Allied Universal provides security services to businesses, public infrastructure, commercial facilities and major events. The company also operates in the growing data centre security market.
The potential acquisition could provide SoftBank with an established customer base and operational network for introducing AI-powered automation into security services.
According to Bloomberg, SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has explored using autonomous robots for security tasks, including monitoring and patrol operations. Replacing certain human-operated services with robotic systems could become part of the company’s longer-term strategy.
However, the deployment of humanoid security robots is expected to take considerably longer than simpler autonomous security systems.
The reported discussions follow SoftBank’s agreement to acquire ABB’s robotics business for approximately $5.4 billion, announced in October 2025.
That transaction forms part of SoftBank’s broader investment strategy in Physical AI, combining robotics hardware, artificial intelligence and industrial automation.
Allied Universal’s existing operations could offer access to commercial environments where robotic security systems might eventually be deployed, although neither company has announced a development partnership or committed to a specific robotics programme.
Bloomberg reported that Allied Universal could receive an equity valuation of up to $18 billion. Including approximately $12 billion in outstanding debt, the total transaction value could approach $30 billion.
SoftBank declined to comment on the reports.
Discussions remain preliminary, and no acquisition agreement, purchase price or completion timeline has been announced.
