Grant Thornton Stax Advises Ares and Automated Industrial Robotics on KAON Automation Acquisition​

Grant Thornton Stax Advises Ares and Automated Industrial Robotics on KAON Automation Acquisition​

January 12, 2026
January 12, 2026

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Grant Thornton Stax congratulates Ares Management and its portfolio company, Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. (AIR), on its recent acquisition of KAON Automation, an Ireland-based industrial automation company that delivers advanced automation solutions for leading manufacturing companies globally. We are proud to have supported Ares and AIR with our investment advisory services in this successful transaction. ​

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Sligo, Ireland, KAON has built a strong reputation for delivering highly customized automation solutions to medical and life sciences manufacturers, particularly in regulated production environments. The company specializes in designing and integrating automated production lines using modular system architectures that support flexible, scalable, and repeatable manufacturing. KAON is known for its expertise in intelligent conveyor systems, enabling high-throughput operations where precision, consistency, and uptime are critical.​

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Leveraging experience in central transport platforms and aseptic filling, KAON has also developed next-generation solutions that combine high-speed filling with zero-touch changeover. With a focus on technical excellence and innovation, KAON partners with leading component suppliers to deliver high-quality, efficient automation systems that enhance productivity while helping customers optimize capital investment.​

Contact the Stax team to learn more:

KAON logo
KAON logo
Ares logo
Ares logo
AIR logo
AIR logo
KAON logo
Ares logo
AIR logo
Joel Slater

Managing Director

Managing Director

About Grant Thornton Stax

Grant Thornton Stax is a global management consulting firm serving corporate and private equity clients across a broad range of industries including software/technology, industrials, business and information services, healthcare and HCIT, consumer, and tradeshows and events. 

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