SoftBank to Acquire DigitalBridge for $4 Billion

SoftBank Group announced on Monday its agreement to acquire DigitalBridge Group, a leading investor in digital infrastructure, for $4 billion, aiming to strengthen its position in the artificial intelligence sector.

The deal offers $16 per share for DigitalBridge, representing a 15 percent premium over the company's closing price on Friday and valuing it at approximately $2.9 billion. Shares of DigitalBridge rose about 9.7 percent to $15.27 on Monday, building on a 45 percent increase earlier this month after reports of acquisition talks surfaced. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. Under the terms, DigitalBridge will operate as a separately managed platform, with CEO Marc Ganzi continuing to lead it.

The acquisition expands SoftBank's exposure to essential AI infrastructure, including data centers, cell towers, fiber networks, small-cell systems and edge computing. DigitalBridge manages about $108 billion in assets as of September 30, with investments in companies such as Vantage Data Centers, Zayo, Switch and AtlasEdge. Founded in 1991 as the real estate-focused Colony Capital, the firm shifted...