SoftBank Is Said to Weigh Buying Largest US Security Firm Allied
What happened
- SoftBank is considering acquiring Allied Universal, the largest security services company in the US, according to people familiar with the matter.
- Masayoshi Son is exploring the use of AI-powered robots across industries, including security services.
- Reports differ on valuation: some cite about $18 billion in equity value, while another cites close to $30 billion including debt.
Why it matters
The potential transaction could link SoftBank’s AI and robotics strategy with a large industrial-services platform. It is relevant to M&A, private equity and financing professionals because Allied Universal is backed by Warburg Pincus and La Caisse, and the reported valuations differ materially.
What to watch. Whether SoftBank advances beyond early talks and the basis for the reported valuation, including the treatment of debt.
Deal terms
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Timeline
- First reported by BloombergOct 16SoftBank Is Said to Weigh Buying Largest US Security Firm Allied
- Techmeme reportsOct 16Sources: SoftBank weighs buying US security services giant Allied Universal at an ~$18B equity valuation, as Masayoshi Son explores deploying AI-powered robots (Bloomberg)
- Financial Times reportsOct 17SoftBank in talks to buy US security group Allied Universal
- The Wall Street Journal reportsOct 17SoftBank in Early Talks to Buy Allied Universal
- Private Equity Wire reportsOct 19SoftBank weighs $30bn Allied Universal acquisition from Warburg Pincus-backed owners
Who is involved
Sources (5)
- BloombergOct 16SoftBank Is Said to Weigh Buying Largest US Security Firm Allied
- TechmemeOct 16Sources: SoftBank weighs buying US security services giant Allied Universal at an ~$18B equity valuation, as Masayoshi Son explores deploying AI-powered robots (Bloomberg)
- Financial TimesOct 17SoftBank in talks to buy US security group Allied Universal
- The Wall Street JournalOct 17SoftBank in Early Talks to Buy Allied Universal
- Private Equity WireOct 19SoftBank weighs $30bn Allied Universal acquisition from Warburg Pincus-backed owners
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- Oct 20 · AI Tool That Hacked Korean Banks Was Used in Japan, GMO Says
- Oct 20 · Masayoshi Son’s RoboCop Dreams May Get a Boost With Allied Universal Deal
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