China Blocks SoftBank's $5.4B ABB Robotics Deal Over Data Risks
Overview
Chinese regulators blocked SoftBank's acquisition of ABB's robotics division, citing national security concerns over transferring operational data overseas for AI model training. Following the rejection, SoftBank and ABB are exploring options to carve out the Chinese business unit.
Generated from attributed reports · Updated 58 minutes ago
Event evidence and corrections
2 attributed source owners. Ownership does not establish independent confirmation. Quantities are reported separately and are never added together.
Reported quantity · cities: 130 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“that the business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30 percent of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. Get the latest news delivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · channels: 700 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“that the business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30 percent of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. Get the latest news delivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · GAAP EPS: 0.12 other · Basis not reported
“no matter who owns the robot maker. The main risk is to the story: a price-to-earnings ratio near 227 partly reflects the market’s belief in SoftBank’s broader AI plans. Arm’s own numbers explain more of the drop. Revenue reached $1.443B, up 27.1%, but GAAP EPS of $0.12 missed expectations of $0.4756. Investing.com said Arm’s current-quarter guidance underwhelmed. Why SoftBank’s Slide Has Several Causes Investing.com”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · expected GAAP EPS: 0.4756 other · Basis not reported
“no matter who owns the robot maker. The main risk is to the story: a price-to-earnings ratio near 227 partly reflects the market’s belief in SoftBank’s broader AI plans. Arm’s own numbers explain more of the drop. Revenue reached $1.443B, up 27.1%, but GAAP EPS of $0.12 missed expectations of $0.4756. Investing.com said Arm’s current-quarter guidance underwhelmed. Why SoftBank’s Slide Has Several Causes Investing.com”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · percent: 85 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ABB近十年在华累计投资超过10亿美元，约85%的销售收入来源于本土制造的产品、系统和服务。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · employees: 14000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“目前，ABB在中国拥有研发、制造、销售和工程服务等业务活动，30家本地企业、1.4万名员工遍布于100余个城市。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 100 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“目前，ABB在中国拥有研发、制造、销售和工程服务等业务活动，30家本地企业、1.4万名员工遍布于100余个城市。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · companies: 30 other · Basis not reported
“目前，ABB在中国拥有研发、制造、销售和工程服务等业务活动，30家本地企业、1.4万名员工遍布于100余个城市。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · percent: 90 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“believed the deal would be cleared by the NDRC, despite it being subject to a foreign investment security review. It was cleared by China’s competition regulators in February, however concerns were raised about the transfer of technology developed in China to a Japanese company. ABB’s robotics unit manufactures around 90% of its robots in China, in what is the company’s biggest market. The European company counts ar”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · employees: 15000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30% of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. (Reporting by Preetika Parashuraman in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Alexander Smith)”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30% of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. (Reporting by Preetika Parashuraman in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Alexander Smith)”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 130 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30% of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. (Reporting by Preetika Parashuraman in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Alexander Smith)”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30% of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. (Reporting by Preetika Parashuraman in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Alexander Smith)”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · channels: 700 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30% of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. (Reporting by Preetika Parashuraman in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Alexander Smith)”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30% of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. (Reporting by Preetika Parashuraman in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Alexander Smith)”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · percent: 30 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30% of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. (Reporting by Preetika Parashuraman in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Alexander Smith)”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30% of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. (Reporting by Preetika Parashuraman in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Alexander Smith)”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · dollars: 5400000000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“Nov 7 (Reuters) - Japan's SoftBank and Swiss engineering group ABB are looking at carving out the Chinese element of a $5.4 billion robotics deal which was blocked earlier this week by Beijing, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter. SoftBank did not respond to requests for comment outside business hours and ABB declined to comment on the report which said that a carve-out would m”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“Nov 7 (Reuters) - Japan's SoftBank and Swiss engineering group ABB are looking at carving out the Chinese element of a $5.4 billion robotics deal which was blocked earlier this week by Beijing, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter. SoftBank did not respond to requests for comment outside business hours and ABB declined to comment on the report which said that a carve-out would m”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · dollars: 2000000000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ean setting up a separate entity for the China business with different ownership. This is the second deal blocked by China this year after Meta was ordered in April to unwind its more than $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus, as Beijing tightens scrutiny of foreign investment involving frontier technologies. ABB is also considering other options including finding another buyer, the report said, adding that the”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“ean setting up a separate entity for the China business with different ownership. This is the second deal blocked by China this year after Meta was ordered in April to unwind its more than $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus, as Beijing tightens scrutiny of foreign investment involving frontier technologies. ABB is also considering other options including finding another buyer, the report said, adding that the”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · dollars: 3000000000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30% of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. (Reporting by Preetika Parashuraman in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Alexander Smith)”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“business could potentially be valued at $2 billion to $3 billion. China is ABB's biggest robotics market and accounts for about 30% of its robotics business. It operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700. (Reporting by Preetika Parashuraman in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Alexander Smith)”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · proposed acquisition value: 5400000000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“China has blocked SoftBank Group Corp.’s proposed $5.4 billion acquisition of Swiss engineering company ABB’s robotics business, disrupting a major component of the Japanese investment giant’s strategy to expand into artificial intelligence-powered automation. ABB confirmed Thursday that Chinese authorities had prohibited the acquisition of its robotics operations in China, according to Reuters. The decision followed”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · proposed acquisition value: 5400000000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“nearly 130 cities, according to Reuters. SoftBank’s Robotics Ambitions Face Setback SoftBank agreed to acquire ABB’s robotics division in October 2025, valuing the business at approximately $5.4 billion. The proposed acquisition was intended to strengthen SoftBank’s position in industrial automation and robotics, areas Son believes will become increasingly important as artificial intelligence moves beyond software ap”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · expected IPO raise for OPay: 304000000 other · Basis not reported
