Unleashing the Future of AI: SoftBank’s $6.5B Acquisition of Ampere Computing
In a groundbreaking move, SoftBank Group announced its acquisition of Ampere Computing, a leading chip designer founded by former Intel executive Renee James. This strategic $6.5 billion all-cash deal marks a significant step for SoftBank in expanding its investment in AI infrastructure. Ampere will now operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SoftBank, with the deal set to close in the second half of 2025.
Carlyle and Oracle, the lead investors in Ampere, will sell their shares in the Santa Clara startup, with Carlyle holding a 59.65% stake and Oracle holding 32.27%. Ampere boasts a team of 1,000 semiconductor engineers dedicated to cutting-edge innovation in the field.
SoftBank, already the largest shareholder of Arm Holdings, is perfectly positioned to leverage Ampere’s server chip based on the ARM compute platform. This acquisition further solidifies the partnership between the two companies and enhances SoftBank’s capabilities in key areas like AI and high-performance computing.
Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp, expressed his enthusiasm for the future of AI, emphasizing the need for breakthrough computing power. With Ampere’s expertise in semiconductors and high-performance computing, SoftBank is poised to accelerate its vision for AI innovation in the United States.
Founded in 2017, Ampere has quickly become a powerhouse in the industry, originally focusing on cloud-native computing before expanding into sustainable AI compute. James, Ampere’s visionary founder, expressed excitement about the acquisition, highlighting the shared vision for advancing AI and the opportunity to drive forward the AmpereOne roadmap for high-performance Arm processors and AI.
This acquisition by SoftBank is just the latest in a series of strategic moves by the Japanese tech giant, signaling a commitment to driving innovation and growth in the realm of AI infrastructure. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, SoftBank is setting the stage for a future powered by artificial superintelligence.
