ABB Sells Robotics Division to SoftBank for $5.38 Billion
ABB has agreed to sell its robotics division to SoftBank for $5.38 billion. The deal, set to close in mid to late 2026, includes a pre-tax book gain of $2.4 billion, leaving ABB with net cash of around $5.3 billion. ABB's CEO Morten Wierod hints at potential large acquisitions with the proceeds, while the robotics division's head, Sami Atiya, will depart by the end of 2026.
The robotics division, which contributed 7% of ABB's total revenue in 2024 with $2.3 billion, will be absorbed by SoftBank. Known for its long-term technology investments, SoftBank will take over a division that consistently delivered an operating EBITA margin of 12.1%.
Initially, ABB planned to spin off and list the robotics division on the stock exchange in 2025. However, the company has since decided to sell it to SoftBank, a move that aligns with ABB's ongoing review of its business areas for value creation.
The sale of ABB's robotics division to SoftBank is expected to be completed in mid to late 2026. With the proceeds, ABB may explore large acquisitions, although the company has not explicitly ruled out other strategic investments or shareholder returns. The departure of Sami Atiya, the current head of the robotics division, is also anticipated by the end of 2026.
