China Blocks ABB Robotics Acquisition by SoftBank
ABB has confirmed that China’s foreign investment authorities have prohibited SoftBank Group’s proposed acquisition of its Robotics division in China, creating uncertainty around the completion of the $5.375 billion transaction.
ABB announced in October 2025 that it had agreed to divest its Robotics business to Japanese technology and investment group SoftBank Group Corp. The proposed deal, valued at an enterprise value of $5.375 billion, was subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
In an update on the transaction, ABB confirmed that it had been informed by SoftBank that China’s Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review had prohibited the acquisition of the ABB Robotics business in China.
The regulatory approval process is being managed by SoftBank. Despite the decision by the Chinese authorities, ABB stated that both companies remain in close dialogue and are working constructively on the transaction.
Uncertainty Over Transaction Completion
The development introduces a significant regulatory obstacle to SoftBank’s planned acquisition, particularly given the importance of China to the global industrial robotics market. However, ABB has not announced the termination of the agreement, and discussions between the two companies are continuing.
The original agreement represented a major strategic development for ABB, which has been seeking to sharpen its focus on electrification and automation. The divestment would transfer its robotics operations to SoftBank, expanding the Japanese group’s position in robotics and artificial intelligence.
ABB is a global technology company specialising in electrification and automation, with more than 140 years of history and approximately 110,000 employees worldwide.
For more information: www.abb.com
