Kodiak Robotics, an autonomous trucking startup, plans to merge with Ares Acquisition Corporation II to go public, valuing the company at $2.5 billion pre-money. The deal is supported by over $110 million from institutional investors, including Soros Fund Management. While Kodiak has generated revenue from delivering autonomous trucks to Atlas Energy Solutions, the self-driving truck sector faces challenges with some competitors shutting down. The merger signals Kodiak's intent to expand its market presence and leverage its technology in trucking. The transaction is expected to close in late 2025.