“d been expected to raise approximately $304 million. Source: Reuters.”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · number of local businesses in China: 30 other · Basis not reported
“gence capabilities intersect. China represents approximately 30% of ABB’s robotics business, making the country an essential market for the division. ABB also maintains substantial manufacturing and research operations in China, including a major robotics development and production center in Shanghai. The company’s wider Chinese operations include roughly 30 local businesses and approximately 15,000 employees across”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · number of employees in China: 15000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“gence capabilities intersect. China represents approximately 30% of ABB’s robotics business, making the country an essential market for the division. ABB also maintains substantial manufacturing and research operations in China, including a major robotics development and production center in Shanghai. The company’s wider Chinese operations include roughly 30 local businesses and approximately 15,000 employees across”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · market_rank: 2 other · Basis not reported
“其母公司ABB集团表示，中国是其第2大市场，在中国市场销售的产品和服务中，超过90%是在当地生产和提供的。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · acquisition_year: 2024 other · Basis not reported
“ABB机器人业务拥有约7000名员工；2024年，该业务实现营收23亿美元（约93亿令吉），约占ABB集团总收入的7%。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · dollars: 5.37 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“China blocks SoftBank’s US$5.37bn bid for ABB Robotics”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · dollars: 5.37 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“China’s regulatory authorities have intervened to halt the acquisition of ABB Robotics, ABB’s China-based robotics arm, by Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank. SoftBank’s planned US$5.37bn acquisition of ABB Robotics has been prohibited by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). When the acquisition was announced in October 2025, the transaction had been expected to close in mid-to-late 2026,”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · people: 7000 other · Basis not reported
“. Why Masayoshi Son wanted ABB’s robotics business SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son had identified the proposed acquisition as an important part of his strategy to establish a stronger position in the emerging physical AI industry. The Japanese company planned to acquire ABB’s robotics division, which employs more than 7,000 people and manufactures robotic arms and industrial machinery for major manufacturers, includin”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · share price change: 5 other · Basis not reported
“d to train AI models, including those developed by OpenAI, in which SoftBank is a major investor, the FT report added • SoftBank shares, already down about 5% in Tokyo, changed little after the FT report • Reuters could not immediately verify the report. SoftBank and ABB did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. China's NDRC could not be reached. (Reporting by Sumedha Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigan”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · share price drop: 2.7 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“lopment and Reform Commission (NDRC) had prohibited the acquisition, the report said. The NDRC reviews foreign investments that might have national security implications. SoftBank declined to comment. The NDRC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ABB shares were down 2.7% by 1458 GMT. Chinese authorities are concerned about the potential transfer of sensitive data to the US and SoftBank's ties with W”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · share price drop: 6.8 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“pment center and production base for ABB Group. SoftBank shares were down about 5% before the FT published the report and they ended the day down 6.8%. The blocked ABB deal comes less than a week after SoftBank-backed digital-payments company OPay withdrew a US initial public offering, citing a regulatory inquiry by a foreign jurisdiction it did not identify. OPay would have raised $304 million from the IPO after pr”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · number of employees: 15000 other · Basis not reported
“s, the person said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, accounting for about 30% of its robotics business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) houses the company's global robotics headquarters and is an important research-and-develo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · number of cities with offline channels: 700 other · Basis not reported
“s, the person said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, accounting for about 30% of its robotics business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) houses the company's global robotics headquarters and is an important research-and-develo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“s, the person said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, accounting for about 30% of its robotics business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) houses the company's global robotics headquarters and is an important research-and-develo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“s, the person said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, accounting for about 30% of its robotics business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) houses the company's global robotics headquarters and is an important research-and-develo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · share price drop: 5 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“pment center and production base for ABB Group. SoftBank shares were down about 5% before the FT published the report and they ended the day down 6.8%. The blocked ABB deal comes less than a week after SoftBank-backed digital-payments company OPay withdrew a US initial public offering, citing a regulatory inquiry by a foreign jurisdiction it did not identify. OPay would have raised $304 million from the IPO after pr”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · Reported duration: 65000 hours · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“目前，其人形机器人Digit已在全球汽车零部件巨头Schaeffler、全球第三方物流商GXO、加拿大丰田汽车制造公司等头部企业实现商业化部署，累计运行时长超65000小时。”
Exact source · revision 1gaogong
Reported quantity · Reported duration: 8 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“*本文共约 4002 字，阅读完成需 8 分钟。”
Exact source · revision 1gaogong
Reported quantity · words: 4002 other · Basis not reported
“*本文共约 4002 字，阅读完成需 8 分钟。”
Exact source · revision 1gaogong
Reported quantity · Americas sales: 232.2 other · Basis not reported
