SoftBank Group is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire DigitalBridge, a move that underscores the conglomerate’s growing push into AI-driven digital infrastructure.
According to a report from Bloomberg, negotiations are well progressed but not yet finalized, with a formal announcement potentially coming within days. News of the talks sent DigitalBridge shares sharply higher in premarket trading on Monday, December 29, as investors reacted to the possibility of a major takeover.
A Strategic Bet on AI-Era Infrastructure
The potential acquisition fits squarely into SoftBank’s broader strategy of positioning itself at the center of the artificial intelligence boom. As demand for AI applications surges, so too does the need for data centers, edge computing, fiber networks, and other digital infrastructure capable of supporting massive compute workloads.
DigitalBridge specializes in exactly those assets. The firm invests across data centers, cell towers, fiber networks, and edge infrastructure, providing the backbone for cloud services, AI training, and next-generation connectivity.
While the talks are described as advanced, sources cautioned that they are not final and that deal terms, including valuation and timing, could still change. Neither SoftBank nor DigitalBridge immediately commented on the report.
DigitalBridge’s Expanding Global Footprint
Led by CEO Marc Ganzi, DigitalBridge manages roughly $108 billion in digital infrastructure assets on behalf of limited partners and shareholders. Its portfolio includes major operators such as DataBank, Switch, Vantage Data Centers, and Yondr Group, all of which play key roles in supporting global cloud and AI workloads.
DigitalBridge shares have been volatile throughout the year, with previous takeover rumors also triggering sharp price movements. Several analysts have recently reiterated outperform ratings on the stock and raised price targets, reflecting optimism around long-term demand for digital infrastructure.
SoftBank’s Second Major Asset Manager Acquisition
If completed, the DigitalBridge deal would mark SoftBank’s second major asset management acquisition, following its earlier purchase of Fortress Investment Group.
The move would further cement SoftBank’s ambition to dominate the infrastructure layer of the AI economy not just through chip design and software investments, but also through the physical assets that power computation itself.
As AI models grow larger and more energy-intensive, control over data center capacity and network infrastructure is increasingly viewed as a strategic advantage.
Why the Market Is Watching Closely
The reported talks highlight a broader trend: competition for data center and digital infrastructure assets is intensifying as AI adoption accelerates worldwide. For investors, the potential SoftBank–DigitalBridge deal signals confidence that demand for AI compute and connectivity will continue to rise well into the next decade.
If finalized, the acquisition would position SoftBank as a major gatekeeper in the AI infrastructure race a role that could shape how and where the next generation of digital services is built.
