SoftBank Group is considering acquiring Allied Universal in a transaction that could value the U.S. security-services company at approximately $18 billion.
The discussions remain preliminary, and no final decision has been made on either the acquisition or its price.
Allied Universal provides security personnel for businesses, major venues and events and has developed a growing presence around data centers.
That infrastructure exposure could fit SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s broader push into artificial intelligence, robotics and the physical infrastructure supporting advanced computing.
SoftBank would eventually look to automate some security functions using robots if a transaction proceeds, according to reporting on the discussions, although widespread deployment of humanoid security workers would likely take time.
SoftBank has already been expanding its robotics exposure.
The company previously agreed to acquire ABB’s robotics business for $5.4 billion, reinforcing Son’s effort to combine AI software with machines operating in the physical economy.
Allied Universal would add another dimension: a large existing workforce and customer network where automation could potentially be deployed over time.
The approximately $18 billion figure should not be treated as a finalized transaction value. Negotiations are preliminary, and the acquisition may not proceed.
If an agreement is reached, however, the transaction would represent another major step in SoftBank’s attempt to translate its AI strategy from computing infrastructure into robotics and real-world services.
