EL7.AI
Mergers & AcquisitionsMedium•27 July 2026•
1 min read

SoftBank Nears $625M Acquisition of Payments Firm SP.LINKS from Blackstone

Key Facts

1SoftBank Group is in advanced talks to acquire payments firm SP.LINKS from Blackstone.
2The potential acquisition deal is valued at approximately $625 million.

In a move reflecting continued investment appetite in the global fintech sector, SoftBank Group is nearing a strategic acquisition. According to reports, the group is in advanced talks to purchase the payments firm SP.LINKS from private equity giant Blackstone. The potential deal is valued at approximately $625 million, signaling SoftBank's intent to expand its payments infrastructure portfolio.

This news arrives as the fintech sector sees strategic realignments among major market players. Per market data, SoftBank (9984.T) shares closed at 5,331 JPY on July 27, 2026, while Blackstone (BX) traded at $130 on July 24, 2026. The acquisition highlights SoftBank's strategy of deploying capital into mid-cap fintech assets to bolster its financial services ecosystem.

Traders are monitoring SoftBank (9984.T) price levels, which saw a day high of 5,671 JPY and a low of 5,219 JPY as of the July 27, 2026 close. Looking ahead, market participants will watch for Japan's Balance of Trade data on July 21, 2026, as a broader economic catalyst that could influence sentiment surrounding major Japanese corporate expansions.