SoftBank Group has announced an agreement to acquire DigitalBridge Group, a global alternative asset manager focused on digital infrastructure, in a cash deal valued at about $4 billion. The move marks a strategic acceleration of SoftBank’s efforts to build the next generation of infrastructure essential for artificial intelligence (AI) development and deployment at global scale.
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Strategic Rationale: Building AI Infrastructure at Scale
SoftBank’s mission is to realize Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) for humanity’s advancement, and this deal is aimed at strengthening the infrastructure layer needed to achieve that ambitious vision. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son highlighted that expanding compute, connectivity, power, and scalable infrastructure capabilities is crucial as AI continues to transform industries worldwide.
DigitalBridge brings expertise and an extensive portfolio of digital infrastructure assets — including data centers, fiber networks, cell towers, edge systems, and small-cell networks — positioning SoftBank to better finance and scale foundational infrastructure that supports next-generation AI services and applications.
What DigitalBridge Brings to the Table
Founded as an alternative asset manager with a focus on digital infrastructure, DigitalBridge manages approximately $108 billion in assets and operates across multiple key infrastructure verticals. These include:
Data Centers – critical hubs for computing, storage, and AI model training.
Fiber Networks – high-speed connectivity that underpins modern communication.
Macro Cell Towers and Small Cells – essential for mobile and wireless connectivity.
Edge Infrastructure – reducing latency for distributed AI and 5G applications.
DigitalBridge’s diversified portfolio and operating experience across these segments will enhance SoftBank’s ability to originate, finance, and operate digital infrastructure opportunities globally.
Deal Highlights and Financial Terms
Under the terms of the agreement:
Acquisition Price – SoftBank will acquire all outstanding common stock of DigitalBridge for $16.00 per share in cash.
Shareholder Value – The offer represents about a 15 percent premium over DigitalBridge’s closing price on December 26, 2025, and roughly a 50 percent premium to its 52-week unaffected average.
Approval and Timeline – The transaction has been unanimously approved by DigitalBridge’s Board of Directors following a special committee recommendation and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Post-Closing Structure – DigitalBridge will continue as a separately managed platform under current leadership, with CEO Marc Ganzi at the helm.
Market Reaction and Broader AI Infrastructure Trends
News of the acquisition has triggered significant investor interest. Reports indicate strong share price movements and market speculation on SoftBank’s broader AI infrastructure strategy, including prior initiatives like its Stargate project aimed at building large-scale computing centers with partners like OpenAI and Oracle, Reuters news report said.
This acquisition signals SoftBank’s intensified focus on owning the physical and connectivity layers that support massive AI workloads, addressing rising global demand for data center capacity, ultra-fast networks, and resilient digital infrastructure.
What This Means for the Future
For SoftBank, the DigitalBridge acquisition is more than a portfolio expansion — it’s a strategic bolstering of the infrastructure backbone needed for AI’s future. By adding a leader in digital infrastructure investment and operations, SoftBank is positioning itself as a key enabler of next-generation technologies that depend on vast compute and connectivity resources.
RAJANI BABURAJAN
