Market Chatter: ABB Explores Options for SoftBank-targeted Robotics Unit in China

MT Newswires · 1d ago
11:14 PM EST, 11/08/2026 (MT Newswires) -- ABB (ABBN.SW) is exploring options for its robotics unit in China, including a potential carve-out, after regulatory intervention halted its sale of the business to SoftBank Group, Bloomberg News reported Nov. 7, citing people familiar with the matter. The Switzerland-based electrification and automation company and the Japanese investment holding company are working with advisers on the options for ABB Robotics, with SoftBank leading the push for a demerger, the unnamed sources noted. The move follows the Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review's decision to block the $5.4 billion sale of the business to SoftBank. One of the people said ABB is also considering selling ABB Robotics to another buyer at a potential valuation between $2 billion and $3 billion, the report added. ABB and SoftBank did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)