The Bundy Group reported nine automation transactions in its May 2025 summary reports. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below including transactions involving Aspen Technology, Cosmic Robotics, Emerson, Sage Group and others.
May 2025 merger, acquisition, automation industry insights
- In the May 2025 monthly report to Control Engineering magazine and website, the Bundy Group, which helps with mergers, acquisitions and raising capital, reported nine transactions.
- Companies included in the Bundy Group May 2025 reports include Aspen Technology, Cosmic Robotics, Emerson, Sage Group, among others.
- Technologies involved include process controls, robotics, system integration among others.
Bundy Group, an investment bank and advisory firm that specializes in the automation segment, provides an update on mergers and acquisitions and capital placement activity for this industry, with nine May 2025 report transactions, involving Aspen Technology, Cosmic Robotics, Emerson, Sage Group, among others. Technologies involved include process controls, robotics, system integration and others.
The Bundy Group said, the automation market continues to experience many mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital markets activities. Drivers of this activity include the growth-oriented nature of the automation market, the consolidation opportunities within the industry, and the strength of many of the companies operating within it. The automation market has attracted a critical mass of strategic buyers and financial sponsors (private-equity groups, family offices, institutional investors) that seek to own or invest in companies in the industry. From such Bundy Group closed automation transactions as CITI System Integrators and Ultimation, and the team continues to see strong interest from a range of qualified buyers in the automation segment. Further evidence of the robust M&A and capital placement activity in automation is provided in the transactions listed.
Bundy Group’s current engagements and owner relationships include control system integration, robotics, automated material handling, automation distribution, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This serves as a leading indicator for submarkets the Bundy Group anticipates closed transactions in over the coming months and reporting in future updates. Bundy noted the following transactions related to automation, controls or instrumentation in its June summary for Control Engineering.
Kele acquired Ponton Industries, May 13
Kele Inc., a portfolio company of The Stephens Group, acquired Tom Ponton Industries, an instrumentation sales and consulting firm. This acquisition expands Kele’s presence in the instrumentation market and integrates Ponton Industries with Kele’s existing companies: Lesman Instrument, A-Tech Inc. and AC Controls. Ponton Industries specializes in flow, level, temperature, pressure and process control solutions, offering engineering consulting and technical support.
SGS buys Streamline Control, May 2
Streamline Control, a provider of industrial control solutions for the oil and gas industry, has joined SGS, a global provider of testing, inspection and certification, as of May 1, 2025. Over the past 14 years, Streamline has grown into a 45-person team known for delivering automation solutions to major North American energy clients. This partnership marks a significant milestone, expanding Streamline’s reach and aligning it with SGS’s global platform and shared dedication to innovation, operational excellence and client success.
Salas O’Brien merged with EDEC, April 29
Salas O’Brien announced its merger with EDEC, which specializes in electrical, instrumentation and control systems engineering. This partnership strengthens Salas O’Brien’s capabilities in delivering integrated solutions across the municipal, industrial and commercial sectors. With over 20 years of experience, EDEC brings technical expertise and a strong client services that align with Salas O’Brien’s mission to support complex, mission-critical projects across North America.
MPE Partners acquired Intermatic, April 23
Intermatic, a manufacturer of energy management and control solutions for lighting, HVAC/R, irrigation and other applications, has been acquired by MPE Partners, a private equity firm specializing in lower middle market manufacturing businesses. Intermatic will remain under the leadership of its president and CEO, Rick Boutilier. The partnership with MPE is expected to accelerate growth through product innovation—particularly in digital and integrated controls—and expand with the electrical distribution market.
Tetra Tech agreed to acquire Sage Group Holdings, May 1
Tetra Tech, a leading provider of consulting and engineering services, has signed an agreement to acquire Sage Group, a provider of automation and systems integration solutions. Sage enhances operations for clients across the municipal water, energy, transportation, defense and manufacturing sectors through advanced automation, control systems and digital transformation services. The acquisition will expand Tetra Tech’s digital systems capabilities and strengthen its offerings in smart infrastructure and AI-enabled technology solutions.
Kohlberg acquired majority of Resa, April 29
Resa Power, a provider of power systems and solutions, has received a majority investment from Kohlberg & Co., a U.S. middle market private equity firm, in partnership with Investcorp. Resa’s management and employee shareholders will retain a minority stake. Founded in 2003, Resa delivers maintenance, testing and systems integration for electrical infrastructure across North America. Kohlberg’s investment will support the company’s continued growth and expansion.
Giant Ventures, MaC Venture Capital & HCVC funded Cosmic Robotics, April 19
San Francisco-based Cosmic Robotics has raised $4 million to develop AI-powered mobile manipulation robots (MMRs) aimed at speeding up utility-scale solar infrastructure projects. The round was led by Giant Ventures with participation from MaC Venture Capital, HCVC and notable angel investors. The funding will help Cosmic Robotics expand its technology and address labor shortages in critical infrastructure construction across the U.S.
Alliance Machine Systems acquired Systec Corp. and Automatan, March 19
Alliance Machine Systems International, a global provider of automated paperboard packaging equipment and part of Barry-Wehmiller, acquired Systec Corp. and Automatan, LLC. The acquisition strengthens Alliance’s position as a solutions provider for the corrugated and folding carton industries by expanding its capabilities in packaging automation and material handling.
Emerson acquired Aspen Technology, March 12
Emerson (NYSE: EMR), a global industrial technology and automation provider, completed its acquisition of the remaining 43% stake in AspenTech, a leading provider of software and services for the process industries. The deal strengthens Emerson’s position in industrial software, expanding its AI-driven asset optimization and process automation capabilities.
Clint Bundy is managing director, Bundy Group, which helps with mergers, acquisitions and raising capital. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief, Control Engineering, WTWH Media, [email protected].
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