SoftBank Group Acquires Ampere Computing in $6.5 Billion Deal

AI-Driven Acquisition Bolsters SoftBank's Technological Arsenal

In a move set to reshape the landscape of 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 while retaining its name. Carlyle and Oracle Corp., Ampere's lead investors, will be selling their respective stakes in the company.

This strategic acquisition aligns with SoftBank's broader strategy of investing in AI infrastructure, complementing its existing ventures like Cristal intelligence and Stargate. It's a clear signal of SoftBank's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in key areas and accelerating its ambitious growth initiatives.

"The future of Artificial Super Intelligence requires breakthrough computing power," declared Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. "Ampere’s expertise in semiconductors and high-performance computing will help accelerate this vision, and deepens our commitment to AI innovation in the United States."

A Shared Vision for AI's Future

Ampere, founded in Silicon Valley in 2018, initially focused on cloud-native computing before expanding into the burgeoning field of sustainable AI compute. Their diverse product portfolio caters to a wide array of cloud workloads, spanning from the edge to the cloud data center.

Renee James, Founder and CEO of Ampere, expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with SoftBank: "With a shared vision for advancing AI, we are excited to join SoftBank Group and partner with its portfolio of leading technology companies. 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.”

Transaction Details and Future Outlook

The $6.5 billion acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Ampere's headquarters will remain in Santa Clara, CA, ensuring continuity for its operations.

About SoftBank Group

SoftBank Group is a global technology investment giant committed to improving lives through breakthrough technology. Its diverse portfolio encompasses investments in AI, smart robotics, IoT, telecommunications, internet services, and clean energy, including a majority stake in Arm, a leader in shaping the future of computing. Learn more at https://group.softbank/en.

About Ampere

Ampere is a semiconductor design company specializing in high-performance, energy-efficient, and sustainable AI compute based on the Arm compute platform. Explore their offerings at https://amperecomputing.com.