On Monday, Japan’s SoftBank announced it has agreed to purchase the data center investment firm DigitalBridge for $4 billion. This acquisition, approved by DigitalBridge’s board, will see SoftBank acquire all of DigitalBridge’s outstanding common stock at $16 per share in cash. This purchase price represents a 15% premium over DigitalBridge’s share price as of December 26. The deal is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2026.
SoftBank’s Vision for AI Data Centers
SoftBank’s CEO and Chairman, Masayoshi Son, stated that this acquisition would bolster the foundation for next-generation AI data centers. As industries around the world are increasingly transformed by artificial intelligence, there is growing demand for infrastructure capable of supporting these technologies.
According to Son, AI requires more compute, connectivity, power, and scalable infrastructure—all areas where DigitalBridge’s expertise will prove crucial.
DigitalBridge’s Role in AI Growth
The acquisition comes during a period of immense global investment in the infrastructure supporting AI applications. Marc Ganzi, CEO of DigitalBridge, emphasized that the expansion of AI infrastructure is one of the most significant investment opportunities of our generation.
With SoftBank’s capital strength, global network, and vision, the partnership is expected to accelerate DigitalBridge’s mission, giving it greater flexibility and a longer-term horizon to serve leading technology companies scaling their AI efforts.
A Shift Toward AI and OpenAI Investments
This acquisition follows SoftBank’s recent move to sell its entire stake in Nvidia, a U.S. chipmaker, for $5.83 billion. The sale was part of SoftBank’s broader strategy to refocus its investments, particularly in AI, as the company seeks to position itself as a leader in Artificial Super Intelligence. SoftBank has already made significant moves into the AI space, with a recent investment in OpenAI, the organization behind tools like ChatGPT.
DigitalBridge: A Unique Digital Infrastructure Business
DigitalBridge, with roughly $108 billion in assets under management as of September, describes itself as a unique digital infrastructure business. The firm is known for its investments in various aspects of digital infrastructure, including data centers, cell towers, and fiber networks—critical components of the infrastructure needed to support AI, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies.
Market Response
The announcement has positively impacted DigitalBridge’s stock, with shares jumping about 10% on the news. The firm’s stock price had previously surged as much as 50% following Bloomberg’s report suggesting that the deal was in the works.
FAQ
1. What is SoftBank acquiring in the DigitalBridge deal?
SoftBank is acquiring DigitalBridge, a data center investment firm, for $4 billion. The deal will see SoftBank purchase all of DigitalBridge’s outstanding common stock at $16 per share in cash, which is a 15% premium over its closing share price on December 26.
2. Why is SoftBank acquiring DigitalBridge?
The acquisition is part of SoftBank’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the AI sector. Masayoshi Son, SoftBank’s CEO, stated that the acquisition will help build the infrastructure necessary for next-generation AI data centers.
3. When is the deal expected to close?
The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending necessary approvals and conditions.
4. What are the benefits of this acquisition for SoftBank?
This acquisition will allow SoftBank to expand its portfolio of digital infrastructure, particularly for AI applications. By acquiring DigitalBridge, SoftBank gains greater capital strength, a global network, and more flexibility to serve the infrastructure needs of leading technology companies scaling their AI ambitions.
5. How has the market responded to the news?
Shares of DigitalBridge jumped about 10% following the announcement. The stock price had previously surged by as much as 50% after Bloomberg reported that a deal was imminent.