“8.6 billion yen, accounting for 44.1% of sales. This is a 14.9% increase from the previous period. The Robomachine division, which includes small machining centers, was 129.6 billion yen (15.1%), and service was 141.1 billion yen (16.5%). The public face is 'the company for the brains of machine tools,' but the core of its sales is robots. 🔍 Why look at regional figures? By region, the Americas accounted for 232.2 bi”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · robots: 15000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ETA.O) to unwind its $2 billion-plus acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus, as Beijing tightens scrutiny of US investment in domestic startups developing frontier technologies. • China is ABB's biggest robots market, representing around 30% of its robots business. ABB operates around 30 local companies in China with about 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities and online and offline channels in”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“ETA.O) to unwind its $2 billion-plus acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus, as Beijing tightens scrutiny of US investment in domestic startups developing frontier technologies. • China is ABB's biggest robots market, representing around 30% of its robots business. ABB operates around 30 local companies in China with about 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities and online and offline channels in”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · dollars blocked in deal: 5400000000 other · Basis not reported
“China blocks $5.4 billion SoftBank robot deal, flexing control over AI tech”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · dollars invested in Shanghai factory: 150000000 other · Basis not reported
“mission began reviewing SoftBank’s acquisition on foreign investment grounds. In 2022, ABB opened a $150 million robotics mega-factory in Shanghai with support from local authorities. ABB said the facility would help Chinese customers develop more locally made products. As of early 2025, ABB’s robotics division had several thousand employees in China. Chinese regulators have scotched big tech deals in the past, inclu”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · dollars blocked in NXP acquisition: 44000000000 other · Basis not reported
“ding a $44 billion acquisition of Dutch chip maker NXP Semiconductors that Qualcomm scrapped in 2018 after meeting resistance from Beijing. Write to Raffaele Huang at [email protected]”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · months: 2 other · Basis not reported
“该交易于2月份通过了中国的公平竞争审查。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · dollars: 5 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“Marc Segura (via LinkedIn) (L-R): Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics, Masayoshi Son, chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group, and Morten Wierod, CEO of ABB. ABB announced the divestment of its Robotics division to SoftBank for $5+ billion in October 2025, but the move has been blocked by China in November 2026. China , through the Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review, has blocked SoftBa”
Exact source · revision 1peerless-media
Reported quantity · enterprise value of divestment: 5.375 other · Basis not reported
“o divest its robotics division from SoftBank for an enterprise value of $5.375bn. “ABB confirms that it has been informed by SoftBank that the Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review in China has prohibited the acquisition of the ABB robotics business in China,” it said. ABB entered China in 1994 and opened its R&D centre in Shanghai in 2005. In the years since, China has become the big”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · acquisition amount blocked: 5.4 other · Basis not reported
“China blocks SoftBank’s $5.4bn ABB robotics unit acquisition”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · acquisition amount confirmed by ABB: 5.375 other · Basis not reported
“o divest its robotics division from SoftBank for an enterprise value of $5.375bn. “ABB confirms that it has been informed by SoftBank that the Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review in China has prohibited the acquisition of the ABB robotics business in China,” it said. ABB entered China in 1994 and opened its R&D centre in Shanghai in 2005. In the years since, China has become the big”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · acquisition amount of Meta deal blocked: 2 other · Basis not reported
“retain some of the unit’s manufacturing capacity in China. Sources further shared that Chinese authorities were concerned over potential transfers of Chinese-made assets and data to Japan for use in training AI models – including by OpenAI, which is a major part of SoftBank’s investment portfolio . Chinese authorities, in a similar move earlier this year, blocked Meta’s $2bn-plus acquisition of Manus , an AI start-up”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · years: 2022 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ers are manufactured locally. ABB formed a joint venture with a Chinese partner in 1992, and government support has benefited its operations. Shanghai’s government helped the company build its $150 million robotics factory in Pudong, which began operating in 2022. The review reflected Beijing’s concerns about transferring assets developed in China to a Japanese company amid tensions with Tokyo and strategic compe”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · years: 1992 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ers are manufactured locally. ABB formed a joint venture with a Chinese partner in 1992, and government support has benefited its operations. Shanghai’s government helped the company build its $150 million robotics factory in Pudong, which began operating in 2022. The review reflected Beijing’s concerns about transferring assets developed in China to a Japanese company amid tensions with Tokyo and strategic compe”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · employees: 15000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ng on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB’s biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robotics headquarters and is an important research”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 130 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ng on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB’s biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robotics headquarters and is an important research”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 700 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ng on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB’s biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robotics headquarters and is an important research”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · percent: 30 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ng on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB’s biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robotics headquarters and is an important research”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · percent: 1.1 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“nal Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) had prohibited the acquisition, the report said. The NDRC reviews foreign investments that might have national security implications. SoftBank declined to comment. The NDRC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ABB shares were down 1.1% in morning trading after the blocked takeover was made public. The NDRC was concerned about robotics data being transferre”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · percent: 5 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“-and-development centre and production base for ABB Group. SoftBank shares were down about 5% before the FT report was published and they ended the day down 6.8%. The blocked ABB deal comes less than a week after SoftBank-backed digital-payments company OPay withdrew a US initial public offering, citing a regulatory inquiry by a foreign jurisdiction it did not identify. OPay would have raised US$304 million