What's Happening?
SoftBank is reportedly in active discussions to acquire DigitalBridge, a company specializing in digital infrastructure assets, according to a Bloomberg report. The acquisition, which could be finalized
in the coming weeks, would involve taking DigitalBridge private and granting SoftBank control over approximately $108 billion in assets under management. These assets are heavily focused on data centers and other infrastructure critical to AI workloads. DigitalBridge has been a significant player in the data center investment landscape, reporting over 2.6 GW of data center leasing volumes in Q3 2025 alone. This move aligns with SoftBank's broader strategy under founder Masayoshi Son, who views AI as a defining investment opportunity for the coming decade.
Why It's Important?
The potential acquisition of DigitalBridge by SoftBank underscores the increasing strategic importance of data centers in the AI sector. As AI workloads continue to grow, control over data center capacity has become a critical leverage point for companies involved in AI development. For SoftBank, acquiring DigitalBridge would provide a ready-made platform to scale data center investments, bypassing the need to build infrastructure from scratch. This move could accelerate SoftBank's ability to meet the rising demand for AI computing power, positioning it as a key player in the AI infrastructure space. The acquisition also reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the data center sector, driven by rising construction costs and competition for resources.
What's Next?
If the acquisition proceeds, SoftBank would likely focus on expanding existing facilities and developing new ones in regions where AI demand is high. This could involve aggressive capital deployment to enhance infrastructure capabilities. The deal would also streamline decision-making processes within SoftBank, potentially leading to faster implementation of AI infrastructure projects. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, as it could signal a shift in the competitive landscape of AI infrastructure investment.
