Fresh deal activity is emerging as SoftBank looks to deepen its presence in digital infrastructure backed by artificial intelligence growth.
SoftBank Group is in talks to acquire DigitalBridge Group, a New York listed private equity firm focused on assets such as data centers. People familiar with the matter said the Japanese conglomerate is considering taking the company private, though discussions are still ongoing and there is no guarantee of a final agreement.
Following reports of the talks, DigitalBridge shares jumped forty five percent in New York trading, marking the biggest single day gain in the company’s history. The stock closed at fourteen dollars and twelve cents, valuing the firm at about two point five eight billion dollars.
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is pushing aggressively into AI driven infrastructure as demand for computing capacity rises worldwide. A deal could be completed in the coming weeks, but negotiations remain confidential. Both SoftBank and DigitalBridge declined to comment.
DigitalBridge, led by chief executive Marc Ganzi, managed around one hundred eight billion dollars in assets at the end of September. Its portfolio includes digital infrastructure companies such as AIMS, AtlasEdge, DataBank, Switch, Vantage Data Centers, and Yondr Group.
Raymond James analyst Ric Prentiss said in an October research note that a larger asset manager buying DigitalBridge could make strategic sense. “We feel DigitalBridge would consider selling, but only at the right and much higher than current levels cash price and terms,” he wrote.
SoftBank has a history of similar moves. In two thousand seventeen, it bought Fortress Investment Group for more than three billion dollars and later sold its stake in a deal completed in two thousand twenty four.
Earlier this year, SoftBank announced a five hundred billion dollar data center project named Stargate with OpenAI, Oracle, and Abu Dhabi backed MGX. Son pledged to deploy one hundred billion dollars “immediately,” though progress has been slower due to site selection disputes and market uncertainty.
Plans announced in September include five future sites across Texas, New Mexico, and Ohio with a combined power capacity of seven gigawatts. Son also recently said he “was crying” after selling a five point eight billion dollar Nvidia stake to fund more AI investments.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
