SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire private equity firm DigitalBridge Group in a deal that values the data center investor at $4 billion (including debt). The two companies said in a statement Monday that the Japanese conglomerate will acquire the New York-listed DigitalBridge for $16 per share in cash. The acquisition is part of SoftBank's push to invest in digital infrastructure, fueling the artificial intelligence boom. The companies said the deal represents a 15% premium to DigitalBridge's closing price on December 26. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval. (Jinshi)