China moves to block SoftBank's $5.4 billion purchase of ABB's robotics division
The FT, citing people familiar, said China's NDRC will not allow the deal over fears robotics data could go overseas to train AI models; Nikkei reports ABB's statement on Thursday that Chinese authorities have moved to block it.
Why it matters
SoftBank agreed in October 2025 to buy ABB's robotics business, part of Masayoshi Son's push into AI and automation. The FT reported that China's National Development and Reform Commission will block it, citing concern that robotics data could be transferred overseas and used to train AI models, including those of OpenAI, in which SoftBank is a major investor. China is ABB's biggest robots market, about 30% of that business. Nikkei calls it Beijing's latest intervention in a sale of key technology. Watch for SoftBank's and ABB's next steps, any remedies offered, and the effect on SoftBank's shares.
Key facts
- $5.4 billion deal agreed in October 2025 for ABB's robotics business
- FT: China's NDRC will block it over robotics data possibly going overseas to train AI models
- China is ABB's biggest robots market, about 30% of its robots business
- SoftBank had expected approval until last week (FT)
- SoftBank shares were already down about 5% in Tokyo when the report landed