAdvancePaymentDueToAffiliate" xlink:label="ares_ManagementFeeAdvancePaymentDueToAffiliate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="ares_ManagementFeeAdvancePaymentDueToAffiliate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ContingentObligationsPayable" xlink:label="ares_ContingentObligationsPayable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="ares_ContingentObligationsPayable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AmountsDueToAffiliatesAsReimbursementForExpendituresAndAdvances" xlink:label="ares_AmountsDueToAffiliatesAsReimbursementForExpendituresAndAdvances" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="ares_AmountsDueToAffiliatesAsReimbursementForExpendituresAndAdvances" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41101 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:label="ares_IncomeTaxesTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:label="ares_IncomeTaxesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="ares_IncomeTaxesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsByJurisdictionAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsByJurisdictionAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsByJurisdictionAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsByJurisdictionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerCommonUnitAntidilutiveDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41201 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER COMMON UNIT - Antidilutive (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_635984535857440398" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_635984535857440398" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureEquityCompensationAepRestrictedAndPhantomUnitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41301 - Disclosure - EQUITY COMPENSATION - AEP, Restricted and Phantom Units (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_635984535857440398" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_635984535857440398" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PhantomUnitsMember" xlink:label="ares_PhantomUnitsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_PhantomUnitsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain_635984535857440398" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain_635984535857440398" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureEquityCompensationAdoptionOfAsu201609Details" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41302 - Disclosure - EQUITY COMPENSATION - Adoption of ASU 2016-09 (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" xlink:label="ares_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="ares_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember_635984535857440398" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember_635984535857440398" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPrincipleEarlyAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPrincipleEarlyAdoptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPrincipleEarlyAdoptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PartnersCapitalMember" xlink:label="ares_PartnersCapitalMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:to="ares_PartnersCapitalMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionEffectOnRetainedEarnings" xlink:label="ares_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionEffectOnRetainedEarnings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="ares_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionEffectOnRetainedEarnings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionEffectOnPaidInCapitalEquityCompensation" xlink:label="ares_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionEffectOnPaidInCapitalEquityCompensation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="ares_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionEffectOnPaidInCapitalEquityCompensation" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionEffectOnDistributionsDividendEquivalent" xlink:label="ares_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionEffectOnDistributionsDividendEquivalent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="ares_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionEffectOnDistributionsDividendEquivalent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest1" xlink:label="ares_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="ares_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41401 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_635984535857440398" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_635984535857440398" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OperatingSegmentsAndOperationsManagementGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_OperatingSegmentsAndOperationsManagementGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="ares_OperatingSegmentsAndOperationsManagementGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CreditGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_CreditGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_CreditGroupMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_RealEstateGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_RealEstateGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_RealEstateGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresCapitalCorporationMember" xlink:label="ares_AresCapitalCorporationMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresCapitalCorporationMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_NumberOfSegmentsCombinedIntoOneOperatingSegment" xlink:label="ares_NumberOfSegmentsCombinedIntoOneOperatingSegment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_NumberOfSegmentsCombinedIntoOneOperatingSegment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsUnderManagementCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsUnderManagementCarryingAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsUnderManagementCarryingAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_NumberOfFundsManaged" xlink:label="ares_NumberOfFundsManaged" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_NumberOfFundsManaged" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_NumberOfCoInvestmentVehiclesFocusedOnEnergyAndPowerAssets" xlink:label="ares_NumberOfCoInvestmentVehiclesFocusedOnEnergyAndPowerAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_NumberOfCoInvestmentVehiclesFocusedOnEnergyAndPowerAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_NumberOfFundsFocusedOnEnergyAndPowerAssets" xlink:label="ares_NumberOfFundsFocusedOnEnergyAndPowerAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_NumberOfFundsFocusedOnEnergyAndPowerAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_NumberOfPrivateEquityCommingledFundsFocusNorthAmericaAndEurope" xlink:label="ares_NumberOfPrivateEquityCommingledFundsFocusNorthAmericaAndEurope" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_NumberOfPrivateEquityCommingledFundsFocusNorthAmericaAndEurope" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_NumberOfGrowthFunds" xlink:label="ares_NumberOfGrowthFunds" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_NumberOfGrowthFunds" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_NumberOfIndependentSharedResourceGroupsToSupportOperatingSegmentsOfEntity" xlink:label="ares_NumberOfIndependentSharedResourceGroupsToSupportOperatingSegmentsOfEntity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_NumberOfIndependentSharedResourceGroupsToSupportOperatingSegmentsOfEntity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" xlink:label="ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesRealizedRevenue" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesRealizedRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesRealizedRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesUnrealizedRevenue" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesUnrealizedRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesUnrealizedRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseRealized" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseRealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseRealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseUnrealized" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseUnrealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseUnrealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetManagementFees1" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetManagementFees1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetManagementFees1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InvestmentIncomeLossRealized" xlink:label="ares_InvestmentIncomeLossRealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_InvestmentIncomeLossRealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InvestmentIncomeLossUnrealized" xlink:label="ares_InvestmentIncomeLossUnrealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_InvestmentIncomeLossUnrealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividend" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividend" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividend" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsLoss" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_EconomicNetIncome" xlink:label="ares_EconomicNetIncome" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_EconomicNetIncome" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DistributableEarnings" xlink:label="ares_DistributableEarnings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_DistributableEarnings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingRevExpComponentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41402 