Full Breakdown
SoftBank Acquires DigitalBridge in $4 Billion AI Infrastructure Deal
12/30/2025, 2:17:29 AM
Acquisition Overview
On December 29, 2025, SoftBank Group Corp. announced its agreement to acquire DigitalBridge Group Inc., a prominent digital infrastructure investor, for approximately $4 billion. The deal, which includes a cash payment of $16 per share, represents a 15% premium over DigitalBridge's closing price prior to the announcement. This acquisition aims to enhance SoftBank's portfolio in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence (AI) sector, particularly in the infrastructure that supports AI applications.
Strategic Rationale
SoftBank's founder and CEO, Masayoshi Son, emphasized the necessity for increased computing power, connectivity, and scalable infrastructure as AI technologies continue to transform industries globally. He stated, "As AI transforms industries worldwide, we need more compute, connectivity, power, and scalable infrastructure." DigitalBridge, which manages around $108 billion in assets, specializes in digital infrastructure, including data centers, fiber networks, and edge computing, making it a strategic fit for SoftBank's ambitions in AI.
DigitalBridge's Role and Portfolio
DigitalBridge, previously known as Colony Capital, has pivoted under CEO Marc Ganzi to focus exclusively on digital infrastructure since its rebranding in 2021. The firm’s portfolio includes significant investments in companies such as Vantage Data Centers, Zayo, Switch, and AtlasEdge. Following the acquisition, DigitalBridge will continue to operate as a separately managed platform, allowing it to maintain its investment strategy while benefiting from SoftBank's capital and global network.
Market Context and Implications
The acquisition comes amid a surge in demand for digital infrastructure driven by AI advancements. Analysts predict that global investment in AI-related infrastructure could reach $6.7 trillion by 2030. This deal positions SoftBank at the forefront of this trend, reflecting a broader shift in the industry where control over physical assets is becoming increasingly vital. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Official Statements & Responses
DigitalBridge's CEO Marc Ganzi noted that the partnership with SoftBank would provide greater flexibility and a longer investment horizon, enhancing their ability to serve leading technology companies scaling their AI ambitions. He remarked, "The buildout of AI infrastructure represents one of the most significant investment opportunities of our generation."
Criticism & Opposition
While the acquisition is seen as a strategic move for SoftBank, some industry observers caution that the company still has a long way to go before it controls a significant share of the global AI infrastructure market. Jacob Yahiayan, CEO of Urban Logistic Advisory Services, commented that SoftBank is "still far from controlling 10 percent of the global hardware- and software-as-a-service market."
What's Next
As the deal progresses towards its expected closure in 2026, SoftBank aims to leverage DigitalBridge's assets to bolster its AI infrastructure initiatives, including the Stargate project, which seeks to develop large-scale computing sites across the United States. This acquisition marks a significant step in SoftBank's strategy to integrate vertically within the AI ecosystem, encompassing hardware, software, and now critical infrastructure.
