SoftBank eyes acquisition of Switch data center operator

SoftBank Group is considering acquiring data center operator Switch to capitalize on the AI-driven boom in digital infrastructure. Billionaire founder Masayoshi Son is intensifying the search for such deals. The company has held discussions with Switch's leadership.

SoftBank Group is examining potential acquisitions, including that of data center operator Switch, as its billionaire founder Masayoshi Son accelerates the pursuit of deals to leverage the artificial intelligence boom in digital infrastructure. Sources familiar with the discussions, who asked not to be identified due to the private nature of the information, said the Japanese firm has engaged with Switch's leadership and is conducting due diligence on the closely held company.

SoftBank has also entered advanced talks to acquire one of Switch's primary private equity backers, the New York-listed investment firm DigitalBridge Group, according to reports from last week.

This initiative underscores SoftBank's strategy to bolster its position in AI infrastructure amid growing demand for data centers. Switch operates significant facilities that could support expanded computing needs driven by AI applications, though no final agreements have been confirmed.

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Elon Musk announces SpaceX-xAI merger at podium, with screen showing orbital AI data centers, Starships, and Mars visions.
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SpaceX acquires xAI to power AI with space data centers

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Elon Musk announced on February 2, 2026, that his SpaceX company has acquired his AI startup xAI, aiming to build orbital data centers to meet surging electricity demands for artificial intelligence. The merger integrates AI, rockets, and satellite technology to create a vertically integrated innovation engine. Musk envisions this enabling advancements like Moon bases and Mars colonization.

SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son has reduced the shares he pledged to lenders by $2.1 billion in recent months, lowering his collateral after artificial intelligence bets fueled a rebound in his technology fortune. The move comes as SoftBank shares surged nearly 200% to an October peak amid an AI frenzy, though they have since shed some gains on bubble fears.

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Igneo Infrastructure Partners and Japan's Orix are among those advancing to the next bidding round for Macquarie Capital's majority stake in a Dutch hyperscale data center. Canada's Northleaf Capital has also progressed in the process, with the stake valued at about €900 million ($1 billion). Final offers are expected next month.

Hangzhou-based startup DeepSeek has not announced plans for its next major AI model release, but its technical papers suggest potential advances. The papers highlight how AI infrastructure innovations could drive efficiency and scale up model performance.

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In the 1980s, Japan invested billions to lead in artificial intelligence while Silicon Valley was still emerging. Tokyo's neon-lit laboratories drove cutting-edge programs. This history frames today's re-engagement with AI as 'catching up.'

Elon Musk's SpaceX is in early-stage talks to potentially merge with either Tesla or xAI, according to reports from Bloomberg and Reuters. Such a merger could precede SpaceX's planned initial public offering this year. The discussions aim to consolidate resources among Musk's companies, building on recent investments and shared operations.

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Elon Musk is reportedly considering a merger between SpaceX and Tesla, or a tie-up with xAI, as the rocket company prepares for a possible $1.5 trillion stock market flotation. The discussions highlight synergies in AI, robotics, and space technology, while drawing attention to the companies' combined bitcoin holdings of nearly 20,000 BTC. Legal entities suggestive of merger activity were filed in Nevada earlier this month.

 

 

 

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