SoftBank Group has finalized a $4 billion acquisition of DigitalBridge, positioning the Japanese conglomerate to dominate the physical infrastructure powering AI’s global expansion. The deal delivers specialized capabilities in data centre development, edge connectivity, and power infrastructure as AI workloads overwhelm traditional capacity. DigitalBridge’s expertise accelerates SoftBank’s transformation into a leading provider of hyperscale compute facilities worldwide.
Expanding AI Compute Foundations
DigitalBridge manages extensive portfolios of data centres, fibre networks, and edge assets that align directly with surging AI training and inference demands. SoftBank gains immediate access to development pipelines and operational platforms optimized for high-density racks and renewable power integration. The acquisition strengthens SoftBank’s position across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets where compute scarcity defines AI scalability.
Deal Structure Preserves Operational Continuity
SoftBank will purchase all DigitalBridge common stock for $16 per share in cash, representing a 50 percent premium over the 52-week unaffected average as of December 2025. DigitalBridge continues as a standalone entity under CEO Marc Ganzi, maintaining its builder culture while leveraging SoftBank’s capital for accelerated expansion. Regulatory approvals remain pending with closure targeted for the second half of 2026.
Infrastructure Becomes AI’s Core Asset
AI’s exponential compute requirements elevate data centres from utility to strategic infrastructure, with power availability and connectivity defining national competitiveness. SoftBank’s move consolidates ownership of critical assets including land parcels, grid contracts, and cooling technologies essential for next-generation model training. The transaction reflects capital’s migration toward physical infrastructure as AI transitions from research to industrial deployment.
