SoftBank Group and ABB are considering a plan to separate ABB Robotics' China business. Against the backdrop of difficulties obtaining approval from Chinese authorities, options including establishing a separate legal entity and seeking another buyer are reportedly under consideration.
Bloomberg reported that SoftBank Group and ABB are considering a plan to separate ABB Robotics' China business. The reported reason is that Chinese authorities notified SBG that they would not approve its acquisition of ABB Robotics.
According to people familiar with the matter, one option is to separate the China business by establishing a separate legal entity with a different ownership structure. Another option is reportedly to seek a different buyer for ABB Robotics' China business. SBG declined to comment.
SBG announced in October 2025 that it would acquire ABB Robotics for $5.375 billion and aims to complete the acquisition during 2026. The article also noted that China is ABB Robotics' largest market.