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING - Rev &amp; Exp Components (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OperatingSegmentsAndOperationsManagementGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_OperatingSegmentsAndOperationsManagementGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="ares_OperatingSegmentsAndOperationsManagementGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CreditGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_CreditGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_CreditGroupMember" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_PrivateEquityGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_RealEstateGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_RealEstateGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="ares_RealEstateGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="ares_SegmentRevenueAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_SegmentRevenueAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" xlink:label="ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesRealizedRevenue" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesRealizedRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_SegmentRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesRealizedRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesUnrealizedRevenue" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesUnrealizedRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_SegmentRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesUnrealizedRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_SegmentRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="ares_SegmentExpensesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_SegmentExpensesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseRealized" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseRealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_SegmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseRealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseUnrealized" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseUnrealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_SegmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseUnrealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_SegmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentOtherIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="ares_SegmentOtherIncomeAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ares_SegmentOtherIncomeAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InvestmentIncomeLossRealized" xlink:label="ares_InvestmentIncomeLossRealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentOtherIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="ares_InvestmentIncomeLossRealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InvestmentIncomeLossUnrealized" xlink:label="ares_InvestmentIncomeLossUnrealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentOtherIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="ares_InvestmentIncomeLossUnrealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_SegmentOtherIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_SegmentOtherIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_SegmentOtherIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingRevAdjDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41403 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING - Rev Adj (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AREASponsorHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="ares_AREASponsorHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AREASponsorHoldingsLLCMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesUnrealizedIncludedInRevenueReclassified" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesUnrealizedIncludedInRevenueReclassified" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesUnrealizedIncludedInRevenueReclassified" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingExpAdjDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41404 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING - Exp Adj (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ReconciliationOfExpenseFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="ares_ReconciliationOfExpenseFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfExpenseFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfExpenseFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:label="ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_ReconciliationOfExpenseFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ExpensesAddedInConsolidation" xlink:label="ares_ExpensesAddedInConsolidation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_ExpensesAddedInConsolidation" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ExpensesEliminatedInConsolidation" xlink:label="ares_ExpensesEliminatedInConsolidation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_ExpensesEliminatedInConsolidation" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExpenseRelatedToDistributionOrServicingAndUnderwritingFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExpenseRelatedToDistributionOrServicingAndUnderwritingFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExpenseRelatedToDistributionOrServicingAndUnderwritingFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="us-gaap_Depreciation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingExpensesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Depreciation" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingOtherIncomeExpenseAdjDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41405 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING - Other income (expense) Adj (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ReconciliationOfOtherIncomeFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="ares_ReconciliationOfOtherIncomeFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfOtherIncomeFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfOtherIncomeFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfOtherIncomeFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AREASponsorHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="ares_AREASponsorHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AREASponsorHoldingsLLCMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentReportingOtherIncomeReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:label="ares_SegmentReportingOtherIncomeReconcilingItemLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingOtherIncomeReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_ReconciliationOfOtherIncomeFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingOtherIncomeReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OtherIncomeAddedInConsolidation" xlink:label="ares_OtherIncomeAddedInConsolidation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingOtherIncomeReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_OtherIncomeAddedInConsolidation" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_OtherIncomeEliminatedInConsolidation" xlink:label="ares_OtherIncomeEliminatedInConsolidation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingOtherIncomeReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_OtherIncomeEliminatedInConsolidation" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeeIncludedInOtherIncomeReclassified" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeeIncludedInOtherIncomeReclassified" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingOtherIncomeReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeeIncludedInOtherIncomeReclassified" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingOtherIncomeReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_GuaranteeExpense" xlink:label="ares_GuaranteeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingOtherIncomeReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_GuaranteeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconEconNetIncDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41406 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING - EBT Recon-Econ Net Inc (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:label="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_EconomicNetIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="ares_EconomicNetIncomeAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_EconomicNetIncomeAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_EconomicNetIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:label="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_EconomicNetIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="us-gaap_Depreciation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Depreciation" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExpenseRelatedToDistributionOrServicingAndUnderwritingFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExpenseRelatedToDistributionOrServicingAndUnderwritingFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExpenseRelatedToDistributionOrServicingAndUnderwritingFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_GuaranteeExpense" xlink:label="ares_GuaranteeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="ares_GuaranteeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_TotalConsolidationAdjustmentsAndReconcilingItems" xlink:label="ares_TotalConsolidationAdjustmentsAndReconcilingItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="ares_TotalConsolidationAdjustmentsAndReconcilingItems" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_EconomicNetIncome" xlink:label="ares_EconomicNetIncome" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_EconomicNetIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="ares_EconomicNetIncome" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconFeeRelatedEarningsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41407 