SoftBank is set to acquire Fortress Investment Group for $3.3 billion which, alongside its $100 billion Technology Vision Fund, sees the company diversify into private equity funding.
The Japanese company regularly voiced its intent to become a major investor in the technology sector to drive its future growth, but today’s acquisition sees the company acquire a large portfolio of investments across multiple sectors.
Announcing the deal, SoftBank chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son said: “This opportunity will immediately help expand our group capabilities, and, alongside our soon-to-be-established SoftBank Vision Fund platform, will accelerate our SoftBank 2.0 transformation strategy of bold, disciplined investment and world class execution to drive sustainable long-term growth.”
Although yet to start operation, its Technology Vision Fund already achieved much of its targeted seed funding. SoftBank contributed $25 billion, its launch partner Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund guaranteed around $45 billion and several other backers have pledged support, including Apple which is reportedly investing $1 billion.
At the launch of the fund in October 2016, Son said: “Over the next decade, the SoftBank Vision Fund will be the biggest investor in the technology sector. We will further accelerate the information revolution by contributing to its development.”
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