SoftBank Group to acquire DigitalBridge in $4bn AI infrastructure push
SoftBank Group is doubling down on the physical backbone of artificial intelligence. The Japanese investment group has agreed to acquire DigitalBridge Group in a $4bn transaction, significantly expanding its reach in data centers, connectivity and other critical digital infrastructure needed to run large-scale AI systems.
The move is a clear signal of where capital is flowing next: into data centers, fiber and edge assets that will underpin AI deployments across Europe and globally. It also highlights how infrastructure investors and technology groups are converging as AI workloads reshape networks and facilities.
Building the backbone for AI at scale
Under the agreement, SoftBank Group Corp. will acquire DigitalBridge Group, Inc., a US-based alternative asset manager focused on digital infrastructure, for an enterprise value of about $4.0bn. DigitalBridge’s portfolio spans data centers, cell towers, fiber networks and edge infrastructure, with operations across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
SoftBank said the acquisition aligns with its long-term ambition to become a key platform provider for Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). While much of the AI spotlight has been on GPUs and accelerators, SoftBank is clearly betting that control over infrastructure capacity will be just as decisive.
“As AI transforms industries worldwide, we need more compute, connectivity, power, and scalable infrastructure,” said Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. “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.”
Deal terms and what comes next
SoftBank will indirectly acquire all outstanding DigitalBridge shares for $16.00 per share in cash. The offer represents a 15% premium to the company’s closing price on December 26, 2025, and around a 50% premium to its unaffected 52-week average price earlier in December. The transaction has been unanimously approved by DigitalBridge’s independent board committee and full board.
Following the close, expected in the second half of 2026 subject to regulatory approvals, DigitalBridge will continue to operate as a separately managed platform. It will remain led by CEO Marc Ganzi.
“The buildout of AI infrastructure represents one of the most significant investment opportunities of our generation,” Ganzi said. “SoftBank shares our DNA as builders and long-term investors committed to scaling transformational digital infrastructure.”
For SoftBank, the deal complements its existing AI and semiconductor interests, including its majority stake in Arm, and adds a major infrastructure pillar to its AI strategy — one that could prove critical as AI workloads continue to scale across global networks.
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