ABB sells ABB Robotics to SoftBank Group
ABB Robotics, the robotics division of ABB, is being sold to SoftBank Group Corp. The company is focusing on artificial intelligence in robotics and intends to further develop its business activities in this direction.
ABB has announced that it has signed an agreement to sell its Robotics division to SoftBank Group Corp. for an enterprise value of USD 5.375 billion. ABB will not pursue the originally intended spin-off of the business as a separate listed company. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Closing is expected in mid to late 2026. Peter Voser, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ABB, said: "The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee have carefully considered SoftBank's offer and compared it to the originally planned spin-off. It reflects the long-term strengths of the robotics business and the sale will create immediate value for ABB's shareholders. ABB will use the proceeds from the transaction in accordance with its proven capital allocation principles. Our ambitions for ABB remain unchanged: We will continue to focus on our long-term strategy based on our leading role in electrification and automation."
New era of AI-based robotics
ABB CEO Morten Wierod added: "SoftBank will be an excellent new home for the business and its employees. ABB and SoftBank share the view that the world is facing a new era of AI-based robotics and that the division and SoftBank, with its robotics offering, can best shape this era together. ABB Robotics will benefit from the combination of its leading technology and deep industry expertise and SoftBank's capabilities in cutting-edge AI, robotics and next-generation computing. This will enable the business to strengthen and expand its position as a technology leader in this field." In light of the agreement, ABB will adjust its reporting structure and move to three business units. From the fourth quarter of 2025, the Robotics division will be reported as "discontinued operations". At the same time, the Machine Automation division, which today forms the Robotics & Factory Automation business unit together with the Robotics division, will become part of the Process Automation business unit.