SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire ABB's robotics division for $5.375 billion. The deal, expected to close in mid-to-late 2026, is subject to regulatory approvals. ABB will receive approximately $5.3 billion in cash from the sale.
The acquisition aligns with SoftBank's strategy to advance artificial superintelligence (ASI) by investing in AI chips, robots, data centres and energy. SoftBank aims to combine ABB's robotics technology with its AI capabilities to drive innovation. ABB's robotics unit generated $2.3 billion in sales in 2024 and employs around 7,000 people. Following the completion of the deal, Sami Atiya, ABB's head of robotics and discrete automation, will depart from ABB by the end of 2026.
ABB initially planned to spin off its robotics business. However, SoftBank's offer was deemed to reflect the division's long-term strengths and create immediate value for ABB shareholders. ABB plans to use the proceeds from the sale to invest in acquisitions, organic growth and potential shareholder returns.