from the”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · percent: 6.8 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“-and-development centre and production base for ABB Group. SoftBank shares were down about 5% before the FT report was published and they ended the day down 6.8%. The blocked ABB deal comes less than a week after SoftBank-backed digital-payments company OPay withdrew a US initial public offering, citing a regulatory inquiry by a foreign jurisdiction it did not identify. OPay would have raised US$304 million from the”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · percent: 30 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ETA.O) to unwind its $2 billion-plus acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus, as Beijing tightens scrutiny of US investment in domestic startups developing frontier technologies. • China is ABB's biggest robots market, representing around 30% of its robots business. ABB operates around 30 local companies in China with about 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities and online and offline channels in”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · percent: 5 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“report added. • SoftBank shares, already down about 5% in Tokyo, were little changed after the FT report. • Reuters could not immediately verify the report. SoftBank declined to comment. ABB did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. China's NDRC could not be reached. (Reporting by Sumedha Mukherjee in Bengaluru, Anton Bridge in Tokyo and Kane Wu in Hong Kong; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala, Jochelle Mendonca an”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 130 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ETA.O) to unwind its $2 billion-plus acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus, as Beijing tightens scrutiny of US investment in domestic startups developing frontier technologies. • China is ABB's biggest robots market, representing around 30% of its robots business. ABB operates around 30 local companies in China with about 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities and online and offline channels in”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 700 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) Ltd is home to its global robotics headquarters, as well as an important robotics research and development center and production base for ABB Group. • The NDRC was concerned about robotics data being transferred overseas, where it could be used to train AI models, including those developed by OpenAI, in which SoftBank is a major investor, the FT”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · employees: 15000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ABB在中国拥有约30家本地公司，员工约15000人，业务遍及近130个城市，并在近700个城市设有线上线下渠道。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 130 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ABB在中国拥有约30家本地公司，员工约15000人，业务遍及近130个城市，并在近700个城市设有线上线下渠道。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · channels: 700 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ABB在中国拥有约30家本地公司，员工约15000人，业务遍及近130个城市，并在近700个城市设有线上线下渠道。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · revenue: 2300000000 other · Basis not reported
“截至2024年，ABB的机器人部门拥有约7000名员工，创造了23亿美元的收入，约占ABB销售额的7%。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · valuation: 5375000000 other · Basis not reported
“发表时间： 07/11/2026 - 11:15 更改时间： 07/11/2026 - 11:34 8 分钟 浏览时间 此前，ABB集团周四通过新闻稿表示：“2025年10月，ABB宣布已签署协议，将其机器人业务出售给软银集团，企业估值为53.75亿美元。”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · robots: 15000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“bstantial presence in the country, operating around 30 local companies and employing approximately 15,000 people across nearly 130 cities. Its online and offline sales channels cover nearly 700 cities. ABB Engineering ( Shanghai ) houses the company's global robotics headquarters and serves as an important research and development centre and manufacturing base. This extensive presence makes China a crucial market for”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 130 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“bstantial presence in the country, operating around 30 local companies and employing approximately 15,000 people across nearly 130 cities. Its online and offline sales channels cover nearly 700 cities. ABB Engineering ( Shanghai ) houses the company's global robotics headquarters and serves as an important research and development centre and manufacturing base. This extensive presence makes China a crucial market for”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 700 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“bstantial presence in the country, operating around 30 local companies and employing approximately 15,000 people across nearly 130 cities. Its online and offline sales channels cover nearly 700 cities. ABB Engineering ( Shanghai ) houses the company's global robotics headquarters and serves as an important research and development centre and manufacturing base. This extensive presence makes China a crucial market for”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · technologies: 40 other · Basis not reported
“ogy proposed adding 40 technologies to its catalogue of technologies prohibited or restricted from export. Of these, 23 are related to AI, including technologies involving AI models, intelligent agents and computing clusters. The proposed changes cover sectors including artificial intelligence, biomedicine and solar manufacturing. These measures reflect China's efforts to strengthen oversight of technologies and capa”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · employees: 15000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“B and SoftBank are in close dialogue and working on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“B and SoftBank are in close dialogue and working on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“B and SoftBank are in close dialogue and working on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 130 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“B and SoftBank are in close dialogue and working on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“B and SoftBank are in close dialogue and working on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“B and SoftBank are in close dialogue and working on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · cities: 700 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“B and SoftBank are in close dialogue and working on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“B and SoftBank are in close dialogue and working on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“B and SoftBank are in close dialogue and working on the transaction, ABB said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, representing around 30% of its robot-related business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) is home to its global robo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Reported quantity · number of employees in China: 15000 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“s, the person said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, accounting for about 30% of its robotics business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) houses the company's global robotics headquarters and is an important research-and-develo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
“s, the person said. China is ABB's biggest robotics market, accounting for about 30% of its robotics business. ABB operates about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees located in nearly 130 cities, as well as online and offline channels in nearly 700 cities. According to its website, ABB Engineering (Shanghai) houses the company's global robotics headquarters and is an important research-and-develo”
Exact source · revision 2Source owner not reported
Evidence dependency changes (7)
- 2026-11-10T00:51:55.039Z · evidence updated · source revision 2. Evidence extraction was updated; current source attributions are shown above.
