①SoftBank Group has acquired DigitalBridge, a data center investment company, for $40 billion to accelerate its artificial intelligence (AI) strategic layout; ②The acquisition price is $16 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately 15% over DigitalBridge's closing price on December 26. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of next year.
Japan $SoftBank Group (ADR) (SFTBY.US)$ announced on Monday that it has agreed to acquire DigitalBridge, a data center investment company, for $40 billion, marking a significant step in accelerating its artificial intelligence (AI) strategic layout. $DigitalBridge Group (DBRG.US)$ This acquisition will expand SoftBank’s exposure in the digital infrastructure sector. Currently, SoftBank is continuously adjusting its portfolio, with AI clearly defined as its core development direction.
The acquisition will expand SoftBank's footprint in the digital infrastructure domain. At present, SoftBank continues to adjust its investment portfolio, explicitly positioning AI as its core growth focus.
Boosted by the news, DigitalBridge’s stock rose about 10% in early trading. Earlier in the day, following media reports indicating that a related deal might be imminent, the company’s shares surged nearly 50% in pre-market trading.
According to the announcement, the transaction has received unanimous approval from a special committee of DigitalBridge's board of directors. Upon completion of the transaction, SoftBank will acquire all outstanding common shares of DigitalBridge at $16 per share in cash, valuing the company at approximately $2.92 billion.
SoftBank stated that this acquisition price represents a premium of approximately 15% over DigitalBridge's closing price on December 26. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of next year.
Masayoshi Son, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SoftBank Group, stated that this acquisition “will strengthen the infrastructure for next-generation AI data centers” and propel SoftBank towards its long-term vision of building a globally leading ‘super AI intelligence platform.’
In the statement, Son pointed out: 'As AI reshapes industries worldwide, our demand for computing power, network connectivity, electricity supply, and scalable infrastructure is growing rapidly.'
The acquisition agreement between SoftBank Group and DigitalBridge comes at a time when the global application of artificial intelligence is rapidly developing, driving an explosive growth in demand for infrastructure to support AI operations.
Marc Ganzi, CEO of DigitalBridge, stated in the announcement: 'The construction of AI infrastructure represents one of the largest and most significant investment opportunities of our generation.'
He added that SoftBank's 'strategic vision, strong capital base, and global network resources will enable us to advance our mission with greater flexibility, serve investors with a longer investment horizon, and better support leading global technology companies in expanding their AI capabilities.'
Recently, SoftBank Group has sold all its shares in NVIDIA, the American chipmaker, cashing out approximately $5.83 billion to create financial room for its investment in OpenAI.
According to the official website, DigitalBridge was founded in 1991 and initially focused on real estate investments under the name Colony Capital.
Under the leadership of CEO Marc Ganzi, the company gradually transitioned into the digital infrastructure sector. Currently, DigitalBridge positions itself as 'a unique digital infrastructure enterprise,' managing approximately $108 billion in assets as of the end of September, making it one of the largest specialized investment institutions in the digital ecosystem.
Editor/Stephen