*By Carlo Versano* SoftBank Group, the Japanese multinational conglomerate with stakes in some of the hottest U.S. tech start-ups, is planning a massive IPO for its telecom arm that could become Japan's largest public offering to date, [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-12/softbank-unveils-21-billion-ipo-of-mobile-business?srnd=premium) reported Monday. SoftBank Founder Masayoshi Son is reportedly seeking $21 billion for the new entity that will be called SoftBank Corp. and begin trading Dec. 19. Citing the prospectus, Bloomberg said the company will offer 1.6 billion shares at 1,500 yen a piece, or roughly $13. That figure could change as the range of the offering is set. Son has used his $100 billion Vision Fund to transform SoftBank into a holding company with stakes in some of the world's most valuable technology companies, including Uber, WeWork, and Alibaba ($BABA). Softbank's telecom and mobile operation has long been the company's bread and butter, and spinning it off will give Son room to further position himself as a tech kingmaker.

Share:
More In Business
US businesses that rely on Chinese imports express relief and anxiety
American businesses that rely on Chinese goods are reacting with muted relief after the U.S. and China agreed to pause their exorbitant tariffs on each other’s products for 90 days. Many companies delayed or canceled orders after President Donald Trump last month put a 145% tariff on items made in China. Importers still face relatively high tariffs, however, as well as uncertainty over what will happen in the coming weeks and months. The temporary truce was announced as retailers and their suppliers are looking to finalize their plans and orders for the holiday shopping season. They’re concerned a mad scramble to get goods onto ships will lead to bottlenecks and increased shipping costs.
Load More