SoftBank and ABB Explore China Carve-Out to Salvage Blocked Robotics Deal

Following Beijing's recent block of SoftBank's $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics business, the two companies are reportedly exploring a workaround. This involves potentially carving out the Chinese element of the deal, which would entail setting up a separate entity for the China business with different ownership. This move highlights the increasing geopolitical scrutiny on foreign investment in strategic technology sectors.