SoftBank Group (9984) unveils €75bn AI data centre plan for France
SoftBank Group Corp. shares climbed today after the Japanese technology investment firm unveiled plans to build a substantial artificial intelligence data centre network in France. The company is proposing an investment of up to €75.00 billion into the project. SoftBank Group (9984) is trading up 7.8% at ¥7,679, having risen from its previous close of ¥7,125.
The proposed investment underscores SoftBank's deepening commitment to the AI sector, building on its existing stakes in Arm Holdings and OpenAI. Investor optimism for AI-related ventures has continued to buoy the stock, with recent news of US AI firm Anthropic's initial public offering application further stimulating buying interest by potentially boosting the valuation of key SoftBank investment OpenAI.
This latest move follows a period of heightened activity for SoftBank Group in the AI space, including a 6.0% rise in shares on 2 June 2026, when the French AI data centre investment plan was initially reported. The company's stock has also been boosted by AI investment and IPO optimism in recent weeks, despite a downgrade from SBI Securities on 1 June 2026.
Why SoftBank's French AI Infrastructure Bet Is Driving Its Stock
SoftBank Group operates primarily as an investment holding company, seeking out and funding promising technology firms, particularly those at the forefront of artificial intelligence. Its core business involves identifying companies with high growth potential, providing them with capital, and then profiting from their subsequent expansion. Through significant stakes in entities like semiconductor design powerhouse Arm Holdings and leading AI developer OpenAI, SoftBank positions itself to benefit from global technological shifts.
Today's notable share price movement stems from the company's ambitious announcement to invest up to €75 billion, or approximately ¥12.75 trillion, in France to establish a vast network of AI data centres. This strategic commitment signals SoftBank's intent to build critical infrastructure for the AI era, a move that the market has clearly embraced. Investors are interpreting this substantial new investment, alongside its existing portfolio companies, as a powerful engine for future revenue growth and a deepening of its strategic footprint in the AI landscape.
This positive market reception has seen SoftBank Group's shares advance by 7.8%, currently trading at ¥7,679. This represents a significant climb from yesterday's closing price of ¥7,125.
Consider this investment like a master vintner acquiring a vast, fertile new vineyard and immediately installing cutting-edge irrigation systems and state-of-the-art climate control. The initial outlay is considerable, but the market views it as a necessary and ultimately profitable step to cultivate an even more abundant and high-quality harvest for years to come.
SoftBank Group Corp.
SoftBank Group Corp. (9984) is a diversified Japanese conglomerate operating across various sectors, primarily telecommunications. Its operations are structured into five key segments: Investment Business of Holding Companies, SoftBank Vision Funds, SoftBank, Arm, and Latin America Funds. Beyond providing mobile, broadband, and fixed-line communication services, the company is active in mobile device sales, internet advertising, e-book distribution, and e-commerce, including the operation of fashion websites like ZOZOTOWN. SoftBank also designs microprocessor intellectual property, offers software tools, and generates renewable energy. Its extensive portfolio further encompasses alternative investment management, smartphone payment solutions, banking services, and the management of a professional baseball team. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company was established in 1981.