- Softbank is apparently looking to buy Ampere Computing
- The Japanese tech giant already owns Graphcore and Arm
- Experts say Softbank’s ambition would be to compete with global hyperscalers
SoftBank, the majority stakeholder in Arm, is reportedly in talks to buy Ampere Computing (via Bnnbloomberg).
Ampere, known for its data center chips built on Arm architecture, has gained attention for its high-end chips, including the 192-core Polaris and the upcoming 256-core Magnetrix.
The deal is currently uncertain, but highlights SoftBank’s ambitions to challenge processor industry giants AMD and Intel amid the ongoing boom in AI investment.
Ampere’s strategic importance
Ampere Computing, backed by Oracle, is a key player in the artificial intelligence and data center chip market, and acquiring it will undoubtedly strengthen Arm’s efforts beyond licensing chip designs to become a full-fledged chip maker.
Ampere’s expertise could also bolster Arm’s push into the lucrative data center market, which aligns with CEO Rene Haas’ vision to expand the company’s presence in this sector.
Ampere processors are designed to handle demanding data center workloads, a critical capability as industries increasingly rely on AI-powered solutions. The combination of Softbank Graphcore’s AI accelerators with Ampere’s processors can enable SoftBank to build competitive systems for that sector.
The potential acquisition comes with some caveats for both companies. Ampere has been preparing for an IPO, indicating its interest in maintaining independence, while Softbank will have to convince Oracle and the Carlyle Group, both major stakeholders in Ampere, to ratify the deal.
