SoftBank's $6.5B Move to Acquire Ampere Computing Signals AI Focus
Deal News | May 23, 2025 | EIN
SoftBank Group's announcement of a $6.5 billion acquisition of Ampere Computing underscores increasing investor interest in artificial intelligence deals. Set as an all-cash transaction, this acquisition is expected to be finalized in the latter half of 2025, with Ampere becoming a subsidiary of SoftBank. Ampere Computing, founded by former Intel President Renee James in 2017, is known for its high-performance and energy-efficient processors, including the Ampere One based on Arm Holdings technology. Major investors like Carlyle and Oracle are set to exit or reduce their stakes as part of the acquisition deal. SoftBank, a Japanese investment powerhouse led by Masayoshi Son, is securing $1.5 billion in debt financing from financial institutions including Mizuho Bank to facilitate the acquisition. The transaction is structured as a reverse triangular merger, aligning with SoftBank's broader strategy to deepen its footprint in AI. SoftBank, who has invested heavily in tech, including Alibaba and NVIDIA, is enhancing its AI portfolio in the U.S. alongside other tech companies, promising lucrative synergies and growth opportunities.
Sectors
- Semiconductors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Financial Services
Geography
- United States – Ampere Computing is based in California, and significant AI investments are planned in the U.S.
- Japan – SoftBank is a Japanese-based investment giant leading this acquisition.
Industry
- Semiconductors – Ampere Computing is a semiconductor design company focused on processors and AI, integral to the hardware industry.
- Artificial Intelligence – SoftBank's acquisition of Ampere Computing is heavily aligned with strategic investments in AI infrastructure and capabilities.
- Financial Services – The financial structuring involving $1.5 billion debt financing and Mizuho Bank highlights the role of financial services in facilitating deals.
Financials
- $6.5 billion – All-cash acquisition price for Ampere Computing.
- $1.5 billion – Debt financing sought by SoftBank for the acquisition.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoftBank Group | Acquirer | Company | A leading Japanese investment firm known for tech and AI investments. |
| Ampere Computing | Target Company | Company | A semiconductor company specializing in high-performance and energy-efficient processors. |
| Carlyle | Vendor | Company | An investor in Ampere Computing expected to sell or reduce its stake. |
| Oracle | Vendor | Company | Another major investor in Ampere Computing expected to sell or reduce its stake. |
| Mizuho Bank | Financier | Company | Financial institution involved in providing debt financing for the acquisition. |
| Renee James | CEO | Person | Founder and CEO of Ampere Computing, formerly President of Intel. |