EL7.AI
Mergers & AcquisitionsMedium•5 November 2026•
1 min read

China Blocks SoftBank’s $5.4 Billion Acquisition of ABB Robotics Unit

Key Facts

1China blocked SoftBank’s $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics business, according to the Financial Times.
2Gold prices jumped while oil slumped on hopes for Iran diplomacy and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
3AstraZeneca has made a $10 billion offer for obesity drugmaker Rhythm, as reported by the WSJ.

China blocked SoftBank’s $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics business, according to the Financial Times. Regulators reportedly informed the company they would not allow the transaction to proceed, contributing to a nearly 5.8% drop in SoftBank's shares. Separately, AstraZeneca has made a $10 billion offer to acquire obesity drugmaker Rhythm, as reported by the WSJ.

SFTBY closed at $13.05 on November 4, 2026, while ABBNY closed at $86.58 on the same date. In the pharmaceutical sector, AstraZeneca (AZN) closed at $189.01 on November 4, 2026. Gold prices surged as oil prices slumped on diplomatic hopes regarding Iran and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with Citi noting that sustained oil declines could bolster gold's rally toward a $4,500 target.

China is scheduled to release its annual inflation rate data on November 9, 2026, with forecasts expecting it to remain at 0.9%. Additionally, the Chinese Balance of Trade data is due on November 10, 2026, which may provide further insight into economic performance amid ongoing trade tensions.

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