The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is digging deeper into SoftBank’s acquisition of Ampere Computing. The agency has reportedly requested additional information regarding the deal, suggesting a closer examination of its potential impact on the competitive landscape. This second request, often a signal of increased scrutiny, indicates the FTC is not yet satisfied with the information provided by SoftBank.

The specifics of the FTC’s requests remain undisclosed, but it is likely focused on aspects of the deal that could stifle competition in the data center CPU market. Ampere, known for its Arm-based processors, is a significant player in this sector. The FTC’s investigation will likely scrutinize whether the acquisition could lead to reduced innovation, higher prices, or limited choices for consumers and businesses relying on these crucial technologies.

This development underscores the increasing regulatory attention paid to large technology mergers and acquisitions. Global regulators are increasingly concerned about the potential for monopolies and anti-competitive practices to emerge from these deals, particularly in rapidly developing sectors like the data center market. The outcome of the FTC’s investigation will significantly impact SoftBank’s plans for Ampere and could set a precedent for future acquisitions in the tech industry. The FTC’s request for more information suggests a protracted review process, potentially delaying the finalization of the deal or leading to stipulations to ensure fair competition. The tech community awaits further updates with bated breath.