Japan-based investment giant SoftBank Group Corp. has announced an agreement to acquire U.S.-based digital infrastructure firm DigitalBridge Group Inc. for approximately $4 billion, marking a major step in SoftBank’s expanding push into artificial intelligence (AI) and data center infrastructure.
According to the official statement, the deal will be executed as an all-cash transaction, with DigitalBridge shareholders set to receive $16 per share, representing a premium of nearly 15% over the company’s recent market price.
Deal Expected to Close in 2026
SoftBank said the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
Following the transaction, DigitalBridge will continue to operate as an independent platform, and its current Chief Executive Officer Marc Ganzi will remain in his role. The structure suggests continuity in management and operations rather than a major restructuring.
Shares of DigitalBridge rose sharply after the announcement, indicating a positive response from investors.
About DigitalBridge
DigitalBridge Group Inc. is a U.S.-based alternative asset management company specializing in digital infrastructure investments. Its portfolio includes:
- Data centers
- Cellular towers
- Fiber and broadband networks
- Edge and cloud connectivity infrastructure
The company plays a critical role in supporting global cloud computing, high-speed connectivity, and data-intensive technologies.
Why SoftBank Is Making This Move
Industry experts view the acquisition as a strategic move aligned with SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son’s long-term vision of building the backbone for a future driven by artificial intelligence.
As AI adoption accelerates globally, demand is rising for:
- High-performance computing capacity
- Large-scale data storage
- Fast and reliable network connectivity
DigitalBridge’s physical infrastructure assets directly support these requirements, making it a strategic fit for SoftBank’s AI-focused investment strategy.
Strengthening SoftBank’s AI Strategy
SoftBank has been steadily increasing its exposure to AI-related businesses, including semiconductors, cloud platforms, and advanced computing ecosystems. By acquiring DigitalBridge, SoftBank gains deeper access to data centers and network infrastructure, which are essential for training and deploying large AI models.
Market analysts believe this move positions SoftBank favorably as global spending on AI infrastructure is expected to rise significantly over the next decade.
Impact on Global Markets
The acquisition has reinforced market expectations that:
- Investment in AI and data center infrastructure will accelerate
- Valuations of digital infrastructure companies could rise
- Large global investors may increase consolidation activity in this sector
The deal highlights how major global players are positioning themselves ahead of the next phase of AI-driven growth.
Outcome
SoftBank’s $4 billion acquisition of DigitalBridge goes beyond a traditional corporate takeover. It represents a long-term strategic investment in the physical infrastructure required to support the AI economy.
If completed as planned, the deal could become one of the most significant AI infrastructure transactions of the year, shaping the future direction of global digital and technology markets.
Source: SoftBank news , DigitalBridge news
