Ariel Alternatives Acquires Front Line Power Construction with Cherokee Nation Businesses as Co-Investor

HOUSTON, Feb. 18, 2026 – Front Line Power Construction (“Front Line”), a leading provider of electrical construction and power infrastructure solutions, has been acquired by private investment firm Ariel Alternatives. Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) will serve as a strategic minority co-investor in the transaction, which positions Front Line to address the growing demand for electrical grid improvements across Texas and the Southwest.

The partnership comes as Texas faces aging infrastructure, an increase in weather-related events and growing reliance on outsourced operations and maintenance services due to industry-wide talent shortages. This marks Ariel Alternatives’ second platform investment in the energy and utility services sector in six months. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Front Line Power Construction: A Regional Leader

For over fifteen years, Front Line Power Construction has delivered comprehensive electrical construction services to utilities, telecommunications providers, and industrial customers throughout the Houston metropolitan area and surrounding counties, including Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, and Galveston. The company is known for its commitment to safety, integrity, and operational excellence, maintaining an industry-leading safety record whereas consistently delivering projects on time and to the highest quality standards.

Ariel Alternatives and CNB: Strategic Alignment

“With power infrastructure needs reaching unprecedented levels in Texas and the Southwest, we believe Front Line is well-positioned to help meet today’s challenges,” said Yue Bonnet, Senior Managing Director and Head of Investments at Ariel Alternatives. “This partnership allows us to support a company with broad capabilities in specialized electrical construction services.”

Lorenna Buck, Managing Director at Ariel Alternatives, added, “We are proud to invest in a business that puts its employees first and plays a critical role in its service area. We believe Front Line’s strong culture and focus on safety and reliability will enable them to provide long-term value to their customers.”

Audrey Johnson, CEO of Front Line, stated, “Ariel Alternatives brings deep industry expertise and a commitment to operational excellence that aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to partner with a company that demonstrates a shared dedication to excellence and the development of our people. This partnership allows us to make an even greater impact in the communities we serve.”

Expanding Capabilities and Market Reach

As Front Line pursues expansion opportunities in the fastest-growing and largest energy markets in the U.S., it will benefit from Ariel Alternatives’ established network of relationships in the energy and utility services sector. The board includes energy industry veterans Jason Lee, former co-head of Oaktree Capital’s Power Opportunities Group, and Al Fosbenner, former CFO of Riggs Distler.

About Ariel Alternatives

Ariel Alternatives LLC is a private asset management company affiliated with Ariel Investments LLC. The firm closed its inaugural fund with $1.45 billion in limited partner and co-investor commitments and seeks to expand sustainable and market-leading businesses in high-growth industries serving Fortune 500 companies. Ariel Alternatives adopts a demand-driven investment strategy, targeting companies with attractive and market-leading positions in the job market that can bring meaningful innovation and value to customers.

About Cherokee Nation Businesses

Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) today announced its first material, direct investment in the utility and infrastructure services sector. CNB partnered with Ariel Alternatives, LLC to invest in Front Line Power Construction. CNB Chief Executive Officer Chuck Garrett said, “We remain dedicated to fostering growth and a sustainable economic advantage for our tribe and its businesses. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to responsibly stewarding the collective wealth of the Cherokee Nation through diversified, long-term investments that generate durable value.”

About Front Line Power Construction

Front Line Power Construction is a leading electrical construction firm specializing in high-quality, safe, and reliable power infrastructure solutions. Based in Rosharon, TX, and strategically positioned between Houston and Freeport, Front Line serves industrial and commercial clients across the region with a commitment to safety, integrity, and operational excellence.