- 2026-11-10T00:08:02.094Z · evidence updated · source revision 2. Evidence extraction was updated; current source attributions are shown above.
- 2026-11-09T18:55:02.436Z · evidence updated · source revision 2. Evidence extraction was updated; current source attributions are shown above.
- 2026-11-09T17:50:53.229Z · evidence updated · source revision 2. Evidence extraction was updated; current source attributions are shown above.
- 2026-11-09T16:50:12.070Z · evidence updated · source revision 2. Evidence extraction was updated; current source attributions are shown above.
- 2026-11-09T06:59:14.546Z · evidence updated · source revision 2. Evidence extraction was updated; current source attributions are shown above.
- 2026-11-09T03:00:15.801Z · evidence updated · source revision 2. Evidence extraction was updated; current source attributions are shown above.
Report timeline
Follow attributed reports and material updates.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalSoftBank and ABB explore options for China robotics deal
Japan's SoftBank and Swiss engineering group ABB are reportedly exploring options to carve out their Chinese robotics operations after a broader $5.4-billion deal was blocked by Beijing earlier this week. According to Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the matter, the companies could establish a separate entity for the China business with different ownership. This marks the second major foreign investment involving frontier technologies blocked by China this year, following Meta's order to unwind its acquisition of AI startup Manus. ABB is also considering other options, including finding another buyer, as China remains its biggest robotics market, accounting for about 30 percent of its robotics business. The report notes that ABB operates approximately 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees across nearly 130 cities.
- Industrial robotics — News discoveryFANUC earns 44.1% of sales from robots with China contributing 27%; SoftBank acquisition blocked in China
FANUC derives 44.1% of fiscal year ending March 2026 revenue from its Robot division, while China accounts for approximately 27% of total sales. On November 6, SoftBank Group announced Chinese authorities prohibited its planned acquisition of ABB's robotics business in China.
- Industrial robotics — News discoverySignalWhy Beijing blocked SoftBank's $5.4 billion ABB Robotics deal? Setback for Masayoshi Son's physical AI ambitions
Chinese regulators have prohibited SoftBank Group's proposed $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics division, citing foreign investment security concerns. This decision halts a strategic move by Masayoshi Son to expand into industrial robotics and physical AI, reflecting Beijing's increased scrutiny on foreign investments in sensitive technology sectors amid global competition.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalWhy Beijing blocked SoftBank’s $5.4 billion ABB Robotics deal? Setback for Masayoshi Son’s physical AI ambitions
Chinese regulators have prohibited SoftBank Group's proposed $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics division, citing national security concerns over foreign investment in strategic technology assets.
- High-tech Robotics — WeChatSignalSoftBank's Proposed $5.375 Billion Acquisition of ABB Robot Business Rejected by China; Pool Cleaning Robot Company Races for HK Stock IPO | Weekly Capital Events
On November 5, ABB announced that SoftBank has been informed by China's foreign investment security review mechanism office that the acquisition of its robot business in China is prohibited.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalSoftBank and ABB explore carving out Chinese robotics business to salvage deal
According to Bloomberg News reporting on November 7, 2026, SoftBank and ABB are considering separating the Chinese component of their $5.4 billion robotics agreement after Beijing blocked the original transaction. The proposed carve-out would establish a distinct entity for China's operations, which represents approximately 30% of ABB's robotics business and includes roughly 15,000 employees across 130 cities. This development follows earlier regulatory actions against foreign investments in frontier technologies, including Meta's forced divestment of its acquisition of AI startup Manus. ABB is also evaluating other options such as finding a new buyer for the China unit, which could be valued between $2 billion and $3 billion.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalSoftBank and ABB explore carving out China business to salvage $5.4 billion robotics deal
Japan's SoftBank and Swiss engineering group ABB are considering separating their Chinese robotics operations into a distinct entity after Beijing blocked their $5.4 billion merger earlier this week. According to Bloomberg News, which cited sources familiar with the matter, the carve-out would involve establishing a separate ownership structure for China, where ABB currently operates about 30 local companies employing roughly 15,000 people across nearly 130 cities. The report notes that China represents approximately 30% of ABB's robotics business and could be valued between $2 billion and $3 billion if spun off. This marks the second major foreign investment deal blocked by China this year, following Meta's order to unwind its acquisition of AI startup Manus in April. ABB is also evaluating other options, including finding a different buyer for the Chinese unit.
