ABB has confirmed that it has been informed by SoftBank Group Corp (SoftBank) that China’s Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review has prohibited the proposed acquisition of ABB’s Robotics business in China. ABB and SoftBank remain in close dialogue and are working constructively on the transaction, which was first announced in October 2025. Under the agreement, ABB had agreed to divest its Robotics division to SoftBank for an enterprise value of $5.375 billion.
The proposed divestment is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. SoftBank is responsible for managing the regulatory approval process. The latest development relates to the review of the proposed acquisition in China and represents a regulatory hurdle for the transaction.
ABB stated that it continues to engage with SoftBank on the matter and that both companies are working constructively as discussions progress. The companies remain in dialogue regarding the transaction and its regulatory requirements. The proposed sale of the Robotics division forms part of ABB’s strategic portfolio management. The agreement announced in October 2025 set an enterprise value of $5.375 billion for the business. The transaction remains subject to the applicable regulatory processes and other customary closing conditions.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By combining its engineering capabilities with digitalisation expertise, the company helps industries improve performance, efficiency, productivity and sustainability.
With more than 140 years of history and approximately 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB supports customers across industries through technologies designed to help them operate more efficiently and competitively. The company describes this approach as ‘Engineered to Outrun’. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker ABBN and on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker ABB.
