SoftBank in talks to buy Allied

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 19, 2026

SoftBank Group is in early talks to acquire Allied Universal, a major private-security firm valued potentially at $18 billion excluding debt. The deal would expand SoftBank’s AI and robotics strategy by integrating AI-enhanced security services within a global operator spanning over 100 countries.

SoftBank Group is reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions to acquire Allied Universal, a leading private-security firm, from its current private-equity owners. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that, if a transaction proceeds, Allied could be valued at up to $18 billion, excluding the company’s existing debt.

Allied Universal, headquartered in the United States, operates across more than 100 countries and territories, providing a mix of armed and unarmed security personnel alongside various security technologies. The company, backed by buyout firm Warburg Pincus and Canadian pension fund La Caisse, reported approximately $23 billion in annual revenue according to its official data.

Warburg Pincus initially invested in a precursor to Allied Universal, Universal Services of America, in 2015. The following year, Universal was merged with AlliedBarton Security Services, a rival U.S. security company. In 2019, La Caisse acquired a stake in the merged entity, valuing Allied Universal at over $7 billion at that time.

SoftBank’s interest in Allied Universal aligns with its recent strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The Japanese technology conglomerate, led by billionaire Masayoshi Son, has significantly increased its AI-related investments, including a $64 billion stake in OpenAI, development plans for new data centers, ownership of chip designer Arm, and a $5.4 billion acquisition last year of ABB’s industrial robotics unit.

While acquiring a private-security company may seem tangential to SoftBank’s focus on AI, Allied Universal has integrated AI technologies into its service offerings. The company deploys AI-powered tools that provide real-time data collection, incident reporting, and GPS tracking aimed at enhancing security and minimizing liability risks for clients.

Despite the ongoing talks, the proposed acquisition remains uncertain and no definitive agreement has been announced. SoftBank’s pursuit of Allied Universal would represent its latest move to blend AI with physical operations, further expanding its footprint in the sector where robotics and artificial intelligence intersect with traditional industries.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.