SoftBank Group has announced its acquisition of DigitalBridge, a data center investment firm, for approximately $4 billion. The deal, which aims to bolster SoftBank's capabilities in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, reflects the company's commitment to enhancing global data center infrastructure and connectivity.
Masayoshi Son, the Chairman and CEO of SoftBank, stated that as AI continues to transform various industries, there is an increasing necessity for robust computing power, connectivity, and scalable infrastructure. This acquisition is part of SoftBank's broader strategy to gain control over critical infrastructure that supports AI technologies, particularly as competition for computing resources intensifies.
Following the acquisition, DigitalBridge will operate as a separate entity under the leadership of its current CEO, Marc Ganzi. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized in the latter half of 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
This acquisition aligns with SoftBank's recent strategic shifts towards AI investments. In November, the company disclosed the sale of nearly $6 billion in Nvidia stock, a move attributed to reallocating funds to support its investment in OpenAI, rather than any issues with Nvidia itself. SoftBank plans to complete its $30 billion investment in OpenAI by the end of the year.
Overall, the DigitalBridge acquisition further emphasizes SoftBank's focus on what it terms "physical AI," fueling investments in essential infrastructure—from data centers to robotics—that integrate AI technologies into everyday applications.