SoftBank Acquires DigitalBridge for $4 Billion, Strengthening AI Infrastructure

Japanese conglomerate SoftBank finalized the acquisition of investment firm DigitalBridge for $4 billion on December 29–30, 2025. This acquisition gives Masayoshi Son's empire direct control over a vast network of data centers, fiber optic lines, and communication towers managed by DigitalBridge. The deal is a logical extension of SoftBank's aggressive strategy to create a vertically integrated AI ecosystem, encompassing every link—from chip manufacturing (Arm) to data storage infrastructure.

Acquiring the "nuts and bolts" of the digital economy is essential to ensure the uninterrupted operation of massive neural networks that SoftBank invests in through OpenAI and other projects. Amid a global shortage of computing power, owning proprietary facilities (data centers) becomes a key competitive advantage. Experts call this deal "Son's return" to major infrastructure bets, intended to serve as the foundation for the deployment of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

Source: Reuters