SoftBank Group Corp. has announced the acquisition of Ampere Computing, a leading designer of Arm-based server-grade chips, in a deal valued at $6.5 billion. This strategic move underscores SoftBank's commitment to advancing its position in the artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing markets.

Ampere Computing, known for its innovative multi-core CPU designs, has attracted significant attention with its cutting-edge technology. The company's 2023 "Ultra" model supports 96 to 192 cores, compatible with the Armv8.6+ architecture. Additionally, Ampere launched the AmpereOne Aurora chip in 2024, which boasts an impressive 512 cores specifically tailored for AI workloads.

Masayoshi Son, SoftBank Group CEO and Chairman, emphasized the importance of this acquisition in a statement: "The future of artificial superintelligence requires groundbreaking computing power. Ampere's expertise in semiconductors and high-performance computing will accelerate this vision and deepen our commitment to American AI innovation."

Renée J. James, founder and CEO of Ampere Computing, expressed optimism about the collaboration: "This partnership will create synergies with SoftBank Group's top technology companies, driving innovation and market development."

Strategic Integration Within SoftBank Ecosystem

SoftBank plans to integrate Ampere's technological capabilities with other companies within its ecosystem, including Arm Holdings, which it acquired in 2016. This integration is expected to combine Ampere's chip design strengths with Arm's architectural expertise, further enhancing their competitive edge in the server processor market.

The acquisition also aligns with SoftBank's broader strategy to shift workloads away from the traditional x86 architecture used by competitors like Intel and AMD. SoftBank subsidiaries such as LY Corp, a major internet company in South Korea and Japan, operate at hyperscale and could potentially adopt Ampere's processors for their operations.

Implications for Arm and the Server Processor Market

The impact of this acquisition on Arm's own server processor development remains unclear. However, reports suggest that Meta has recently become a new Arm customer, signaling growing interest in Arm-based solutions. SoftBank may explore operating a dual server processor business or focus Arm on custom product sales while allowing Ampere to dominate the general-purpose product market.

Key Highlights of the Deal

• $6.5 Billion Acquisition: SoftBank acquires Ampere Computing to bolster its AI and high-performance computing capabilities.
• Advanced Chip Technology: Ampere's multi-core CPUs, including the upcoming 512-core AmpereOne Aurora chip, are designed for AI workloads.
• Ecosystem Collaboration: Ampere will work closely with other SoftBay companies to drive technological integration and market growth.

This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the semiconductor industry as SoftBank continues to expand its influence in AI-driven technologies.

Key Points

1. SoftBank acquires Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion to strengthen its AI strategy.
2. Ampere specializes in multi-core CPUs, including the 512-core AmpereOne Aurora chip designed for AI workloads.
3. The deal aims to integrate Ampere's technology with other SoftBay companies like Arm Holdings.
4. This move could shift workloads away from traditional x86 architectures used by Intel and AMD.
5. The acquisition highlights SoftBay's commitment to advancing high-performance computing and AI innovation.