- Chinese robotics — Company news discoverySignalSoftBank and ABB Consider Divesting Chinese Robotics Business After Beijing Blocks Acquisition
Following a ban by China's foreign investment security review mechanism on SoftBank's acquisition of ABB's robotics operations in the country, the two companies are exploring ways to divest that business. China is ABB's largest single market for robotics, accounting for roughly 30% of its related revenue. The deal, originally valued at $5.375 billion, required regulatory approval and was being led by SoftBank. ABB is now considering alternative options, including finding other buyers or restructuring the unit as an independent entity.
- Industrial robotics — News discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion ABB robotics deal: How Beijing is tightening its grip on strategic technologies
China has prohibited SoftBank's proposed $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics business, citing concerns that operational data generated in China could be transferred overseas to train AI models. This decision marks the second major foreign acquisition blocked by Beijing this year, following its intervention in Meta's attempt to acquire Manus. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) raised specific national security issues regarding industrial data transfer, reflecting a broader trend of tightening scrutiny on strategic technologies and intellectual property within China's robotics and AI sectors.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4b deal to acquire ABB robotics business
The Chinese government has blocked Japanese investment firm SoftBank Group's planned $5.4 billion acquisition of Swiss engineering company ABB's robotics business, according to Bloomberg and an emailed statement from ABB. The transaction was prohibited by a Chinese government agency under the National Development and Reform Commission. SoftBank stated that discussions are ongoing between the two firms as they seek a way forward for the deal. The proposed acquisition aimed to strengthen SoftBank's position in physical artificial intelligence (AI), which involves integrating AI into robots capable of interacting with the physical world.
- Robotics 24/7 — Industry reportingSignalSoftBank's proposed $5.4B acquisition of ABB Robotics blocked by China
ABB announced in October 2025 that it had signed an agreement to divest its Robotics division to SoftBank Group for an enterprise value of $5.375 billion, with the transaction expected to close in mid-to-late 2026 subject to regulatory approvals. However, as of early November 2026, the acquisition has been blocked by China's Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review following concerns from the Chinese government regarding foreign technology investment and implementation. ABB confirmed it was informed by SoftBank that the deal is prohibited in China, though both companies are in dialogue to resolve the situation. The New York Times noted that China is ABB's largest robotics market, with roughly 90% of machines for Chinese customers manufactured within the country.
- Chinese robotics — Company news discoverySignalChinese Regulators Block SoftBank's $5.4 Billion Acquisition of ABB Robotics Division
Chinese regulators blocked a proposed acquisition by Japanese tech giant SoftBank of the robotics division of Swiss-Swedish industrial firm ABB for approximately $5.4 billion. The deal, which required Chinese approval due to ABB's significant revenue and manufacturing presence in China, was rejected on national security grounds. Authorities cited concerns that robot-related data could be transferred overseas for AI model training.
- Chinese robotics — Company news discoverySignalChinese Regulators Block SoftBank's $5.4 Billion Acquisition of ABB Robotics Division
Chinese regulators blocked a proposed $5.4 billion sale of ABB's robotics division to Japanese tech giant SoftBank, citing national security concerns over potential transfer of robot-related data used for overseas AI training models. The deal required approval because ABB generates significant revenue in China and manufactures most robots locally there. This decision reflects Beijing's willingness to intervene in global transactions affecting its technological development.
- Chinese robotics — Company news discoverySignalChinese Regulators Block SoftBank's $5.4 Billion Acquisition of ABB Robotics
SoftBank announced on Friday that Chinese regulators have prohibited its proposed acquisition of ABB Robotics for approximately $5.4 billion (about 21.9 billion yuan). The deal would have included operations in China, where over 90% of products are produced and sold locally. This decision comes amid heightened scrutiny on AI and sensitive technologies, following similar rejections of foreign acquisitions in the sector, such as Meta's attempt to buy Manus in April 2025.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina Blocks SoftBank's Acquisition Of ABB Robotics Business
ABB confirmed that China has prohibited SoftBank Group from acquiring its Robotics division, halting a planned $5.375 billion transaction and adding regulatory uncertainty to the deal announced in October 2025.
