SoftBank Weighs $18 Billion Acquisition of US Security Giant Allied Universal

SoftBank Group is considering acquiring Allied Universal, the largest security services company in the United States, in a potential transaction that could value the company’s equity at as much as $18 billion. Bloomberg reported the discussions on October 16, 2026, citing people familiar with the matter. Allied Universal provides security personnel for businesses, public venues and major events, while also serving customers in the data centre industry. The potential acquisition would represent another major expansion of SoftBank’s technology investment strategy, which has increasingly focused on artificial intelligence, robotics and the infrastructure needed to support them. However, the discussions remain preliminary, and no final decision has been made regarding a transaction or its possible price.

The reported interest in Allied Universal is closely connected to SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s ambition to expand the practical use of AI-powered robots across multiple industries. According to Bloomberg’s report, Son views the security services sector as a potentially valuable environment for deploying robotics technology developed by companies associated with SoftBank. Acquiring an established security provider could give the Japanese conglomerate access to existing customers, operational facilities and a workforce-based business in which automation could eventually be introduced. Rather than investing only in companies that manufacture robots, SoftBank could potentially gain control of a business where those machines might be tested and deployed in real-world operations. The strategy reflects a broader effort to connect AI development with industries that could benefit from automation.

Allied Universal’s existing business makes it a potentially significant target. The company supplies security personnel to commercial buildings, entertainment venues, major events and other facilities requiring protection and monitoring. It also has a growing presence in the data centre sector, where security is particularly important because facilities house valuable computing equipment and support critical digital infrastructure. Bloomberg reported that Allied has approximately $12 billion in publicly traded debt across loans and bonds. If SoftBank acquired the company at an equity value of up to $18 billion, the overall transaction value could approach $30 billion when that debt is considered. These figures are preliminary estimates reported by Bloomberg, not confirmed terms of an agreed acquisition.

Robotics could eventually change how certain security tasks are performed, although the technology is not yet ready to replace all human guards. AI-powered machines could potentially assist with routine patrols, monitoring restricted areas, detecting unusual activity and reporting incidents to human operators. Such systems could help organisations operate continuously and reduce the need for people to perform repetitive tasks. However, security work frequently requires human judgement, communication, situational awareness and the ability to respond appropriately to unpredictable events. Bloomberg’s report indicated that the use of humanoid-style robots in security roles would take more time, reflecting uncertainty about how quickly the technology could be deployed effectively. Any major transition would also raise questions about reliability, liability, employment and the protection of the public.

The potential acquisition would come as SoftBank continues to make substantial investments in AI, including its multibillion-dollar commitment to OpenAI and its expansion into robotics infrastructure. Nevertheless, a transaction of this size would carry financial and operational risks, particularly because Allied Universal has a significant debt burden and integrating robotics into a large service business would require investment. Bloomberg reported that Allied’s existing backers include private equity firm Warburg Pincus and Canadian pension fund La Caisse. SoftBank declined to comment on the acquisition report, while Allied Universal did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. Until further details emerge, the proposed deal remains an indication of SoftBank’s interest in combining AI and robotics with established industries rather than confirmation that it will acquire the security company.