- SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire U.S.-based chip designer Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion, aiming to expand its presence in AI and semiconductors.
- The deal, pending regulatory approvals, aligns with SoftBank’s strategy to enhance its AI and cloud computing capabilities through advanced chip technology.
SoftBank Group has announced an agreement to acquire U.S.-based chip designer Ampere Computing Holdings for $6.5 billion. The acquisition is part of the Japanese investment firm's strategy to expand its presence in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor technology.
SoftBank, which owns a majority stake in chip designer Arm Holdings, has been increasing its focus on AI and computing infrastructure. The deal follows a broader trend of major technology firms, including Apple and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., ramping up production of advanced semiconductor technology in the United States.
The Santa Clara, California-based Ampere specializes in designing high-performance, energy-efficient processors tailored for cloud computing and AI applications.
The company has approximately 1,000 semiconductor engineers and is backed by investors such as the Carlyle Group and Oracle Project Denver Holdings. Arm Holdings owns an 8.08% stake in the company.
SoftBank described the acquisition as aligned with its “broader strategic vision and commitment to driving innovation in AI and compute.”
The deal has received approval from SoftBank’s board but is still subject to regulatory clearances, including a review by U.S. antitrust authorities and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which evaluates transactions for potential national security risks.
The acquisition highlights SoftBank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in AI and semiconductor development, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving global technology landscape.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
