Overview

• SoftBank agreed to buy ABB's robotics division for about $5.4 billion, pending regulatory approvals and customary conditions, with closing expected in mid-to-late 2026.
• ABB expects approximately $5.3 billion in net cash proceeds at closing and a non-operational pre-tax book gain of about $2.4 billion.
• ABB will report the division as discontinued operations starting in the fourth quarter of 2025, with about $200 million in separation costs and an estimated $400–$500 million in local tax outflows tied to the carve-out.
• The sale replaces ABB's planned spin-off; the robotics unit employs roughly 7,000 people, generated $2.3 billion in 2024 revenue, and has contended with weaker demand in Asia.
• Shares edged higher after the announcement, and SoftBank cast the deal as a move toward “Physical AI” alongside holdings such as Arm and a major stake in OpenAI.