SoftBank has announced the acquisition of Ampere Computing, the chip design company founded by former Intel president Renee James. The deal, valued at $6.5 billion, underscores the growing demand for high-performance AI processors and positions SoftBank as a key player in the evolving tech landscape.
SoftBank’s Strategic Investment in AI and Sustainability
Ampere Computing, which James established in 2018, initially focused on cloud-native computing. However, the company has since pivoted toward “sustainable AI compute,” aiming to provide energy-efficient solutions for AI-driven applications. The company’s Arm-based processors have gained significant traction in data centers, making it an attractive acquisition for SoftBank.
By acquiring Ampere, SoftBank intends to bolster the capabilities of Arm, the British semiconductor company it owns. Recent reports suggest that Arm is developing its own in-house chip, and the addition of Ampere’s expertise will play a pivotal role in advancing these initiatives.
Enhancing SoftBank’s AI Capabilities
“As SoftBank Group broadens its AI infrastructure investments, such as Cristal Intelligence and Stargate, the acquisition of Ampere will significantly enhance our capabilities and accelerate growth in key areas,” said SoftBank in a statement. The acquisition is set to close later this year, contingent upon regulatory approval and other conditions. Following the acquisition, Ampere will retain its brand identity and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank.
Ampere CEO Renee James Shares Vision for the Future
Ampere CEO Renee James expressed her excitement about the acquisition, emphasizing the shared vision for advancing AI technology. “This partnership is a fantastic outcome for our team. We are eager to drive forward our AmpereOne roadmap, focused on high-performance Arm processors and AI,” said James. The merger is expected to help accelerate the development of cutting-edge AI chips and position both companies for success in the growing AI market.
For further details, visit the source: Engadget.