#USA #The Woodlands #Infrastructure #Ara Partners #Centric Fiber

Ara Partners Expands Influence with Centric Fiber Acquisition

On November 19, 2025, Ara Partners, a prominent private equity and infrastructure firm focused on decarbonization, announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Centric Fiber. This strategic move is expected to enhance the availability of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) solutions across the southern United States, particularly benefiting rapidly growing communities in Texas, Florida, and Arizona.

Background

Ara Partners, headquartered in Houston, specializes in investments that align with environmental sustainability goals. The firm initially partnered with Centric Fiber from 2018 to 2021, during which time they collaborated on various projects that laid the groundwork for this recent acquisition. Centric Fiber, based in The Woodlands, Texas, has become a notable player in providing fiber-to-the-home internet services to large residential developments, making this acquisition a natural progression for both companies.

Centric Fiber’s Market Position

Centric Fiber operates in an emerging sector, catering specifically to developers and builders of master-planned communities. By offering reliable, high-speed internet services, Centric has carved out a niche in the broadband market. Its advanced fiber infrastructure supports not only the connectivity needs of residents but also enhances the value of property developments by integrating high-tech services early in the planning stages.

With growing demand for high-speed internet across entire communities, Centric Fiber's model aligns well with modern living requirements. As more consumers opt for telecommuting and digital services, the need for fast and reliable internet becomes imperative, making Centric's services even more essential.

Commitment to Decarbonization

The underlying motivation for Ara Partners' acquisition is its unwavering commitment to promoting low-carbon infrastructure. Fiber-optic technology is noted for its energy efficiency, boasting up to a 90% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional cable systems. This aspect plays a crucial role in supporting Ara’s mission to cultivate sustainable industrial solutions and contribute positively to the environment.

George Yong, Partner and Co-Head of Ara Infrastructure, emphasized this commitment by stating, “Low-carbon infrastructure will be critical in enabling the unconstrained growth of the digital economy.” The acquisition not only allows Ara Partners to expand its portfolio but also ensures that the infrastructure built will be environmentally sustainable and future-ready.

Looking Ahead

The acquisition of Centric Fiber comes with substantial promised investment from Ara to fund several upcoming projects that are already in the pipeline. This investment reflects Ara’s strategic long-term vision of creating a diversified and environmentally friendly portfolio that addresses the current and future needs of digital connectivity.

Robert Barnwell, CEO of Centric Fiber, expressed enthusiasm over the deal, reinforcing that “Centric Fiber is uniquely positioned to meet the growing connectivity needs of American communities.” He highlighted that the collaboration with Ara Partners would enable Centric to scale its operations and continue its trajectory of growth in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Conclusion

This acquisition marks a significant step for Ara Partners as they seek to enhance their technological influence and commitment to sustainability in the telecommunications industry. With the integration of Centric Fiber into its portfolio, Ara is not just investing in a company but is also contributing to the evolution of how communities connect, operate, and thrive in an increasingly digital world. As the digital revolution progresses, partnerships like this one underscore the importance of merging traditional investment with innovative, sustainable practices to pave the way for future advancements.