SELECTED INVESTMENT · TECHNOLOGY

Arm

Semiconductor architecture at the centre of a connected world.

Business overview

Arm develops processor architecture and semiconductor intellectual property licensed to technology businesses. Its position within the computing ecosystem offers a distinct perspective on the infrastructure behind connected devices.

Family investment

The family held an investment in Arm and exited in 2016. This investment forms part of the family’s technology investment history.

Transaction & outcome

SoftBank acquired Arm’s issued and to-be-issued share capital for approximately £24 billion in cash. Completion on 5 September 2016 was followed by the company’s delisting from the London Stock Exchange.

Case perspective

The transaction illustrates the strategic importance of semiconductor intellectual property and the role that an acquisition by a strategic buyer can play in an investment’s exit.