SoftBank Group is negotiating to acquire DigitalBridge Group, a private equity firm focused on data centers and similar assets, to capitalize on the AI-driven surge in digital infrastructure. The deal could conclude in coming weeks, though no agreement is guaranteed.
SoftBank Group is in discussions to purchase New York-listed DigitalBridge Group and take it private, according to individuals familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the talks.
The move aligns with efforts by SoftBank's founder, billionaire Masayoshi Son, to leverage the growing demand for computing power that supports artificial intelligence applications amid an AI-fueled boom in digital infrastructure. DigitalBridge, a private equity firm specializing in investments like data centers, has seen its shares drop 13% this year, resulting in a market value of around $1.8 billion. Following reports of the potential deal, the stock surged as much as 35% and was trading at $12.63 as of 10:40 a.m. in New York.
While a transaction might materialize in the weeks ahead, ongoing deliberations carry no assurance of a final agreement.