SoftBank Group is in discussions to acquire and privatize DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (DBRG), a private equity firm investing in digital infrastructure assets like data centers, as part of its push into AI-driven infrastructure expansion.
DigitalBridge's stock has declined 13% year-to-date but surged nearly 45% on Friday, marking its largest single-day gain ever, closing at $14.12 with a market cap of $2.58 billion. SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son aims to capitalize on soaring demand for computing power underpinning AI applications.
A deal could be finalized within weeks, though negotiations remain ongoing with no certainty of completion. DigitalBridge, led by CEO Marc Ganzi, manages approximately $108 billion in assets as of September-end. Its portfolio includes digital infrastructure operators such as AIMS, AtlasEdge, DataBank, Switch, Vantage Data Centers, and Yondr Group.
Potential acquisition pricing ranges between $25–$35 per share. JPMorgan analysts noted DigitalBridge could conservatively reach $25/share, with upside potential to $30–$35. They stated, "Our 2026 projections suggest an attractive exit price of $28/share, while applying higher valuation multiples to 2027 estimates lifts the range to $30–$35."
Raymond James analyst Ric Prentiss commented on October 30 that acquiring DigitalBridge would be strategic for larger alternative asset managers with fundraising infrastructure, adding, "We believe DigitalBridge may consider a sale—but only at a reasonable premium to current levels and with favorable terms."
SoftBank has prior experience in asset management deals, having acquired Fortress Investment Group for over $3 billion in 2017 before divesting its stake to a consortium including Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment in 2024.
In January, SoftBank partnered with OpenAI, Oracle (ORCL), and Abu Dhabi’s MGX to announce "Stargate," a $500 billion U.S. data center initiative. While Son pledged $100 billion upfront, progress slowed due to disputes over site selection.
Reportedly in May, SoftBank sought external financing from insurers, pension funds, and investment firms, but negotiations stalled amid market volatility, U.S. trade policy uncertainty, and AI hardware valuation concerns.
In September, OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank revealed plans for five new power plants across Texas, New Mexico, and Ohio, with eventual capacity of 7 gigawatts—equivalent to powering small cities.
To free up capital, Son recently sold $5.8 billion in Nvidia shares, expressing regret while redirecting proceeds toward AI investments.
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