Softbank buys robotics company ABB Robotics for around 5.4 billion dollars
Softbank wants to invest more in AI robots. ABB Robotics is just the right takeover candidate. The company was actually supposed to go public.
(Image: Shutterstock/Morumotto)
The Japanese technology investor Softbank Group intends to acquire the robotics division of the Swiss technology group ABB for 5.375 billion US dollars. This was announced in a press release issued by Softbank on Wednesday. An agreement to this effect has already been signed. ABB Robotics mainly manufactures industrial, service, and transport robots, some of which are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). With the acquisition, Softbank intends to expand its portfolio to include robots with embodied intelligence, among other things.
Softbank cites its desire to become more involved in the field of AI as the reason for the acquisition. This involves AI chips, AI data centers, energy, and AI robots. The acquisition of ABB Robotics is intended to strengthen the Softbank Group's robotics business in the long term. ABB Robotics is a globally strong, recognized brand that is known for its reliability and high performance. The company also has a good sales infrastructure and good customer relationships, according to Softbank.
Softbank now intends to use ABB Robotics' technology and expertise to promote new innovations and boost the robotics business together with other Softbank robotics companies such as Softbank Robotics, Berkshire Grey, Autostore Holdings, Agile Robotics, and Sklid AI.
Completion expected in 2026
ABB's robotics division will be spun off into a new holding company. The total purchase price amounts to 5.375 billion dollars. However, all details of the deal have not yet been finalized. In addition, the relevant authorities still have to approve the takeover. It will therefore take some time before the transaction is finalized; it is expected to take place between the beginning and end of the second half of 2026.
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ABB originally announced in April 2025 that it intended to float its robotics company on the stock exchange in 2026. It is unclear why this failed and why it is now being sold to Softbank. ABB Robotics is a successful player in the global robotics market. In 2024, the company generated sales of 2.4 billion dollars with an operating EBITDA of 313 million dollars.
(olb)
