SoftBank and Arm Weigh Acquiring Ampere Computing
Deal News | Jan 09, 2025 | Zawya
Japanese technology giant SoftBank Group and its majority holding, Arm Holdings, are reportedly in exploratory discussions to acquire Ampere Computing, a semiconductor firm backed by Oracle. Ampere, known for its energy-efficient chips leveraging Arm's technology, is actively seeking strategic options and has employed a financial adviser to assist with acquisition interests. Founded by Renee James, former president of Intel, Ampere's chips are utilized by major tech firms such as Oracle and Google. Although Oracle has invested significantly in Ampere, the talks regarding a potential deal with SoftBank and Arm are still at a preliminary stage, and an outcome is not guaranteed.
Sectors
- Technology
- Investment
Geography
- Japan – SoftBank Group, the potential acquirer, is based in Japan, indicating a key geographical nexus for the deal.
- United States – Ampere Computing, the target company, is likely based in the United States, and the involvement of Oracle, a major American corporation, further emphasizes the US connection.
Industry
- Technology – Ampere Computing is involved in semiconductor technology, specifically focusing on central processing chips, which are a core component of technology hardware and infrastructure.
- Investment – SoftBank Group, a major private equity investor, and its investment activities pertain to this sector, especially with Arm Holdings involving a potential new acquisition.
Financials
- Hundreds of millions of dollars – Investment amount by Oracle in Ampere Computing since its foundation.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoftBank Group | Potential Acquirer | Company | A Japanese multinational conglomerate holding company known for its investment activities across various sectors. |
| Arm Holdings | Potential Acquirer | Company | A company designing processors and semiconductors, owned predominantly by SoftBank Group. |
| Ampere Computing | Target | Company | A semiconductor firm specializing in energy-efficient chips, founded by former Intel president Renee James. |
| Oracle Corporation | Investor | Company | An American multinational computer technology corporation that has invested significantly in Ampere Computing. |
| Renee James | Founder | Person | The founder of Ampere Computing and former president of Intel. |