Ampere Computing to be Acquired by SoftBank in $6.5 Billion Deal
Deal News | Mar 20, 2025 | The Carlyle Group
In a strategic move to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities, SoftBank Group Corp. announced its plan to acquire Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion in cash. This acquisition will allow SoftBank to integrate Ampere's expertise in semiconductors and high-performance computing, furthering its AI ambitions. As part of the deal, Ampere will become a wholly owned subsidiary while retaining its brand identity. Ampere's main investors, Carlyle Group and Oracle Corp., will sell their holdings. Founded in 2018, Ampere has significantly contributed to cloud-native and sustainable AI compute solutions. The transaction awaits customary regulatory approvals, targeting closure in the latter half of 2025. This agreement underscores SoftBank's intensified focus on AI advancements on a global scale, aligning with its broader strategic investments in the technology sector.
Sectors
- Technology
- Private Equity
- Semiconductors
Geography
- United States – Ampere Computing is based in Santa Clara, CA, and plays a vital role in AI technology development in the US.
- Japan – SoftBank Group, the acquiring company, is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, indicating cross-border transaction activity.
Industry
- Technology – The acquisition involves companies operating in the technology sector, specializing in artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
- Private Equity – Carlyle Group, a private equity firm, is a stakeholder in Ampere and is selling its position as part of the acquisition.
- Semiconductors – Ampere Computing specializes in semiconductor design, a crucial component of this transaction.
Financials
- $6.5 billion – The cash value of the transaction for the acquisition of Ampere Computing by SoftBank.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoftBank Group Corp. | Bidding Company | Company | A multinational conglomerate holding company based in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on technology investments. |
| Ampere Computing | Target Company | Company | A US-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance computing and AI solutions. |
| The Carlyle Group | Selling Company | Company | A global investment firm providing its stakes in Ampere as part of this transaction. |
| Oracle Corp. | Selling Company | Company | An American multinational computer technology corporation, selling its stake in Ampere in this deal. |
| Masayoshi Son | Chairman and CEO | Person | Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp., actively involved in strategic AI investments. |
| Renee James | Founder and CEO | Person | Founder and CEO of Ampere Computing, oversees the company's growth and strategic direction. |