Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire data center investment firm DigitalBridge for approximately $4 billion, marking a massive strategic bet on the physical infrastructure required for artificial intelligence.
The deal, set at $16 per share in cash, represents a significant 15% premium and underscores the intense global race to secure AI data center assets. This acquisition is poised to radically accelerate SoftBank’s ambition to become a foundational platform provider in the era of advanced artificial super intelligence.
The transaction, unanimously approved by a special committee of DigitalBridge’s board, signals SoftBank’s intent to control critical digital infrastructure.
SoftBank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son framed the move as essential, stating that the evolution of AI demands unprecedented advances in compute power, energy, and scalable infrastructure. “This acquisition will strengthen the foundation for next-generation AI data centers and is a decisive step in our strategy to build the platform for Artificial Super Intelligence,” Son declared.
DigitalBridge’s share price had surged in recent weeks on market speculation, culminating in a nearly 10% jump following the official announcement.
The company specializes in investing in and operating digital infrastructure assets, including data centers, fiber networks, and cell towers, making it a highly strategic fit for SoftBank’s AI roadmap. DigitalBridge CEO Marc Ganzi called the AI infrastructure buildout “one of the most significant investment opportunities of our generation” and noted that SoftBank’s resources would allow for accelerated, long-term investment cycles.
This multi-billion dollar agreement arrives amid a worldwide scramble for AI-ready data center capacity, driven by exploding demand from generative AI and large language models.
The fusion of SoftBank’s capital and vision with DigitalBridge’s operational expertise creates a new powerhouse aimed at serving hyperscale technology companies. Ganzi emphasized that the combined entity would be uniquely positioned to help leading tech firms scale their most ambitious AI projects, citing SoftBank’s global network and balance sheet strength as key enablers.
