SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire DigitalBridge Group, a global alternative asset manager focused on digital infrastructure, in a deal valued at $4 billion.
In a statement released Monday, SoftBank said the acquisition supports its long-term ambition to develop artificial super intelligence. By bringing DigitalBridge into its portfolio, SoftBank aims to expand its ability to build, finance and scale the core infrastructure needed to power next-generation AI systems.
“As AI transforms industries worldwide, we need more compute, connectivity, power and scalable infrastructure. DigitalBridge is a leader in digital infrastructure, and this acquisition will strengthen the foundation for next-generation AI data centers, advance our vision to become a leading ASI platform provider and help unlock breakthroughs that move humanity forward,” Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank Group, said in the statement.
Under the agreement, SoftBank will leverage DigitalBridge’s investment platform and portfolio to strengthen its access to large-scale AI capacity and enhance the connectivity networks that underpin AI deployment and operations.
SoftBank will indirectly acquire all outstanding shares of DigitalBridge for $16 per share in cash. Following the transaction, DigitalBridge will continue to operate as an independent platform under the leadership of CEO Marc Ganzi.
