SoftBank Group has disclosed that it has received notice from Chinese regulators prohibiting its acquisition of ABB's robotics business in China. In a notice dated 6 November, the company said it confirmed on 4 November that it had received the notification from the Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review in China.
What the notice says
The prohibition covers ABB's robotics business in China. SoftBank Group, which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Prime market, signed a definitive agreement with ABB Ltd on 8 October 2025 to buy ABB's robotics business.
The deal was conditional on required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and SoftBank Group said it was pursuing the approval process.
What happens next
SoftBank Group said it is in close discussions with ABB and that both companies are engaging constructively with the transaction. It said it will announce promptly any matter it decides needs disclosure. The notice does not say whether the deal will proceed, be restructured or be terminated, and it gives no price, timetable or financial effect. It also does not say whether the China prohibition affects the closing conditions for the rest of the transaction.