SoftBank Group received a notice from Chinese authorities prohibiting its planned acquisition of ABB's industrial robotics business. The notice was dated the 4th, and the company had aimed to complete the acquisition by the end of 2026.
SoftBank Group announced that it had received a notice from Chinese authorities prohibiting its planned acquisition of ABB's industrial robotics business. The notice reportedly arrived on the 4th.
The acquisition agreement was signed last October, and the acquisition price was reportedly $5.375 billion (approximately ¥850 billion). Completion had been targeted by the end of 2026. China is reportedly home to one of the manufacturing sites for ABB's robotics business.
No public announcement was made regarding the ban notice, and SBG has not disclosed the reason. The acquisition of ABB's robotics business can be considered central to the integration plan between the two companies.
Going forward, attention will focus on whether Chinese authorities disclose the reasons for their decision and on any additional procedures toward a conclusion to the acquisition plan.