SoftBank in Talks to Acquire DigitalBridge – Big Move in AI & Data-Center Infrastructure (5 December 2025)

SoftBank in Talks to Acquire DigitalBridge: A Major Move in Global Digital Infrastructure

Japanese tech and investment giant SoftBank Group is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire DigitalBridge, a leading global digital-infrastructure company. Sources confirmed on 5 December 2025 that SoftBank is exploring the purchase of DigitalBridge — a firm managing data centers, fiber networks, cell towers, and edge-computing assets worldwide. This potential acquisition marks a major strategic step for SoftBank as it expands deeper into AI-ready infrastructure.

DigitalBridge is one of the world’s top digital-infrastructure investors, managing approximately $108 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of September 2025. Its portfolio includes critical data centers and global network assets that support cloud computing, AI workloads, hyperscale operations, and next-generation connectivity. SoftBank's interest comes as global demand for AI-powered digital infrastructure continues to surge.

Following the news, DigitalBridge shares surged between 33% and 35%, reflecting strong investor reaction. Despite its massive AUM, DigitalBridge’s market valuation was around $1.8 billion, signaling a major gap between asset control and public market value. Analysts believe this makes the acquisition especially attractive for SoftBank. Although the talks are advanced, both companies have declined to comment, and sources note there is no guarantee the deal will be finalized, even though it could potentially close by the end of 2025.

If completed, the acquisition would give SoftBank control of a large portion of the physical infrastructure that powers global AI, cloud computing, data storage, 5G networks, and edge services. For DigitalBridge, SoftBank’s massive financial strength and global footprint could accelerate expansion into new markets, boost data-center capacity, and support AI-focused infrastructure projects.

However, the deal also comes with challenges: integrating DigitalBridge’s complex global operations, managing extremely high capital-expenditure requirements, ensuring consistent tenant demand for infrastructure services, and navigating regulatory approvals across multiple regions. These factors will play a key role in determining long-term profitability.

Overall, the potential SoftBank–DigitalBridge deal highlights a broader global trend: in the age of AI, digital infrastructure has become as strategic as software and semiconductor technology. If finalized, this acquisition could reshape the digital-infrastructure landscape and accelerate worldwide growth in AI, cloud, and edge-computing technologies.