SoftBank weighs $18 billion acquisition of security giant Allied Universal

SoftBank Group is considering a massive $18 billion acquisition of Allied Universal, according to Reuters. The deal would bring together a Japanese technology giant and one of the largest security staffing providers in the United States. Allied Universal provides guards for corporate offices, large venues, and fast-growing data center facilities. Masayoshi Son, the billionaire founder of SoftBank, is driving the potential buyout as part of his expanding push into artificial intelligence and physical automation. SoftBank wants to eventually deploy AI-powered robots to handle routine security tasks currently performed by human workers. The massive security firm would give SoftBank a direct foothold in physical infrastructure supporting AI data centers. Deliberations are still in the early stages, and no final decisions have been made on the final price tag. Bloomberg News first reported the discussions on Friday. SoftBank declined to comment on the report, while Allied Universal did not immediately respond to requests for comment. SoftBank is best known for managing massive technology bets through its Vision Fund, including early stakes in Alibaba and Arm. Last year, SoftBank also agreed to acquire Swiss engineering group ABB's robotics business for $5.4 billion. For business owners who rely on physical security guards for facilities, the shift toward robotics signals where major capital is heading next. When tech giants start buying up the security guards, you know the robot patrol is moving out of science fiction and onto the loading dock.