• SoftBank Group Corp. has announced its acquisition of Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion, a strategic move aimed at bolstering its AI infrastructure. Ampere, a semiconductor startup founded by former Intel president Renee James, specializes in high-performance, energy-efficient CPU chips based on Arm architecture. This acquisition aligns with SoftBank's broader strategy to enhance its portfolio in AI and semiconductor technology, positioning it to compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

• The deal will see major investors Oracle and Carlyle Group divest their stakes in Ampere, allowing SoftBank to integrate Ampere's technology with its existing assets, including Arm Holdings. This integration is expected to create synergies that enhance SoftBank's competitive edge in the AI sector, particularly in cloud computing, where Ampere's chips are already utilized by firms like Oracle. The acquisition reflects a growing trend among tech giants to consolidate resources and capabilities in AI, a sector poised for significant growth.