SoftBank Group to Acquire Ampere Computing in $6.5 Billion Deal
Deal News | Mar 20, 2025 | The Carlyle Group
SoftBank Group Corp. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Ampere Computing in an all-cash transaction worth $6.5 billion. Ampere, an independent silicon design company known for its work in cloud-native computing and sustainable AI compute, will become a wholly owned subsidiary while retaining its name under SoftBank's umbrella. The acquisition aligns with SoftBank's effort to accelerate its AI infrastructure investments. The transaction will enable SoftBank to bolster capabilities in key tech areas and advance its AI vision. Carlyle and Oracle, the key investors of Ampere, are selling their stakes as part of the transaction which is expected to close in the latter half of 2025, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Technology - Semiconductors
- Telecommunications
Geography
- United States – Ampere Computing is based in Santa Clara, California and this acquisition will bolster SoftBank's AI capabilities in the U.S.
- Japan – SoftBank Group is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and is conducting the acquisition from there.
Industry
- Private Equity – The industry is involved due to Carlyle and Oracle's exit from their investment position in Ampere.
- Technology - Semiconductors – Ampere Computing operates in the semiconductor sector, providing cutting-edge silicon design for AI and cloud computing.
- Telecommunications – SoftBank Group's diversified portfolio includes major interests in telecommunications which are relevant for the AI and computing capabilities they are enhancing with this acquisition.
Financials
- $6.5 billion – The total value of the all-cash acquisition of Ampere Computing by SoftBank Group.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoftBank Group Corp. | Buyer | Company | An investment holding company involved in AI, smart robotics, IoT, and telecommunications. |
| Ampere Computing | Target Company | Company | A silicon design company specializing in high-performance computing and AI. |
| The Carlyle Group | Selling Company | Company | A global investment firm that invests across a range of sectors including technology, aerospace, and healthcare. |
| Oracle Corp. | Selling Company | Company | A multinational computer technology corporation selling database software and technology, cloud engineered systems, and enterprise software products. |
| Masayoshi Son | CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. | Person | Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group, involved in the acquisition and company's strategic vision. |
| Renee James | CEO of Ampere Computing | Person | Founder and CEO of Ampere, integral to the company's strategy and operations. |