SoftBank Acquires Chipmaker Ampere for $6.5 Billion, Accelerating AI Infrastructure Push
Mar/20/2025
SoftBank continues its aggressive expansion into artificial intelligence infrastructure by purchasing Ampere Computing, a chipmaker specializing in data-center CPUs, for $6.5 billion. Ampere, established in 2018 by former Intel executive Renée James, designs chips utilizing Arm Holdings’ architecture—an advanced approach usually associated with tech giants like Apple and Qualcomm. Upon closing later this year, Ampere will operate as a wholly owned SoftBank subsidiary but maintain its brand identity. The deal complements SoftBank’s ongoing strategic investments in AI ventures, including high-profile collaborations with OpenAI and ambitious projects such as the Stargate data-center initiative and Cristal, a joint effort targeting enterprise AI solutions in Japan. The following tag cloud illustrates all registered and pending Ampere Computing US trademarks, highlighting the scope and direction of the company’s intellectual property.
