Berkshire Grey enters merger agreement with SoftBank Group for go-private transaction

Berkshire Grey has announced the company has entered into a definitive merger agreement with SoftBank Group Corp. and its affiliate. Under the agreement announced on March 24, 2023, SoftBank will acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of the warehouse robotics company not currently owned by SoftBank for $1.40 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $375 million.

SoftBank, a strategic investment holding company with stakes in AI, smart robotics, IoT, telecommunications, internet services, and clean energy technology providers, has been an investor in Berkshire Grey since 2019.

“After a thoughtful review of value creation opportunities available to Berkshire Grey, we are pleased to have reached this agreement with SoftBank, which we believe offers significant value to our stockholders,” said Tom Wagner, CEO of Berkshire Grey. “SoftBank is a great partner and this merger will strengthen our ability to serve customers with our disruptive AI robotics technology as they seek to become more efficient in their operations and maintain a competitive edge.”

“As a long-time partner and investor in Berkshire Grey, we have a shared vision for robotics and automation,” said Vikas J. Parekh, Managing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers. “Berkshire Grey is a pioneer in transformative, AI-enabled robotic technologies that address use cases in retail, eCommerce, grocery, 3PL, and package handling companies. We look forward to partnering with Berkshire Grey to accelerate their growth and deliver ongoing excellence for customers.”

The agreement, which has been unanimously approved by Berkshire Grey’s board of directors and represents a premium of approximately 24% to the closing stock price as of March 24, 2023, the last trading day prior to the date of this announcement. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval of Berkshire Grey’s stockholders and regulatory approvals.

Berkshire Grey customers include Global 100 retailers and logistics service providers who use their AI-based warehouse robotics solutions for increased efficiencies. 

According to Berkshire Grey's fourth quarter financials announcement, BG had 2022 revenue of $65.9 million, an increase of 29% compared to 2021. Revenue included $3.6 million for the provision for common stock warrants, recorded as a reduction in revenue.