SoftBank to Acquire Ampere Computing in $6.5 Billion Deal
Japanese technology giant SoftBank has announced its plan to acquire U.S.-based chip designer Ampere Computing in an all-cash deal worth $6.5 billion, marking a strategic move to expand its AI infrastructure investments, according to a report by TechCrunch.
The acquisition is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025, after which Ampere will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank. Ampere’s major investors, Carlyle and Oracle, will divest their shares in the deal. Carlyle currently holds a 59.65% stake, while Oracle owns 32.27% of the company.
Founded in 2017 by former Intel executive Renee James, Ampere initially specialized in cloud-native computing and has since expanded its focus to include AI computing.
SoftBank, the largest shareholder of British chipmaker Arm, is set to strengthen its position in the AI and computing sector with this acquisition, as Ampere’s server chips are built on the Arm platform.
Commenting on the acquisition, SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son stated, "Breakthrough computing power is essential to shaping the future of artificial superintelligence. Ampere’s expertise will further deepen our commitment to AI innovation."