- Chinese robotics — Company news discoverySignalChina Blocks SoftBank's $5.4 Billion Acquisition of ABB's Robotics Business in China
On November 5, the Chinese government notified SoftBank that its proposed acquisition of ABB's robotics business in China for approximately $5.4 billion has been prohibited by the Foreign Investment Security Review Mechanism Office. The decision marks the second high-tech acquisition blocked by the office this year, following the rejection of Meta's deal to acquire Manus in April.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalBeijing Reportedly Feared Chinese Robot Data Could End Up Training OpenAI's Models. So It Blocked SoftBank's $5.4 Billion Purchase Of ABB's Robotics Unit
This piece analyzes reports that China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) may have blocked SoftBank's $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics division due to fears that domestic robot data could be used to train Western AI models like those from OpenAI. The article attributes the stock market decline of Arm Holdings primarily to its own quarterly earnings miss rather than the deal, noting that the regulatory decision remains unconfirmed and no formal notice has been published.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's US$5.37bn bid for ABB Robotics
China's regulatory authorities have intervened to halt the acquisition of ABB Robotics by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank. The proposed US$5.37bn deal, which was expected to close in mid-to-late 2026, has been prohibited by China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). ABB confirmed on November 5, 2026, that the Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review within the NDRC has blocked the acquisition. This intervention underscores the sensitivity of cross-border acquisitions in the AI and technology space, particularly regarding the integration of data from physical AI enterprises into AI models. ABB Robotics, which makes 90% of its production for the Chinese market, remains subject to stringent export controls governing the transfer of domestic technology to foreign firms.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina Blocks SoftBank's $5.4 Billion ABB Robotics Takeover
Chinese authorities have prohibited SoftBank Group Corp.'s proposed $5.4 billion acquisition of Swiss engineering company ABB's robotics operations, citing national security concerns over data transfer and AI capabilities. The decision disrupts SoftBank's strategy to expand into artificial intelligence-powered automation and complicates its efforts in physical AI integration. While China represents approximately 30% of ABB's robotics business, the rejection creates uncertainty for both companies as they continue discussions despite regulatory intervention.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
China's state planner has prohibited SoftBank from acquiring ABB's robotics business for $5.4 billion, citing national security concerns and strained China-Japan relations. This decision marks the second major foreign investment deal blocked by Beijing this year, following Meta's forced divestment of its AI startup Manus. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) raised specific concerns about potential data transfers to the US and SoftBank's ties with Western technology firms like OpenAI. ABB, which relies on China for approximately 30% of its robotics business, stated it is in dialogue with SoftBank to find a solution, though the transaction remains uncertain.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
China's state planner has prohibited Japanese investor SoftBank from acquiring the robotics business of Swiss engineering group ABB for $5.4 billion. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) cited national security implications, including potential data transfer to the US and concerns over SoftBank's ties with Western companies like OpenAI. This decision represents a major setback for SoftBank's AI investment strategy in robotics and follows another high-profile deal blockage involving Meta and Manus earlier this year. ABB, which views China as its largest robotics market accounting for about 30% of its business, stated it is in dialogue with SoftBank to find a solution.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
China's state planner has prohibited SoftBank from acquiring ABB's robotics business for $5.4 billion. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) blocked the deal due to national security concerns, including potential data transfer risks to the US and tensions between China and Japan. This is the second major foreign investment deal blocked by China this year, following Meta's forced unwind of its acquisition of AI startup Manus. ABB, which operates in about 30 local companies in China with around 15,000 employees, stated it remains in dialogue with SoftBank to find a solution, though the transaction is currently uncertain.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalWhy did China oppose Softbank’s acquisition of ABB’s robotics division
China has reportedly blocked SoftBank's planned purchase of ABB's robotics division for $5.4 billion. The deal, intended to support founder Masayoshi Son's expansion into physical AI, was halted after China's National Development and Reform Commission raised concerns about transferring robotics data overseas, retaining manufacturing capabilities in China, and protecting intellectual property. ABB's Chinese operations, which supply over 90% of robots to local customers, were a key attraction for the acquisition. SoftBank is now reviewing the situation to determine if it can seek approval again.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank, ABB robotics deal
SoftBank Group's proposed $5.4 billion deal to acquire ABB's industrial robot business has been blocked by Chinese regulators, citing supply chain security and technology transfer concerns. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) prohibited the transaction after reviewing it for foreign investment security, despite earlier approval from competition regulators in February 2026. SoftBank had announced the agreement in October 2025 with an expected closing in mid-to-late 2026 as part of its strategy to expand its AI robotics portfolio. ABB manufactures around 90% of its robots in China, employing approximately 12,700 people there. The deal's failure marks a significant setback for SoftBank's ambitions in physical AI and robotics. Sources suggest that regulators may request a spin-off of certain business parts before reconsidering the transaction.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4bn ABB robotics unit acquisition
Chinese regulators have prohibited SoftBank from acquiring ABB's robotics division in China, citing concerns over data transfers to Japan and the potential use of Chinese manufacturing assets for training AI models. Sources indicate that the review focused on ABB's supply chain and demanded retention of some manufacturing capacity in China. This decision aligns with previous actions by Chinese authorities blocking foreign acquisitions involving AI startups due to national security concerns.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has prohibited Japanese investor SoftBank from acquiring the robotics segment of Swiss engineering group ABB for $5.4 billion.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
China's state planner has prohibited SoftBank from acquiring the robotics segment of Swiss engineering group ABB for $5.4 billion. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) cited concerns that transferring robotics data overseas could facilitate the training of AI models, including those developed by OpenAI, in which SoftBank is a major investor. This decision marks the second major foreign investment deal blocked by China this year, following an order for Meta to unwind its acquisition of AI startup Manus. The blockage impacts SoftBank's AI investment strategy and ABB, whose robotics business represents around 30% of its operations in China, home to approximately 15,000 employees across nearly 130 cities.
