Hasta La Gadget!

Earlier today it was rumored that Japanese mobile data carrier SoftBank was in talks with Sprint over a possible acquisition of the US carrier – this news has now been confirmed by Sprint with a very brief comment. The words delivered by Sprint here nearer noon on October 11th include confirmation that they’re “engaged in discussions” with the Japanese group and that there are “no assurances that these discussions will result in any transaction.” They also let it be known that if a transaction does occur, it very well could include “a change of control of Sprint.”

This sort of deal is just as, if not more, important than the deal that nearly went down earlier this year here in the USA with AT&T attempting to swallow up T-Mobile. Though that deal did not go through in the end, T-Mobile continued to seek options and is now in talks to join forces with another USA-based group Mobile PCS. With Japan-based SoftBank looking into picking up the entirety of Sprint, there’s no knowing what will become of the third-largest mobile carrier in the USA.

“Sprint Confirms Discussions with Softbank on a Possible Transaction

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), October 11, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S) today confirmed that it is currently engaged in discussions with Softbank regarding a potential substantial investment by Softbank in Sprint. Although there can be no assurances that these discussions will result in any transaction or on what terms any transaction may occur, such a transaction could involve a change of control of Sprint. Sprint does not intend to comment further unless and until an agreement is reached.” – Sprint

This news also suggests that SoftBank is looking into Sprint so that it might be able to pick up devices from across the world for less than they’re able this moment. This would seem odd, however, as Japan has never been really hurting for smartphones that bring on abnormally high-spec’d amalgamations of technology. With Sprint on their side, they may be looking to get in on the Apple and Samsung game with more solid stakes.

You’ll want to keep your eye on this deal, ladies and gentlemen, as it could mean big things for Sprint here in the USA. Stick to our mobile tag hub to keep up to date with this and other acquisition news as it comes down from around the world.

Sprint confirms SoftBank talks of acquisition is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the Japanese mobile carrier Softbank is in advanced talks to acquire US operator Sprint for a cool $12.8 billion. More »

While recent rumors suggested Sprint could be interested in snatching up Metro PCS, it may actually be the target of an acquisition.The Nikkei, Reuters and Wall Street Journal report it is in final buyout talks with Japanese carrier Softbank at a price in excess of 1 trillion yen ($12 billion US). Just over a week ago Softbank snapped up rival eAccess in a billion dollar deal that added 50 percent more base stations to its LTE network and will move it from third to second largest in the country when it is completed. It got to third place with a leveraged buyout of Vodafone’s Japanese arm back in 2006, and CEO Masayoshi Son mentioned last week that he has his eye on the number one spot. We’re not exactly sure how a potential purchase of the third place American carrier fits into its plans (or what this means for Sprint’s future, its LTE rollout and its often woeful 3G speeds), but we’re betting Softbank’s CFO is just trying to keep Son away from any juicy looking eBay “Buy It Now” auctions.

Update: Looks like those reports were on the money: Sprint just released a statement confirming it is in talks with Softbank about a possible transaction. Find that terse press release embedded below.

Continue reading Japan’s Softbank in ‘advanced talks’ to acquire Sprint for more than $12 billion (update: confirmed)

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sprint

Japan’s Softbank in ‘advanced talks’ to acquire Sprint for more than $12 billion (update: confirmed) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here you are another phone announced today by Softbank but this time manufacturer by Fujitsu with the ARROWS A 201F. Here as well the ARROWS A 201F comes with a nice 1.5GHz Quad Core CPU, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of memory but “only” come with a 4.7″ 720p screen! The ARROWS A 201F is also compatible with Softbank 4G AXGP network, Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, a 13.1Mpix camera with AF and Android 4.1!
Unfortunately and like the AQUOS PHONE Xx 203SH, the ARROWS A 201F won’t become …

Softbank isn’t content with being Japan’s third largest wireless provider, so its scooping up competitor eAccess for $2.3 Billion (or $1.8 Billion, if you ask Reuters) to claim the number two slot. Bringing the other carrier into the fold will give Softbank a total of 39 million subscribers and infuse its network with 50 percent more LTE base stations. Picking up the new customers and additional LTE capacity comes at a premium, however, as the firm will purchase eAccess’ shares for roughly three times their value. Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son expects to launch a new tethering service with the aid of the new-found resources come this December. Ink on the deal won’t fully dry until February, but Son is already dreaming of the number one spot. “I never liked third place,” Son said in a statement. “We fought for No. 2, and someday, we will be No. 1.” You’ve been warned, NTT DoCoMo.

[Image credit: Miki Yoshihito, Flickr]

Filed under: Cellphones, Networking, Mobile

Softbank to acquire competitor eAccess, expand LTE network by 50 percent originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 05:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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