DEFA14A: SoftBank Welcomes DigitalBridge for AI Infrastructure Push

SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Masa Son welcomed DigitalBridge employees, highlighting their crucial role in building the physical foundation for Artificial Superintelligence.

Summary

• SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Masa Son sent a welcome message to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. employees on December 30, 2025.
• The message emphasizes the strategic importance of DigitalBridge's leadership in digital infrastructure (data centers, connectivity) for SoftBank's vision of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI).
• The combined entities aim to build the physical foundation necessary for AI to operate at scale.
• Masa Son expressed respect for DigitalBridge's team and culture, noting their work powers the modern economy and lays groundwork for future technology.
• The collaboration is expected to enable greater investment, stronger capabilities, and increased impact, while continuing to support investors, partners, and portfolio companies.

Sentiment

Score: 9

Explanation: The filing conveys a highly positive and optimistic outlook, emphasizing strategic synergy, future growth, and mutual respect between the entities, with no negative or cautionary language.

Positives

• Strategic alignment with SoftBank's Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) vision.
• DigitalBridge's role in building critical physical infrastructure (data centers, connectivity) for next-generation AI.
• Potential for increased investment, stronger capabilities, and greater impact post-deal closure.
• Masa Son's expressed respect for DigitalBridge's team and culture.

Future Outlook

The combined entity anticipates building the infrastructure that will power the next era of AI and help realize the promise of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) once the deal closes.

Management Comments

• "I have always believed technology can build a more connected, empowered and joyful world." Masa Son, SoftBank Group.
• "DigitalBridge has an important role to play in that mission [realizing artificial superintelligence for the benefit of humanity]." Masa Son, SoftBank Group.
• "By combining DigitalBridge's leadership in digital infrastructure with SoftBank's ASI vision, we can help build the platform that next-generation AI services and applications will depend on." Masa Son, SoftBank Group.
• "I have great respect for the team and culture you have built at DigitalBridge." Masa Son, SoftBank Group.
• "Together, we can invest more, build stronger capabilities and grow our impact, while continuing to support investors, partners and portfolio companies with the focus and excellence you're known for." Masa Son, SoftBank Group.

Industry Context

This announcement positions DigitalBridge at the forefront of the rapidly expanding AI infrastructure market, aligning with the broader industry trend of increasing demand for robust data centers and high-speed connectivity to support advanced AI models and applications. SoftBank's strategic focus on Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) underscores the critical role of physical infrastructure in achieving next-generation technological advancements, potentially setting a benchmark for how technology conglomerates integrate infrastructure assets to drive AI innovation.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential for long-term value creation through strategic alignment with SoftBank's AI vision and increased investment capacity.
• Employees: Welcome into SoftBank Group, indicating job security and new opportunities within a larger, strategically focused organization.
• Partners & Portfolio Companies: Continued support and potential for enhanced capabilities and impact through the combined entity.

Next Steps

• Closing of the deal between DigitalBridge and SoftBank Group.
• Building the infrastructure that powers the next era of AI.
• Realizing the promise of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI).

Key Dates

Recommendation

While no financial metrics are provided in this filing, the strategic alignment with SoftBank's Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) vision positions DigitalBridge as a critical player in the future of AI infrastructure. This long-term strategic value suggests a 'hold' recommendation, as investors should monitor the execution of this vision for future growth, rather than making immediate buy/sell decisions based solely on this strategic announcement.

Keywords

DigitalBridge Group, SoftBank Group, Artificial Intelligence, AI infrastructure, data centers, connectivity, digital infrastructure, ASI, merger, acquisition