SoftBank Strengthens AI Ambitions with DigitalBridge Acquisition

SoftBank Group is also accelerating its involvement in the sector of artificial-intelligence infrastructure, as it is currently in more advanced talks to purchase DigitalBridge Group, which is a major operator of data centers and data entities. 

An unofficial, reporting set of Bloomberg means that a formal communication of the transaction may be announced on at least December 29, 2025, highlighting the strategic urgency created by the swift increasing computational loads of AI.

Buzz and Market Response of the Deal

DigitalBridge (NYSE: ‛DBRG) shares rose by 2.20% in pre-market trading at a price of about 16.70, whereas SoftBank ( TSE: 9984 ) went up to 9,984. 

Despite being at an advanced stage, the negotiations are confidential, and this means that any details that are likely to complicate the process may hinder the process. 

DigitalBridge has already handled a token value of over $108 billion in assets mainly in the form of hyperscale data centers, cellular towers, and fibre-optic networks, which puts it in a good position to accommodate the estimated global AI data-center requirements in the coming years. 

Investors have funneled record capital into digital infrastructure this year, wagering that growing power demand will turn data centers into prime real estate. McKinsey projects spending on AI-linked infrastructure could reach $6.7 trillion by 2030.

Why Now? The AI Infrastructure Gold Rush

SoftBank under the management of Masayoshi Son has long been a disruptive technology investor, such as its $100 billion Vision Fund which has funded many AI-based start-ups. 

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives observes that this acquisition will put SoftBank at the vanguard in its AI infrastructure with capital capitalization and high-premier real-estate properties with Nvidia reporting revenue of $57.0 billion, up 22% from Q2 and up 62% from a year ago.

Strategic Edge and Risks

The discussed acquisition would enhance the competitive position of SoftBank among its competitors like Blackstone that already possesses massive portfolios of data-centres. 

Although a potential 2026 exit is not unrealistic in case of a seamless negotiation process, there is the ominous threat of overvalued transactions in case AI excitement fades. 

Stephen Yiu, chief investment officer of Blue Whale Growth Fund, said

“the volatility reflects a new phase in the market, where investors are beginning to focus on cash flow and business models rather than growth narratives alone. 

“So far, everyone has looked like a winner,”

Yiu told CNBC. However, he said AI remains at an early stage.

“Differentiation between companies becomes extremely important, and that is what the market is starting to do.”

However, to those owning the shares of SoftBank at the 9984 ticker, the existing multiples of their valuation as compared to the peers might still constitute a desirable venture.