SoftBank Group Corp. announced Monday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire DigitalBridge Group, Inc., a global alternative asset manager dedicated to investing in digital infrastructure, including data centers, cell towers, fiber networks, and edge infrastructure, for a total enterprise value of approximately $4 billion.
SoftBank said in a statement that it aims to realize Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) for the advancement of humanity.
It noted achieving that vision requires breakthroughs not only in AI models, but also in the platform infrastructure needed to train, deploy, and serve them at global scale.
Thus, the planned acquisition of DigitalBridge will strengthen SoftBank’s ability to build, scale, and finance the foundational infrastructure needed for next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) services and applications.
“As AI transforms industries worldwide, we need more compute, connectivity, power, and scalable infrastructure,
“DigitalBridge is a leader in digital infrastructure, and 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,” said Masayoshi Son, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SoftBank Group Corp.
Meanwhile, Marc Ganzi, Chief Executive Officer of DigitalBridge, said the buildout of AI infrastructure represents one of the most significant investment opportunities of their generation.
“SoftBank shares our DNA as builders and long-term investors committed to scaling transformational digital infrastructure,
“Their vision, capital strength, and global network will allow us to accelerate our mission with greater flexibility, invest with a longer-term horizon on behalf of our investors, and better serve the world’s leading technology companies as they scale their AI ambitions,” he added.
With a global footprint and deep sector expertise, DigitalBridge will enhance SoftBank Group’s ability to originate, finance, operate, and scale digital infrastructure opportunities worldwide.
DigitalBridge’s diversified portfolio and investment capabilities will also advance SoftBank’s priorities by helping secure critical capacity for AI at scale and strengthening the connectivity layer underpinning AI deployment and operations, said the statement.