On September 30, 2024, Barclays PLC acquired 3,538,577 shares of Ares Acquisition Corp II at $10.83 per share, marking a new investment in the SPAC market. This acquisition, representing a mere 0.01% of Barclays' portfolio, reflects the firm's strategy to diversify its holdings amid evolving market trends. Ares Acquisition Corp II, with a market cap of $698.75 million, has shown a 3.23% stock gain since the acquisition, despite facing challenges indicated by its low growth and profitability ranks.