SoftBank Group announced that it has commenced preparations to list shares in its subsidiary SoftBank Corp (SB). The aim is to improve the valuation of the telecom business, as the group focuses increasingly on its global investment activities through the SoftBank Vision Fund.
Softbank said that a separate listing for SB will give the latter greater managerial autonomy to develop its own growth strategy. Furthermore, through a listing, SB aims to strengthen its management foundation as an operating company.
Preparations for the listing will be conducted on the premise that SB will continue to be a major consolidated subsidiary of the group's telecommunications business, even after being listed. In addition, SBG will study corporate and capital structures for the group taking into account the impact on its creditworthiness and cash flow. There is a possibility that a decision not to list SB shares could be made following reviews and studies conducted during the preparation process, the company noted.
