Japan’s SoftBank Group is exploring a potential acquisition of U.S. security services provider Allied Universal in a transaction that could value the company at approximately $18 billion, according to Reuters, citing a person familiar with the matter.
The possible takeover would represent another major step in SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s strategy to expand the conglomerate’s investments in artificial intelligence, robotics and the infrastructure supporting emerging technologies.
Bloomberg News first reported the discussions on October 16, citing people familiar with the matter. Negotiations remain preliminary, and neither a purchase price nor a definitive agreement has been established, according to the reporting.
Security Business Offers New Opportunities for Automation
Allied Universal, one of the largest private security providers in the United States, supplies personnel to commercial properties, businesses, entertainment venues and major public events.
The company has also been expanding its activities in the data center industry, providing services for facilities involved in the development and operation of digital infrastructure.
That exposure could make Allied Universal an attractive acquisition target for SoftBank as demand for computing capacity increases alongside the development of artificial intelligence.
According to Reuters, the proposed transaction could create opportunities for SoftBank to introduce robotic systems into security operations, potentially automating certain responsibilities currently performed by human personnel.
The introduction of humanoid robots into security roles would likely require a longer development and deployment period, the report said.
The potential acquisition therefore represents more than a conventional expansion into security services. It could provide SoftBank with an established operating platform for deploying automation technologies in commercial environments.
Son Accelerates Investment in Artificial Intelligence
SoftBank’s interest in Allied Universal comes amid a broader strategic shift toward AI-driven businesses under Son’s leadership.
The Japanese investment group has built a substantial technology portfolio through its Vision Fund and other investments, including an early stake in Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba and majority ownership of semiconductor designer Arm.
Its investment history also includes backing WeWork, the office-sharing company whose collapse became one of SoftBank’s most prominent setbacks.
Read more: LevelBlue to Acquire Cybereason in Deal Backed by SoftBank and Mnuchin
More recently, Son has placed increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence and robotics as potential drivers of long-term growth.
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Earlier this month, SoftBank completed the final installment of a planned $30 billion investment in OpenAI, according to Reuters, further strengthening its financial commitment to the ChatGPT developer.
The conglomerate also agreed in 2025 to acquire the robotics division of Swiss engineering company ABB for approximately $5.4 billion, a transaction consistent with its efforts to combine advanced software and automated machinery.
An acquisition of Allied Universal could extend that strategy into labor-intensive security operations, where robotic technologies may eventually supplement conventional staffing models.
Data Centers Add Strategic Appeal
Beyond the potential application of robotics, Allied Universal’s involvement in data center security could offer SoftBank another connection to the expanding AI infrastructure market.
Data centers are essential to training and operating increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence systems, creating demand for specialized facilities and the services required to maintain them.
Allied Universal’s existing relationships with businesses and infrastructure operators could provide an established commercial network for security technologies incorporating AI.
Such opportunities remain prospective, however. Neither company has announced an integration plan, and the potential benefits would depend on whether a transaction proceeds and how the businesses are combined.
Discussions Remain at an Early Stage
Despite the reported $18 billion valuation, a transaction is not assured.
Reuters reported that SoftBank declined to comment on the acquisition speculation. Allied Universal did not immediately respond to the news agency’s request for comment.
The companies have not publicly confirmed an agreement or disclosed a timetable for a possible transaction.
For SoftBank, the reported discussions illustrate how Son’s investment strategy is increasingly extending beyond traditional technology companies toward established businesses where artificial intelligence and robotics could potentially transform operations.
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