SoftBank says China prohibited its acquisition of ABB's China robotics business

SoftBank Group said China’s Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review prohibited its acquisition of ABB’s robotics business in China, creating a regulatory obstacle for the planned $5.375 billion purchase. Neither company has said the broader transaction is terminated.

ABB said SoftBank informed it of the China-business prohibition. ABB said SoftBank manages the regulatory approval process and that the companies remain in close dialogue and are working constructively on the transaction.

The disclosures limit the confirmed action to ABB’s robotics business in China. They do not establish whether the prohibition will prevent, restructure or delay the rest of the transaction.

Under the October 2025 agreement, ABB would carve out its robotics business into a new holding company and a SoftBank subsidiary would acquire all its shares for $5.375 billion, subject to customary adjustments. SoftBank said closing required regulatory approvals in China, the European Union and the United States, along with other customary conditions. The company then expected the transaction to close in mid-to-late 2026.

ABB’s update did not provide an updated closing timetable or quantify a financial impact.