Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
SoftBank weighs $18 billion bid for security firm Allied Universal
SoftBank is weighing a possible $18 billion deal for Allied Universal, a US security firm.
The deal is being considered as part of SoftBank's push into artificial intelligence.
SoftBank has already agreed to buy ABB's robotics division for about $5.4 billion, in a deal agreed in October 2025.
That earlier purchase shows SoftBank has also been investing in robotics.
No Allied Universal deal has been announced; SoftBank is evaluating a possible bid.
The next step is unclear, and no decision or timetable has been stated.
SoftBank Group is considering buying US security services company Allied Universal, according to a Bloomberg report cited by Nikkei.
The talks are at an early stage, and no final decision has been made.
Allied’s equity value could reach $18 billion, while the total deal including debt could approach $30 billion.
Allied provides security services for companies, events and data centers.
SoftBank Group identifies physical AI, including AI used in robots and industrial machinery, as a growth area.
- Who
- SoftBank Group and Allied Universal.
- What
- SoftBank Group is considering acquiring Allied Universal. The total value including debt could approach $30 billion.
- When
- The report was published on October 17, 2026; talks were described as being at an early stage.
- Where
- Allied Universal is a US security services company.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Allied Universal acquired UK security company G4S.
SoftBank agreed to buy ABB’s robotics division for about $5.4 billion.
Nikkei reported that SoftBank Group was considering acquiring Allied Universal.
- Potential equity value
- Up to $18 billion
- Potential total deal value
- Nearly $30 billion, including debt
- Allied Universal debt
- $12 billion
- Allied Universal workforce
- About 770,000 employees
- Allied Universal reach
- More than 100 countries