SoftBank inks definitive pact to buy ABB's robotics business for $5.37 billion
The acquisition is expected to close in mid-2026 or later that year.
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SoftBank has said it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the robotics business of ABB group for $5.37 billion.
"SoftBank’s next frontier is Physical AI," said Masayoshi Son, chairman & CEO, SoftBank Group Corp.
"Together with ABB Robotics, we will unite world-class technology and talent under our shared vision to fuse Artificial Super Intelligence and robotics," he added.
As part of the deal, ABB will carve out its robotics business into a newly established holding company. SoftBank, through a subsidiary, will acquire all the shares of the holding company, which in turn will become a subsidiary of SoftBank.
The acquisition, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals including in the European Union, China and the US, is expected to close in mid-2026 or later that year.
The robotics business of ABB posted revenue of $2.27 billion in fiscal ended December 2024 as compared to $2.45 billion in the previous fiscal. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) fell to $313 million in 2024 from $385 million in 2023.