RBC Capital Markets has lowered its rating on DigitalBridge Group Inc., shifting the stock from Outperform to Sector Perform after SoftBank revealed plans to acquire the company in an all-cash deal. Along with the downgrade, EBC sharply cut its price target to $16.00 from the previous $20.00, aligning it with the agreed takeover price.
The revised outlook reflects limited upside potential following SoftBank’s offer to purchase DigitalBridge at $16 per share. With the stock currently trading around $15.26, shares are hovering just below the acquisition value, suggesting the market is largely pricing in the deal.
SoftBank’s proposed transactions are expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing requirements. Until then, analysts see DigitalBridge shares trading within a narrow range, driven more by deal-related developments than by underlying business performance or broader market trends.
SoftBank Deal Values DigitalBridge at $4 Billion
The proposed takeover places DigitalBridge’s enterprise value at roughly $4 billion, underscoring the scale of SoftBank’s commitment to the digital infrastructure firm. This valuation highlights the strategic importance SoftBank sees in DigitalBridge’s platform and long-term growth potential.
Notably, the agreed acquisition price offers a meaningful premium compared with DigitalBridge’s unaffected 52-week average share price as of December 4, 2025. That gap implies shareholders are being compensated well above recent trading norms, reflecting expectations tied to stability and future expansion.
This premium is seen as a key factor supporting the deal, as it reduces downside risk for investors while reinforcing confidence in the transaction’s rationale. The pricing also signals SoftBank’s willingness to pay up to secure assets aligned with its broader technology and infrastructure investment strategy.
DigitalBridge’s board has moved decisively in support of the proposed transaction, with a special committee made up entirely of independent directors unanimously endorsing the deal. Their recommendation reflects confidence that the agreement serves the best interests of shareholders.
Completion of the acquisition, however, remains dependent on several procedural steps. Regulatory clearances must be secured, and standard closing conditions satisfied, before ownership can formally change hands. These requirements introduce a defined timeline rather than an immediate conclusion.
Based on current expectations, the transaction is slated to be finalized in the second half of 2026. Until then, investors are likely to track progress on approvals and any updates from the companies involved, as these milestones will shape market sentiment and determine when the deal ultimately reaches completion.
Post-Acquisition Structure and Strategic Rationale
After the transaction is completed, DigitalBridge is expected to maintain operational independence rather than being fully absorbed into SoftBank’s broader structure. The company will continue to function as a separately managed platform, preserving its existing business model and strategic direction.
Leadership continuity will also remain intact. Chief Executive Officer Marc Ganzi is set to stay at the helm, ensuring stability across management and ongoing projects. This approach is designed to support a smooth transition while keeping day-to-day operations uninterrupted.
By retaining its current leadership and autonomous structure, DigitalBridge aims to sustain relationships with partners and investors while executing long-term growth plans. The post-acquisition setup signals SoftBank’s intent to back the platform’s existing strategy, rather than overhaul operations, following the close of the deal.
RBC analyst Jonathan Atkin said the planned acquisition fits squarely within SoftBank’s broader push to benefit from artificial intelligence-led expansion across digital infrastructure markets. According to Atkin, the deal strengthens SoftBank’s position in a sector expected to see sustained demand growth.
He highlighted that the transaction offers SoftBank immediate exposure to several US-based data center platforms, eliminating the need for slower, organic market entry. This instant scale is viewed as a strategic advantage as competition intensifies around AI-related infrastructure.
Although RBC Capital lowered its rating on DigitalBridge, the firm emphasized that the underlying logic of the transaction remains sound. RBC noted that SoftBank’s strong capital backing could provide DigitalBridge with greater financial flexibility over the long run. This support is expected to ease balance-sheet constraints and offer stability during periods of market uncertainty.
Also, it was highlighted that reduced dependence on external fundraising may improve operational focus. With less pressure to raise capital, DigitalBridge could concentrate more on executing its development plans and managing assets efficiently.
