China blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB Robotics
China has blocked SoftBank's planned $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics division, the Financial Times reported, and ABB confirmed the decision in a statement.
By GennnAi··1 min read
According to the FT, Beijing is concerned about robotics data being transferred overseas, where it could train AI models, including OpenAI's, in which SoftBank is a major investor. ABB says both companies are working constructively on the transaction, whose outcome remains uncertain. It is the second major deal China has blocked this year, after Meta was ordered to unwind its acquisition of AI start-up Manus.
Source: Reuters, published on November 5, 2026.