SoftBank said to weigh buying US security firm Allied

· Politics · Japan · United States

SoftBank is said to be weighing the purchase of top US security firm Allied, a potential transaction that may give the closely held company an equity value of as much as $18 billion, The Japan Times reported. Allied Universal is a major provider of security services and staffing in the US. The reported move fits SoftBank's pattern of large, high-conviction investments in technology and services businesses. Neither company confirmed the talks, and the report did not give a timeline.

Why it matters：A deal of this size would mark another big SoftBank bet beyond technology, in a security-services sector benefiting from rising corporate security demand.

Key points

  • Allied could be valued at up to $18 billion in equity terms.
  • The firm is closely held, according to the report.
  • Neither company confirmed the talks.

Sources (original reporting)

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