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SoftBank to buy ABB’s robot unit for $5.4 billion in AI-robotics merger push

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SoftBank Group has agreed to purchase the robotics division of ABB for $5.4 billion, marking a major step in CEO Masayoshi Son’s plan to unite artificial intelligence and robotics into what he calls “Physical AI.” The acquisition, announced Wednesday, gives the Japanese conglomerate control of one of the world’s leading industrial robotics makers as it deepens its bet on AI-driven automation.

The deal signals ABB’s decision to cancel its planned spin-off of the robotics unit, opting instead for a direct sale that delivers immediate liquidity. ABB CEO Morten Wierod said the sale provides stronger financial flexibility to invest in electrification, automation, and potential new acquisitions.

ABB’s robotics arm employs about 7,000 people and generated $2.3 billion in 2024 sales, roughly 7% of ABB’s total revenue. Despite its technological strength, the division struggled with volatile margins and limited overlap with ABB’s core business.

For SoftBank, the acquisition builds on a decade-long robotics journey that began with its humanoid Pepper robot and now extends into advanced factory automation. The company has recently invested in Berkshire Grey, AutoStore, and OpenAI, and earlier this year bought chip designer Ampere for $6.5 billion.

The transaction is expected to close by late 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. ABB shares rose 2% in Zurich after the announcement, while SoftBank’s stock slipped 2% in Tokyo trading.

Yahoo Nears $1.4 Billion Deal to Sell AOL to Italy’s Bending Spoons

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Yahoo is close to finalizing a deal to sell its AOL unit to Italian technology company Bending Spoons for about $1.4 billion, according to four sources familiar with the matter. The sale would mark the latest chapter in the decline — and reinvention — of one of the internet’s earliest giants.

The Milan-based app developer is in advanced negotiations to purchase AOL, the sources said, but cautioned that no final agreement has been signed, and the talks could still collapse.

Yahoo, owned by Apollo Global Management, did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment, while both Bending Spoons and Apollo declined to discuss the ongoing talks. Apollo acquired a 90% stake in Yahoo from Verizon in 2021 in a $5 billion deal.

FROM INTERNET ICON TO REVAMP OPPORTUNITY

Once the dominant force of the early internet, AOL was synonymous with the “You’ve Got Mail” era and played a defining role in the online revolution of the late 1990s. Its 2000 merger with Time Warner, then the largest corporate deal in history, ended in massive losses and regulatory scrutiny — symbolizing the collapse of the first dot-com boom.

A successful sale to Bending Spoons would be a fresh start for the AOL brand, adding its advertising and subscription-based services — including LifeLock, LastPass, and McAfee Multi Access — to the Italian company’s fast-expanding portfolio.

A source familiar with AOL’s recent performance said the company has seen 20% year-over-year website traffic growth, driven primarily by users aged 25 to 54, a shift from its traditionally older demographic. The rise is attributed to new content verticals such as Health, Science & Tech, Home & Garden, and True Crime.

BENDING SPOONS: EUROPE’S RISING TECH STAR

Founded in 2013 by Luca Ferrari, Bending Spoons has become one of Europe’s most prominent tech firms, known for acquiring struggling digital platforms and modernizing them. Its apps now attract 300 million monthly users worldwide.

The company was valued at $2.55 billion after a February 2024 funding round, earning it “unicorn” status — a rarity in Italy’s tech ecosystem.

Bending Spoons has recently been on an acquisition spree, purchasing WeTransfer earlier this year and agreeing to take Vimeo private for $1.38 billion in what is currently its largest deal.

Adding AOL’s global reach would further bolster the company’s ambitions and position it as a potential IPO candidate in the United States. CEO Luca Ferrari previously told Reuters that while no immediate plans exist for a public listing, the firm is “working to be ready” and looking to expand beyond Europe.

If completed, the $1.4 billion AOL acquisition would cement Bending Spoons’ role as a new European powerhouse reviving legacy internet brands for the AI and mobile era.

Novacap to Acquire Integral Ad Science in $1.9 Billion Deal

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Private equity firm Novacap will acquire Integral Ad Science (IAS) in a deal that values the digital advertising verification company at roughly $1.9 billion, IAS announced on Wednesday.

Novacap, which manages more than $10 billion in assets, will purchase all outstanding IAS shares for $10.30 each in cash. The offer represents a premium of about 22% over the company’s last closing price. IAS shares jumped around 20% in premarket trading following the news.

The transaction, expected to close by year’s end, reflects a broader trend of private equity firms buying up software and technology companies amid rising bets that artificial intelligence will fuel significant growth.

Other major firms, such as Thoma Bravo, have also been active in recent months, acquiring companies including Verint Systems, a customer engagement platform, and HR software provider Dayforce.

IAS specializes in ad verification, fraud detection, and optimization services for brands and agencies, helping ensure that digital campaigns are both effective and accurately targeted. Once the acquisition is complete, IAS will transition into a privately held company.