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AI

SoftBank and ABB reportedly consider China carve-out for blocked robotics deal

2026-11-10 · Updated: 2026-11-12

Archive industrial-robot illustration, not ABB facilities, the transaction's assets or evidence of a completed sale.

SoftBank and ABB are reportedly examining a separate arrangement for the Chinese part of their US$5.4 billion robotics transaction after China blocked the deal. The November 7 report describes discussions about a possible workaround, not an agreed rescue or a completed sale.

One option under consideration would create a separate entity for the China business with different ownership, according to people familiar with the matter cited in the report. ABB is also reportedly considering other options, including another buyer. None of those alternatives has been announced as a settled transaction.

ABB declined to comment on the report, while SoftBank did not respond to requests outside business hours. That leaves the proposed structure and its prospects unconfirmed by the companies. The original deal's blockage does not establish that regulators would accept a revised arrangement.

China is an important market for ABB's robotics operations, accounting for about 30 per cent of that business in the report. Separating it could change the scope of any sale. Investors and customers still need an announced agreement and the required approvals before treating a workaround as a solution.

Dates and reporting status: ABB confirmed the deal was blocked on 5 November 2026. The published report, citing published reporting, reported the workaround talks on 7 November. No rescue agreement has been announced.

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