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING - EBT Recon - Fee related earnings (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:label="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_EconomicNetIncome" xlink:label="ares_EconomicNetIncome" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_EconomicNetIncome" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:label="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesRevenueRealized" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesRevenueRealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesRevenueRealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesRevenueUnrealized" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesRevenueUnrealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesRevenueUnrealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesExpenseRealized" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesExpenseRealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesExpenseRealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesExpenseUnrealized" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesExpenseUnrealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesExpenseUnrealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconDistrEarningsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41408 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING - EBT Recon - Distr earnings (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:label="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DistributedEarningsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DistributedEarningsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesRealizedRevenue" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesRealizedRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesRealizedRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseRealized" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseRealized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesCompensationExpenseRealized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentReportingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:label="ares_SegmentReportingAdjustmentAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_SegmentReportingAdjustmentAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DividendEquivalent" xlink:label="ares_DividendEquivalent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:to="ares_DividendEquivalent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_BusinessAcquisitionAndDevelopmentCosts" xlink:label="ares_BusinessAcquisitionAndDevelopmentCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:to="ares_BusinessAcquisitionAndDevelopmentCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_NonCashExpenseItems" xlink:label="ares_NonCashExpenseItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:to="ares_NonCashExpenseItems" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ExpenseRelatedToDistributionOrServicingAndUnderwritingFeesNonCorporatePortion" xlink:label="ares_ExpenseRelatedToDistributionOrServicingAndUnderwritingFeesNonCorporatePortion" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:to="ares_ExpenseRelatedToDistributionOrServicingAndUnderwritingFeesNonCorporatePortion" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_DistributableEarnings" xlink:label="ares_DistributableEarnings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_DistributableEarnings" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingEbtReconPerformanceEarningsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41409 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING - EBT Recon-Performance earnings (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:label="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_ReconciliationOfIncomeBeforeTaxesFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsAbstract" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_SegmentReportingIncomeBeforeTaxesReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_EconomicNetIncome" xlink:label="ares_EconomicNetIncome" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_EconomicNetIncome" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsLoss" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceRelatedEarningsLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureConsolidationViesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41501 - Disclosure - CONSOLIDATION - VIEs (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureConsolidationBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41502 - Disclosure - CONSOLIDATION - Balance sheet (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="us-gaap_Investments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Investments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeesReceivable" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeesReceivable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeesReceivable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ReceivableForSecuritiesSold" xlink:label="ares_ReceivableForSecuritiesSold" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="ares_ReceivableForSecuritiesSold" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PerformanceFeeCompensationPayable" xlink:label="ares_PerformanceFeeCompensationPayable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PerformanceFeeCompensationPayable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PayableForSecuritiesPurchased" xlink:label="ares_PayableForSecuritiesPurchased" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PayableForSecuritiesPurchased" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_PutOptionLiability" xlink:label="ares_PutOptionLiability" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_PutOptionLiability" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" xlink:label="ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_CollateralizedLoanObligations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_FundBorrowings" xlink:label="ares_FundBorrowings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_FundBorrowings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_MinorityInterestGross" xlink:label="ares_MinorityInterestGross" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" xlink:to="ares_MinorityInterestGross" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriated" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriated" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriated" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapital" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapital" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapital" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureConsolidationIsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41503 - Disclosure - CONSOLIDATION - IS (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:label="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ares_AresManagementLPAndConsolidatedFundsMember" xlink:to="ares_ConsolidatedFundsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" xlink:label="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresOperatingGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AresCapitalCorporationMember" xlink:label="ares_AresCapitalCorporationMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="ares_AresCapitalCorporationMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" xlink:label="ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="ares_AssetManagementAndInvestmentAdvisoryFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_PerformanceFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PerformanceFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdministrativeServicesRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentAdvisoryManagementAndAdministrativeFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseRelatedToPerformanceFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseRelatedToPerformanceFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseRelatedToPerformanceFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseInvestmentAdvisoryFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseInvestmentAdvisoryFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseInvestmentAdvisoryFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ares-20160331.xsd#ares_InterestIncomeExpenseAndInvestmentIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="ares_InterestIncomeExpenseAndInvestmentIncomeExpenseNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="ares_InterestIncomeExpenseAndInvestmentIncomeExpenseNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.aresmgmt.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41601 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_635984535857908401" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_635984535857908401" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedPartnerDistributionsDeclaredPerUnit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedPartnerDistributionsDeclaredPerUnit" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedPartnerDistributionsDeclaredPerUnit" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>


