ABB sells robotics arm
ABB sold its entire robotics division to SoftBank for $5.4 billion, a strategic pivot as ABB doubles down on electrification and automation while SoftBank gains a launching pad to scale robotics globally. The deal reshuffles where industrial-robotics R&D and production investment is likely to flow and signals new hiring and product push opportunities under SoftBank’s playbook. (whalesbook.com)
SoftBank and ABB signed a definitive agreement on October 8, 2025 to transfer ABB’s robotics business via a carve‑out into a newly established holding company for USD 5.375 billion, with closing planned in mid‑to‑late 2026 subject to regulatory approvals. (group.softbank) ABB Robotics employed roughly 7,000 people and generated $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024, representing about 7% of ABB Group sales, while reporting an operational EBITA margin of 12.1% in that period. (drivesncontrols.com) ABB will not pursue the previously announced public spin‑off of the robotics unit and said it expects cash proceeds of approximately $5.3 billion, with estimated separation costs around $200 million (about half already included in 2025 guidance). (cnbc.com) SoftBank framed the purchase as part of its “Physical AI” strategy and identified four strategic investment areas — AI chips, AI robots, AI data centers and energy — to which the robotics business will contribute. (group.softbank) SoftBank said it will complement ABB’s platform with its existing robotics holdings, naming SoftBank Robotics Group, AutoStore, Berkshire Grey, Agile Robots and Skild AI among the investments that will be combined to accelerate AI‑robotics development. (group.softbank) Sami Atiya, head of ABB Robotics, is expected to exit the business once the acquisition closes, according to reporting and company statements. (techcrunch.com) The transaction remains subject to approvals in the European Union, China and the United States, and SoftBank’s board resolution on September 22, 2025 delegated final deal terms to Masayoshi Son and Yoshimitsu Goto. (group.softbank)
