Business / Corporate Aug 4, 2021

SoftBank built a $5 billion stake in pharma giant Roche

Roche's diagnostics unit reacted swiftly to the pandemic, and now sales are boosted by its COVID-19 testing business.

Business Aug 4, 2021

U.K. considers blocking chipmaker Nvidia's takeover of Arm over security risks

Nvidia, the biggest U.S. chip company by market capitalization, announced in September a $40 billion deal to acquire Arm from Japan’s SoftBank Group.

Business / Corporate Apr 1, 2021

How Masayoshi Son’s ‘money guy’ Lex Greensill went from hero to zero

Greensill Capital was a key part of what Son dubbed his "Cluster of No. 1’s” strategy, taking noncontrolling stakes in the world’s leading tech companies and encouraging them to cooperate.

Business / Corporate Dec 9, 2020

Japan's SoftBank positioning for ‘slow-burn’ buyout, sources say

Under Japanese regulations, founder Masayoshi Son could compel other shareholders to sell when he gets to 66% ownership, perhaps without paying a premium.

Business / Corporate Dec 3, 2020

SoftBank winding down options trading after investor backlash

SoftBank shareholders balked after SoftBank’s foray into derivatives trading was first disclosed in September, cutting the company’s market value by as much as $17 billion.

Business / Corporate Oct 15, 2020

SoftBank to combine frenzy of SPACs with CEO’s eccentric vision

For Masayoshi Son, creating such a vehicle may give him a new way to invest in nascent companies while tapping the surging public markets for money.

Business / Corporate Sep 8, 2020

SoftBank’s big options bet tests investors' faith in Masayoshi Son

The firm’s position has injected a jolt of uncertainty into the market, with questions about exposure and plans for future trading.

Business / Corporate Sep 4, 2020

SoftBank reportedly considering bid for TikTok in India

TikTok is considering selling its operations in several countries after governments shut out the app, citing fears that user data was passing into the hands of China.

Business / Corporate Jul 14, 2020

SoftBank exploring sale or IPO of chip company Arm, sources say

If it pursues a listing, the chip-design company could go public as soon as next year, accelerating a timeline laid out by SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son in 2018.

Business / Corporate May 28, 2020

Masayoshi Son's SoftBank strained by losses and infighting at the top

In early March, before the coronavirus pandemic triggered a global economic lockdown, SoftBank Group Corp. founder Masayoshi Son paid tribute to Rajeev Misra, the man who runs his $100 billion technology investment fund. Wearing a $70 (¥7,500) Uniqlo down jacket, the Japanese billionaire put ...