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- Softbank is apparently looking to buy Ampere Computing
- The Japanese tech giant already owns Graphcore and Arm
- Experts say Softbank’s ambition would be to compete with global hyperscalers
SoftBank, the majority stakeholder in armis referred to in discussions to acquire Ampere Computing (via Bnbloomberg).
Ampere, known for its data center chips built on the Arm architecture, has attracted attention for its advanced chips, including the 192-core Polaris and the upcoming 256-core Magnetrix.
The deal is currently uncertain, but highlights SoftBank’s ambitions to challenge processor industry giants such as AMD and Intel in the middle of Continued boom in AI investment.
The strategic significance of Ampere
Oracle-backed Ampere Computing is a pivotal player in the AI and data center chip market, and the acquisition will no doubt strengthen Arm’s push beyond chip design licensing to become a full-fledged chipmaker.
Ampere’s expertise could also strengthen Arm’s push into the lucrative data center market, aligning with CEO Rene Haas’ vision of expanding the company’s presence in this sector.
Ampere processors are designed to handle demanding data center workloads, a critical capability as industries increasingly rely on AI-driven solutions. Combining Softbank Graphcore’s AI accelerators with Ampere processors could enable SoftBank to build competitive systems for that sector.
The potential acquisition comes with some caveats for each company. Ampere has been prepared for an IPO, indicating its interest in maintaining independence, while Softbank will have to convince Oracle and the Carlyle Group, both significant players in Ampere, to ratify the agreement.
