SoftBank Doubles Down on AI With Major DigitalBridge Acquisition

In a bold move that underscores its artificial intelligence ambitions, Japan's SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire data center investment company DigitalBridge for $4 billion. The deal comes as tech giants worldwide scramble to secure computing infrastructure for the AI boom.

Premium Price Reflects Strategic Value

The acquisition values DigitalBridge at $16 per share - a healthy 15% premium over its December closing price. Investors clearly approve, sending DigitalBridge shares up 10% following the announcement. Rumors of the impending deal had previously driven the stock up as much as 50%.

"This isn't just another acquisition," said SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son in a statement dripping with enthusiasm. "We're laying the groundwork for next-generation AI data centers that will power industries worldwide."

Why This Deal Matters Now

The timing couldn't be more critical. As AI models grow exponentially more complex, demand for computing power has skyrocketed:

• Data centers must handle unprecedented workloads
• Energy requirements are ballooning
• Scalable infrastructure becomes non-negotiable

DigitalBridge CEO Mark Ghanem sees his company's $108 billion in managed assets finding perfect synergy with SoftBank's deep pockets and global reach. "AI infrastructure represents perhaps our generation's most significant investment opportunity," Ghanem noted.

Following the Money Trail

The DigitalBridge purchase follows SoftBank's recent sale of its entire NVIDIA stake - netting $5.83 billion that appears destined for AI investments like OpenAI. It's all part of Son's vision to position SoftBank as a dominant "super artificial intelligence" platform provider.

The transaction is expected to close in late 2026 after regulatory approvals. If successful, it could reshape how tech companies access the computing muscle needed for cutting-edge AI development.

Key Points:

• Strategic Play: SoftBank pays premium price ($16/share) for crucial AI infrastructure assets
• Market Reaction: DigitalBridge stock jumps 10%, following earlier rumors that sent shares soaring
• Resource Alignment: Combines DigitalBridge's expertise with SoftBank's financial firepower
• Bigger Picture: Part of broader strategy including NVIDIA divestment and OpenAI investments