China Blocks SoftBank's $5.4 Billion ABB Robotics Acquisition, Companies Explore China Carve-Out

China's foreign investment security office has blocked SoftBank's proposed $5.4 billion acquisition of an ABB robotics unit. In response, SoftBank and Swiss engineering company ABB are now considering restructuring the deal, potentially by separating ABB Robotics' Chinese operations into a distinct entity or seeking an alternative buyer for the business, which could be valued between $2 billion and $3 billion. China represents approximately 30% of ABB's robotics business.