SoftBank Group is in preliminary discussions to acquire Allied Universal, the largest security services provider in the United States. The potential deal values Allied’s equity at up to $18 billion. Including debt, the total transaction value approaches $30 billion.
Founder Masayoshi Son intends to use the acquisition to deploy AI-powered robotics within the security industry. SoftBank’s American depositary receipts (ADRs) fell between 9.5% and 9.9% on October 16. Investors expressed concern regarding the financial implications and strategic fit of the large-scale purchase. Deliberations remain in early stages with no final decisions made regarding price or deal certainty.