ABB to Sell Robotics Unit to SoftBank for $5.375B

ABB to Sell Robotics Unit to SoftBank for $5.375B

Deal overview and strategic rationale

ABB has agreed to sell its robotics business to SoftBank Group for $5.375 billion, with completion expected in mid-late 2026 subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

The transaction pairs ABB's leading robotics technology and industry expertise with SoftBank's AI, robotics and next-generation computing capabilities to drive greater customer value.

Key facts & financial impact

• Robotics unit: ~7,000 employees; 2024 sales $2.3B; adjusted EBITDA margin 12.1%.
• Estimated one-time pre-tax book gain: ~$2.4B; expected net cash proceeds after costs: ~$5.3B.
• Transaction-related costs: ~ $200M; local cash tax estimate: $400–500M. Robotics to be reported as discontinued operations from Q4 2025.

Why it matters: This divestiture accelerates the convergence of industrial robotics and AI—SoftBank calls this "Physical AI"—potentially reshaping automation, manufacturing and next-gen robot applications.

Keywords: ABB, SoftBank, robotics sale, AI, Physical AI, industrial robots, divestiture, automation, M&A.

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