Kodiak Robotics to go public via SPAC merger with Ares Acquisition Corporation II in a $2.5bn deal.

Kodiak Robotics, a provider of AI-powered autonomous vehicle technology, agreed to go public via SPAC merger with Ares Acquisition Corporation II, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, in a $2.5bn deal. "This is a remarkable milestone for the Kodiak team and reinforces our confidence in the significant value proposition we see in our differentiated driverless technology. We believe entering the public markets will accelerate our strategy to expand our existing partner relationships, provide our technology to a broader customer base, and deliver enhanced solutions across the commercial trucking and public sector industries. Further, with Kodiak's disciplined approach to capital management, along with strategic and financial support from Ares, we believe we are well-positioned to execute on our long-term growth plans. On behalf of the entire Kodiak team, we are thrilled to be working with Ares and AACT as we continue to drive our mission to create a safer and more efficient future for the trucking industry," Don Burnette, Kodiak Founder and CEO.