- SoftBank has agreed to acquire Ampere Computing in an all-cash deal worth $6.5 billion.
- The acquisition strengthens SoftBank’s AI infrastructure investments, expanding its semiconductor portfolio.
What happened: SoftBank expands AI strategy with ampere acquisition
SoftBank Group has announced the acquisition of US-based chipmaker Ampere Computing in an all-cash transaction valued at $6.5 billion. The move aligns with SoftBank’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and computing power.
Ampere, founded in 2018 by former Intel president Renee James, specialises in developing data centre central processing unit (CPU) chips based on Arm Holdings’ architecture. The company’s energy-efficient processors are used in cloud computing by firms such as Oracle. Under the deal, Ampere will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank, maintaining its headquarters in Santa Clara, California.
SoftBank’s chairman and CEO, Masayoshi Son, highlighted the acquisition as a step toward advancing AI capabilities. “Ampere’s expertise in semiconductors and high-performance computing will help accelerate this vision,” he stated. Ampere’s CEO, Renee James, expressed enthusiasm for joining SoftBank, emphasising the shared goal of enhancing AI-driven computing.
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. It is expected to be finalised in the second half of 2025, with Ampere bringing approximately 1,000 semiconductor engineers into SoftBank’s expanding technology portfolio.
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Why it’s important
SoftBank’s acquisition of Ampere reflects the growing importance of semiconductor technology in AI-driven infrastructure. Ampere’s Arm-based chips offer an alternative to traditional x86 processors from Intel and AMD, providing improved energy efficiency—an essential factor in AI and cloud computing applications.
The deal comes amid heightened investment in AI and computing power, with SoftBank previously backing OpenAI and the Stargate project. By integrating Ampere’s technology, SoftBank aims to strengthen its position in the AI ecosystem.
However, industry analysts note that SoftBank’s investment history has been mixed. While the company continues to expand in AI and semiconductors, previous ventures, such as WeWork, faced challenges. The success of this acquisition will depend on Ampere’s ability to scale its processor technology and compete in an evolving semiconductor market.
