SoftBank Group Corp. (TSE: 9984) has officially announced its acquisition of Ampere Computing, a leading semiconductor design firm, for $6.5 billion in an all-cash deal. This move underscores SoftBank’s continued investment in AI infrastructure, complementing its existing ventures like Cristal Intelligence and Stargate. The news about SoftBank to acquire Ampere Computing has created a significant buzz in the tech industry.
Key Highlights of the Acquisition
- Deal Structure: Ampere will continue operating under its own name as a fully owned subsidiary of SoftBank Group.
- Stakeholders Involved: Primary investors Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) and Oracle Corp. (NYSE: ORCL) will be selling their shares as part of this acquisition.
- Expected Closure: The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is anticipated to be completed in the latter half of 2025.
- Ampere’s Headquarters: The company will maintain its base in Santa Clara, California.
Strategic Importance: AI & High-Performance Computing
Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp., emphasized the need for advanced computing to fuel the future of Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI):
“The future of Artificial Super Intelligence demands unprecedented computing capabilities. Ampere’s proficiency in semiconductors and high-performance computing will greatly contribute to realizing this vision, reinforcing our dedication to AI innovation within the United States.”
Renée J. James, Founder and CEO of Ampere, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating:
“Aligned in our vision to propel AI advancements, we are thrilled to become part of SoftBank Group and collaborate with its array of leading tech companies. This outcome is excellent for our team, and we look forward to progressing our AmpereOne® roadmap for advanced Arm processors and AI.”
Ampere’s Evolution & Industry Impact
Founded in 2018 in Silicon Valley, Ampere initially focused on cloud-native computing but has since expanded into AI-driven, energy-efficient semiconductor solutions. The company provides a range of Arm-based processors designed for scalable cloud workloads, edge computing, and AI data centers.
SoftBank’s Expanding AI Footprint
SoftBank Group has been aggressively investing in AI and semiconductor technology. The company holds a controlling stake in Arm Holdings and continues to explore AI, IoT, and smart robotics solutions. This acquisition aligns with SoftBank’s broader strategy of fortifying its AI-driven ecosystem.
SoftBank’s acquisition of Ampere Computing marks a major step in AI infrastructure investment, potentially reshaping the semiconductor and AI landscape. With this move, SoftBank not only strengthens its technological arsenal but also positions itself at the forefront of AI-driven computing innovation.
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