SoftBank Strikes $4 Billion Deal to Buy DigitalBridge in Major AI Infrastructure Push

SoftBank Group has announced its acquisition of digital infrastructure investment firm DigitalBridge Group in a transaction valued at $4 billion, marking another significant move in the Japanese conglomerate’s aggressive expansion into artificial intelligence infrastructure. The deal was confirmed by both companies and represents SoftBank’s determination to establish itself as a central player in the AI revolution.
The acquisition substantially broadens SoftBank’s footprint in the digital infrastructure sector, a critical component of the AI ecosystem. Billionaire founder Masayoshi Son has been strategically positioning the company to capitalize on the explosive growth in demand for computing power that drives AI applications. This latest move aligns with Son’s vision of centering SoftBank at the heart of what he describes as a generational technological transformation.
DigitalBridge brings to the table an impressive portfolio of digital infrastructure investments spanning datacenters, cell towers, fiber networks, small-cell systems, and edge infrastructure. The firm’s holdings include prominent companies such as Vantage Data Centers, Zayo, Switch, and AtlasEdge. Originally established in 1991 as real estate-focused Colony Capital, the company underwent a strategic transformation under CEO Marc Ganzi, pivoting entirely to digital infrastructure and rebranding as DigitalBridge in 2021 after divesting most of its traditional property assets.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Ganzi will remain at the helm of DigitalBridge, which will operate as a separately managed platform within the SoftBank ecosystem. As of September 30, DigitalBridge managed approximately $108 billion in assets, establishing it as one of the largest dedicated investors in the digital infrastructure space. This substantial asset base will now be integrated into SoftBank’s expanding AI-focused investment strategy.
SoftBank’s commitment to AI infrastructure extends beyond this acquisition. The company is a key partner in the Stargate project alongside OpenAI, Oracle, and Abu Dhabi-based tech investor MGX, representing a multi-billion-dollar initiative focused on building large-scale computing infrastructure to support advanced AI development. Plans announced in September include constructing five new computing sites across Texas, New Mexico, and Ohio, with a combined power capacity of approximately 7 gigawatts when fully operational.