According to informed sources, SoftBank Group is evaluating potential acquisition targets, including data center operator Switch Inc., as billionaire founder Masayoshi Son intensifies efforts to secure deals that align with the AI-driven digital infrastructure boom.

People familiar with the matter revealed that the Japanese conglomerate has held discussions with Switch Inc.'s management and conducted due diligence on the privately held company. The sources requested anonymity as the information remains confidential. Additionally, recent reports indicate that SoftBank has engaged in advanced negotiations regarding a possible acquisition of DigitalBridge Group Inc., a New York-listed investment firm and one of Switch's major private equity backers.

Son has been seeking ways to expand SoftBank's role in the AI race, where its long-time partner Nvidia has surged to become the world's most valuable company. Acquiring Switch Inc., which specializes in designing and operating energy-efficient data centers, could help the Japanese billionaire address a critical bottleneck in AI development.

Representatives for SoftBank, Switch Inc., and DigitalBridge declined to comment.