SoftBank explores $18 billion purchase of security firm Allied Universal
SoftBank Group is weighing a deal that could value Allied Universal at roughly $18 billion, according to sources familiar with the talks.
SoftBank Group is reportedly in preliminary talks to buy Allied Universal, a major U.S. security-services company, in a transaction that could value the firm at around $18 billion. Allied Universal provides security personnel for a range of clients, including data-center operators, and its services are expanding across the sector. The potential purchase fits Masayoshi Son’s broader strategy of integrating artificial intelligence and robotics into various industries, with plans to gradually replace certain security roles with AI-powered robots, although such a shift is expected to be gradual.
The discussions are still at an early stage, with no definitive price or commitment confirmed. SoftBank declined to comment, and Allied Universal has not responded to inquiries. The move follows SoftBank’s recent $30 billion investment in OpenAI and its history of large technology investments through the Vision Fund.
Why it matters
The deal could reshape the security industry and boost SoftBank’s AI ambitions, affecting both U.S. and Japanese markets.
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