SoftBank Group has announced its decision to acquire semiconductor designer Ampere Computing in a landmark deal worth $6.5 billion in cash. The acquisition, set to conclude in the second half of 2025, marks a significant move for SoftBank as it seeks to enhance its capabilities in artificial intelligence and computing power. Following the acquisition, Ampere will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate.
Founded in 2017 by Renee James, a former Intel executive, Ampere has quickly made a name for itself in the semiconductor industry. The company specializes in developing server chips based on the ARM compute platform, with a client list that includes some of the biggest names in the tech world, such as Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud, Alibaba, and Tencent. Additionally, companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Supermicro also rely on Ampere's advanced technology.
Ampere employs around 1,000 semiconductor engineers and has been at the forefront of innovation with its high-performance Arm processors and artificial intelligence initiatives. The company's AmpereOne roadmap is designed to drive forward these technologies, cementing its position as a leader in the field.
SoftBank's interest in Ampere is not new. In 2021, the conglomerate considered acquiring a minority stake in the company, which was valued at $8 billion at that time. The decision to pursue a full acquisition underscores SoftBank's commitment to advancing its portfolio in AI and computing technologies.
“The future of Artificial Super Intelligence requires breakthrough computing power,” said Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp.
“With a shared vision for advancing AI, we are excited to join SoftBank Group and partner with its portfolio of leading technology companies,” expressed Renee James, founder of Ampere.
