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Core Viewpoint - SoftBank has agreed to acquire Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion, emphasizing the belief that Ampere's chips will play a significant role in artificial intelligence and data centers [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition reflects SoftBank's commitment to expanding the application of Arm-based technology in various tasks, particularly in AI [1] - Ampere, founded eight years ago, specializes in data center chips based on Arm Holdings technology, which is widely used in smartphones [1] - SoftBank plans to operate Ampere as a wholly-owned subsidiary [1] Group 2: Market Context - The acquisition comes amid strong demand for chips supporting AI applications like OpenAI's ChatGPT [2] - SoftBank has announced a series of transactions to enhance its role in the AI sector, including a $500 billion investment plan to establish data centers in the U.S. [2] - Oracle is the largest investor and customer of Ampere, highlighting the strategic partnerships in the AI chip market [2] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Intel, AMD, and Arm design microprocessors that play a crucial role in AI, working alongside GPUs for general computing tasks [3] - Nvidia is promoting Arm processors as alternatives to Intel and AMD chips, indicating a shift in the competitive landscape [3][4] - The AI microprocessor market is projected to grow from $12.5 billion in 2025 to $33 billion by 2030, showcasing the financial potential of this sector [3] Group 4: Ampere's Position - Ampere's microprocessors target the general data center market, with a new chip named Aurora designed for AI inference applications [4] - Oracle holds a 29% stake in Ampere, with its investment valued at $1.5 billion after losses [4][5] - Major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are focusing on developing their own Arm-based microprocessors, which could impact Ampere's market position [4]