美股IPO·2025-12-29 23:26Core Viewpoint - SoftBank has agreed to acquire DigitalBridge for $16 per share, marking a strategic move to enhance its digital infrastructure portfolio in response to the growing demand for AI-driven data centers and computing power [1][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - DigitalBridge's stock rose over 9.7% to $15.27 following the acquisition announcement [1]. - The acquisition price represents a premium of approximately 15% over DigitalBridge's closing price on December 26 [3]. - The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval [3]. Group 2: DigitalBridge's Asset Management - DigitalBridge is a leading private equity firm focused on digital infrastructure investments, managing approximately $108 billion in assets as of the end of September [3][4]. - If the acquisition is finalized, SoftBank will gain control of a significant portfolio of data center assets valued in the billions, including operators like Switch and Vantage Data Centers [4]. Group 3: SoftBank's AI Strategy - SoftBank is actively pursuing opportunities driven by the AI wave, including the "Interstellar Gateway" project, which aims to build data centers in the U.S. with a total investment of up to $500 billion [5]. - The project has faced delays due to disagreements over data center locations and challenges in securing external financing from insurance companies and pension funds [5]. - Recent progress includes plans to establish five new data center sites in Texas, New Mexico, and Ohio, with a total power capacity of 7 gigawatts [5]. Group 4: Financial Maneuvering - To support its AI investments, SoftBank is reallocating capital, including the sale of $5.8 billion worth of Nvidia shares [6]. - The acquisition of DigitalBridge will provide essential infrastructure for the "Interstellar Gateway" project and strengthen SoftBank's asset base in the AI computing landscape [6].