RSM on the proposed acquisition of ARM Holdings by Softbank
Commenting on the proposed acquisition of UK technology firm ARM Holdings by Japan’s Softbank, David Blacher, head of technology, media and telecommunications at business advisers RSM said:
“The proposed acquisition of ARM Holdings by Softbank for £24bn follows the trend of successful UK tech businesses being snapped up by the big multinationals. While many have gone to Silicon Valley, we have recently seen an increase in interest from the far east but the scale of this deal sets it apart.
“It’s likely that ARM Holdings has been a takeover target for some time, but the recent depreciation in the pound following the EU referendum may have been the tipping point which has encouraged Softbank to make its move. The deal may also provide some comfort to those who were worried that the Brexit vote may discourage inward investment in the UK tech sector.
“There may be some shock in some quarters about the loss of ARM’s independence, and dismay that the UK is failing to establish its own tech giants to rival the likes of Google and Apple, but the mood music from the acquirer suggests they are committed to growing the UK business, and this could be good news for the wider UK tech scene in the longer term.”
Photo caption: David Blacher, head of technology, media and telecommunications at business advisers RSM