- Industrial robotics — News discoverySignalChina blocks $5.4 billion SoftBank robot deal, flexing control over AI tech
Chinese regulators have blocked SoftBank's proposed $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics unit, citing national security concerns and a desire to retain control over advanced physical AI technologies developed within China.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalABB confirms China blocked SoftBank deal for robotics unit
ABB confirmed that the Chinese government has blocked SoftBank's $5.4 billion acquisition of its robotics unit.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
China's state planner has prohibited the $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics segment by Japanese investor SoftBank, citing national security concerns regarding the transfer of robotics data overseas for AI model training. This decision marks the second major foreign investment deal blocked by China this year, following Meta's ordered unwind of its Manus startup acquisition. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) raised specific concerns about data being used to train AI models, including those developed by OpenAI, in which SoftBank is a major investor. ABB shares dropped 1.1% after the announcement, while SoftBank shares fell approximately 6.8%. China remains ABB's largest robotics market, accounting for around 30% of its robot-related business, with operations spanning nearly 130 cities and employing about 15,000 people locally.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
China's state planner has prohibited SoftBank from acquiring ABB's robotics segment for $5.4 billion, citing national security risks associated with transferring robotics data overseas for AI model training. This decision marks the second major foreign investment deal blocked by China this year, following the unwind of Meta's acquisition of Manus. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) expressed concerns that such data transfers could facilitate the development of advanced AI models by entities like OpenAI, in which SoftBank is a major investor. ABB, whose robotics business relies heavily on the Chinese market for around 30% of its revenue, confirmed it is in dialogue with SoftBank to address the transaction. The rejection has impacted SoftBank's stock price and highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny on foreign investments in China's emerging technology sectors.
- Chinese robotics — Company news discoveryChinese Foreign Ministry advises inquiry on SoftBank ABB robot business acquisition blockage
At a Nov 5 press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun declined to confirm reports that China's NDRC would block SoftBank's acquisition of ABB's robotics unit, directing inquiries to relevant authorities.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalABB confirms China blocked SoftBank deal for robotics unit
ABB confirmed that Chinese regulators have blocked SoftBank Group's planned acquisition of its robotics business in China, halting a deal originally agreed in October at an enterprise value of $5.375 billion. ABB stated it is working constructively with SoftBank on the transaction, while SoftBank declined to comment.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalABB confirms China blocked SoftBank deal for robotics unit
ABB confirmed that Chinese regulators have blocked SoftBank Group's planned acquisition of its robotics business in China. The deal, originally agreed in October last year at an enterprise value of $5.375 billion, was reported by the Financial Times. ABB stated it is in close dialogue with SoftBank and working constructively on the transaction, while SoftBank declined to comment.
- Industrial robotics — News discoverySignalChina blocks $5.4 billion SoftBank robot deal, flexing control over AI tech
Chinese regulators have blocked SoftBank's proposed $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics unit, citing national security concerns and a desire to retain control over advanced physical AI technologies within China.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
According to a Financial Times report cited by Reuters, China has blocked SoftBank's acquisition of ABB's robotics business. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) rejected the deal due to national security concerns over transferring robotics data overseas for AI training, particularly involving models from OpenAI where SoftBank is a major investor. This decision impacts ABB's largest market, which accounts for around 30% of its robots business.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
According to a Financial Times report cited by Reuters, China has blocked SoftBank's acquisition of ABB's robotics segment. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) rejected the deal due to national security concerns over transferring robotics data overseas for AI training. This decision impacts ABB, whose largest market is China, representing around 30% of its robots business. The report notes that SoftBank had expected approval until last week, but the NDRC's review process flagged risks related to data usage by OpenAI models.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
According to a Financial Times report cited by Reuters, China has rejected SoftBank's proposal to acquire ABB's robotics segment for $5.4 billion. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) blocked the deal due to concerns that transferring robotics data overseas could facilitate the training of AI models, including those developed by OpenAI, in which SoftBank holds a major investment. China represents around 30% of ABB's robots business. While SoftBank had agreed to the purchase in October of the previous year, the deal was expected to be approved until last week before this intervention. Shares of SoftBank saw minimal change following the report, and neither SoftBank nor ABB immediately responded to requests for comment.
- Robotics — Web news discoveryChina blocks SoftBank $5.4B acquisition of ABB robotics division per FT report
Reuters reports that China's NDRC will block SoftBank's proposed $5.4 billion purchase of ABB's robotics segment, citing data transfer concerns to OpenAI-linked AI training; the deal faced uncertainty as China accounts for roughly 30% of ABB's robot business.
- Robotics — Web news discoverySignalChina blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division
On November 5, 2026, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) prohibited Japanese investor SoftBank from acquiring the robotics segment of Swiss engineering group ABB for US$5.4 billion.
- Chinese robotics — Company news discoveryChina's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds to reports that SoftBank's acquisition of ABB's robotics business will be blocked by the NDRC
At a press briefing on November 5, spokesperson Guo Jiakun advised inquiries about the reported blockage of SoftBank's deal for ABB's robotics assets to be directed to Chinese authorities rather than confirming the claim.
- Chinese robotics — Company news discoverySignalSoftBank's Acquisition of ABB Robotics Business Blocked by China
ABB Group confirmed on Thursday that its agreement to sell its robotics business to SoftBank for $5.375 billion has been blocked by China's foreign investment security review mechanism.
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