A new beginning to lead the information revolution to a next-generation paradigm shift

Text by: Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO, SoftBank Group Corp.
Simon Segars, CEO, ARM Holdings plc

Today is a historic day for SoftBank Group and ARM. Based on a shared vision and goals, the two companies have united to provide the technology necessary for a more convenient, safe, and satisfying life to people around the world. ARM has now become a member of SoftBank Group, and the vision and mission shared by both companies will remain unchanged. Both companies will continue to conduct business and further develop it.

I believe it is the right time to explain why both companies have decided to share an exciting future together. SoftBank and ARM possess technologies that play a pivotal role in the innovation of computing and connectivity. Every day, more than 40 million ARM-based chips are shipped by ARM partners and used in products needed by consumers and businesses worldwide. SoftBank Group provides mobile and wired communications and numerous internet services daily, connecting over 100 million users and devices in Japan and the United States, and is leading new ventures in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), intelligent robots, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

However, SoftBank and ARM do not define success simply by the quantity of chips shipped, the number of internet-connected users, or revenue criteria. We believe that technology must advance for the sake of humanity. In other words, we are convinced that we can contribute to the happiness and joy of people, and to the future of the world, through the true potential that SoftBank calls the Information Revolution. This may be bold, but it is the essence of what can be realized through technology.

SoftBank has led the technological paradigm shift from PC software distribution to the PC Internet and then to the mobile Internet. ARM is at the core of the IoT, which is considered the next-generation paradigm shift of the information revolution. As a key member of SoftBank, ARM will be able to accelerate the development of new technologies, infrastructure, products, and services necessary for a smarter and more closely connected world.

We are confident that this acquisition will make the future brighter for ARM partners, employees, and everyone we collaborate with, and there will be no change to ARM's core values. ARM's executive team will remain the same, and the values that are the cornerstones of ARM's success—neutrality, the provision of energy-efficient and innovative technologies needed in diverse markets, and the sharing of rewards with partners, collaborators, and employees—will remain unchanged.

Both companies plan to expand the technologies provided by ARM by continuing to invest heavily in R&D across various processor designs, systems and software, physical IP, security technologies, and wireless and smart connected platforms. As a member of SoftBank, ARM will continue to hire and retain talent with a passion to develop technologies that provide opportunities to people around the world connected to the internet, as a leading engineering company.

We are confident that the value of this acquisition will be much greater than simply combining the two companies. SoftBank is involved in many elements of the technology sector, ranging from mobile communications to robotics. ARM is a leading provider of architectures for the semiconductor industry for the digital world. As the two companies move forward together toward the future, they will open a significant new chapter in the history of the industry. While they have previously shared a vision for the future, going forward, they will strive to achieve even bolder goals together. Whether it be advanced robots, 5G networks, eco-friendly data centers, supercomputers, or intelligent connected devices, the collaboration between the two companies can realize and will support positive change. This is the shared vision of the two companies to realize an information revolution that makes everyone happy.