SoftBank considers Allied Universal deal at about $18 billion valuation
Discussions remain preliminary, with no decision on price. The potential acquisition could support SoftBank's interest in AI-powered security robots.
SoftBank considers Allied Universal deal at about $18 billion valuation
Discussions remain preliminary, with no decision on a price, as SoftBank expands its interest in robotics and AI infrastructure.
SoftBank Group is weighing a purchase of U.S. security services company Allied Universal that could value the business at about $18 billion, a person familiar with the matter said on October 16.
Talks are at an early stage, and neither a transaction nor a price has been decided, according to a media report. SoftBank declined to comment, and Allied Universal did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Allied Universal supplies security personnel to companies, venues and large events. Its expanding data center business supports facilities during development and operation.
The potential purchase would fit founder Masayoshi Son's focus on artificial intelligence, including robots for use in different industries and infrastructure to support AI. SoftBank would seek to replace some Allied personnel with robots for selected security duties over time, although humanoid security workers would likely take longer to deploy.
SoftBank's interest follows its agreement to buy the robotics business of Swiss engineering group ABB for $5.4 billion, part of its wider expansion into robotics and automation.