SoftBank Acquires DigitalBridge for $4 Billion to Bolster AI Infrastructure

SoftBank's Major Investment in AI Infrastructure

SoftBank Group Corp. announced on Monday, December 29, 2025, that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire DigitalBridge Group, Inc., a prominent global alternative asset manager specializing in digital infrastructure. The acquisition is valued at approximately $4 billion, an all-cash transaction that underscores SoftBank's aggressive push into the foundational infrastructure necessary for advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) development.

The deal will see SoftBank acquire all of DigitalBridge's outstanding common stock at $16 per share, representing a 15% premium over DigitalBridge's closing share price on December 26, 2025. This move is a direct response to the surging demand for computing capacity that underpins AI applications, with SoftBank aiming to position itself at the forefront of this technological shift.

Strategic Vision for Artificial Super Intelligence

SoftBank's founder and CEO, Masayoshi Son, has articulated a mission to realize 'Artificial Super Intelligence' (ASI) for the advancement of humanity. The acquisition of DigitalBridge is a critical step in achieving this vision, as it will strengthen SoftBank's ability to build, scale, and finance the essential infrastructure needed to train, deploy, and serve AI models at a global scale.

Mr. Son stated, 'As AI transforms industries worldwide, we need more compute, connectivity, power, and scalable infrastructure.' He added that 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.' This strategy marks a shift for SoftBank from primarily passive investments to direct ownership of critical AI infrastructure.

DigitalBridge's Extensive Digital Infrastructure Portfolio

DigitalBridge, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S., is recognized as a leading global investor in digital infrastructure. The firm manages approximately $108 billion in assets and boasts a diversified portfolio that includes:

• Data centers
• Cell towers
• Fiber networks
• Small-cell systems
• Edge infrastructure

DigitalBridge CEO Marc Ganzi emphasized the significance of the AI infrastructure buildout, calling it 'one of the most significant investment opportunities of our generation.' He will continue to lead DigitalBridge as a separately managed platform following the acquisition, leveraging SoftBank's capital strength and global network to accelerate its mission.

Transaction Details and Future Outlook

The transaction has received unanimous recommendation from a special committee of DigitalBridge's Board of Directors and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. This acquisition follows SoftBank's broader engagement in the AI sector, including its involvement in the Stargate project alongside OpenAI and Oracle, which aims to develop large-scale computing and infrastructure initiatives.

The deal highlights the escalating competition for control over AI's foundational infrastructure, with SoftBank making a substantial bet on the physical backbone required for AI models to operate at scale. By acquiring DigitalBridge, SoftBank gains immediate access to a vast network of digital assets, crucial for addressing the growing demands for compute capacity, power, and connectivity in the AI era.