Softbank Buys DigitalBridge for $4 Bn to tap Data Centre Infrastructure

Japan’s SoftBank Group has reached a definitive agreement to acquire DigitalBridge, a digital infrastructure investment firm, for an enterprise value of around $4 billion. This acquisition is part of the Japanese conglomerate's strategy to capitalise on the surge in data centre infrastructure driven by AI advancements.

According to the company, the acquisition will enhance SoftBank Group’s capacity to construct, scale, and finance the essential infrastructure needed for future AI services and applications.

“As AI transforms industries worldwide, we need more compute, connectivity, power, and scalable infrastructure,” said Masayoshi Son, chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group, in a statement. “This acquisition will strengthen the foundation for next-generation AI data centres, advance our vision to become a leading ASI platform provider, and help unlock breakthroughs that move humanity forward.”

SoftBank Group will acquire all outstanding common stock of DigitalBridge for $16 per share in cash. This transaction, recommended unanimously by a special committee of independent directors and approved by DigitalBridge's board, represents a 15% premium over the December 26, 2025, closing share price and a 50% premium over the unaffected 52-week average as of December 4, 2025.

After the deal, DigitalBridge will operate as a separate entity led by CEO Marc Ganzi. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

“The buildout of AI infrastructure represents one of the most significant investment opportunities of our generation,” said Marc Ganzi, CEO of DigitalBridge. “SoftBank shares our DNA as builders and long-term investors committed to scaling transformational digital infrastructure.