China Blocks SoftBank From Buying ABB Robotics’ China Business
The Chinese decision threatens a $5.4 billion global acquisition aimed at expanding the Japanese company's artificial intelligence and robotics operations.
Chinese authorities have blocked SoftBank Group from acquiring the China operations of ABB’s robotics division. This decision presents a significant obstacle to SoftBank’s $5.4 billion global acquisition. The affected operations are crucial, as China is the world’s largest market for industrial robots, with ABB manufacturing over 90 percent of its sold robots locally.
- China’s foreign-investment security review office prohibited SoftBank from acquiring ABB’s robotics business in China.
- This decision affects a significant industrial robotics operation with manufacturing and research facilities in China.
- China is the world’s largest market for industrial robots, and ABB locally manufactures over 90% of robots sold to Chinese customers.
- SoftBank had agreed to purchase ABB’s entire robotics division for $5.375 billion in October 2025.
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