SoftBank Powers Up AI Ambitions with $6.5 Billion Ampere Acquisition

A Silicon Valley Powerhouse Joins the SoftBank Family

In a bold move to bolster its artificial intelligence infrastructure, SoftBank Group Corp. is acquiring Ampere Computing, a leading independent silicon design company, for a staggering $6.5 billion. This all-cash transaction will see Ampere operating as a wholly owned subsidiary, retaining its name and Santa Clara headquarters.

Current investors, Carlyle and Oracle Corp., will be selling their stakes in Ampere as part of the deal, paving the way for SoftBank's deeper integration of Ampere’s cutting-edge technology.

Supercharging SoftBank's AI Ecosystem

This acquisition marks a significant step in SoftBank's ongoing investment in AI, complementing existing ventures like Cristal intelligence and Stargate. By bringing Ampere's semiconductor and high-performance computing expertise into the fold, SoftBank aims to accelerate its AI growth initiatives and solidify its position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

"The future of Artificial Super Intelligence requires breakthrough computing power," declared Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. "Ampere's expertise… deepens our commitment to AI innovation in the United States."

A Shared Vision for AI's Future

Ampere, founded in 2018 with a focus on cloud-native computing, has expanded its reach into sustainable AI compute. With a portfolio of products designed for various cloud workloads, from the edge to the data center, Ampere is poised to contribute significantly to SoftBank's AI ambitions.

Renee James, Founder and CEO of Ampere, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "With a shared vision for advancing AI, we are excited to join SoftBank Group… This is a fantastic outcome for our team, and we are excited to drive forward our AmpereOne roadmap for high performance Arm processors and AI."

The Details of the Deal

The $6.5 billion all-cash transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. This acquisition signals a significant commitment from SoftBank, further solidifying its dedication to shaping the future of artificial intelligence.