Softbank Vision Fund acquires DigitalBridge

SoftBank Group has announced a definitive agreement to acquire DigitalBridge Group for approximately $4 billion, marking a pivotal enhancement of its global AI infrastructure strategy. This acquisition aims to expand SoftBank's capabilities in scaling next-generation digital infrastructure, a move in line with its recent $41 billion investment in OpenAI. These efforts underscore SoftBank’s ambition to dominate the AI ecosystem, stretching from infrastructure development to advanced AI platforms.

DigitalBridge, a prominent alternative asset manager focused on digital infrastructure such as data centers, fiber networks, cell towers, and edge infrastructure, will be integrated as a separately managed platform post-acquisition. Under the terms, SoftBank will acquire all outstanding common stock of DigitalBridge at $16.00 per share in cash. This price represents a 15% premium over DigitalBridge’s share price as of December 26, 2025, and a 50% premium over the unaffected 52-week average closing price as of December 4, 2025. The transaction, unanimously approved by DigitalBridge's independent directors, is expected to conclude in the latter half of 2026, pending standard regulatory approvals.

For SoftBank, the DigitalBridge acquisition enhances its ability to develop the necessary infrastructure to support AI operations globally, a crucial step towards achieving its vision of Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). The acquisition is viewed as a strategic move to expand capacity in AI-driven economies, providing the infrastructure backbone needed for AI deployment and operation. Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group, emphasized that the partnership would bolster SoftBank’s infrastructure capabilities necessary for AI transformations across industries.

In the broader market context, SoftBank's acquisition of DigitalBridge positions the group as a dominant player in the increasingly vital AI infrastructure sector. This move aligns with SoftBank's broader strategy, following its significant investment in OpenAI, to integrate both software and physical infrastructure components within the AI ecosystem. The acquisition further strengthens competitive pressure on other players in the digital infrastructure sector, as capital allocation dynamics shift towards supporting AI-driven growth.

Looking forward, the acquisition is contingent upon customary regulatory approvals, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026. As the deal progresses, SoftBank's integration strategy for DigitalBridge's operations and its impact on the AI infrastructure landscape will be closely observed, marking another stride in SoftBank’s extensive commitment to advancing global AI capabilities.