Vertical Bridge Front-Loads a Record ABS as DigitalBridge Nears SoftBank Takeover

In the backdrop of SoftBank Group?s ongoing bid for DigitalBridge, Vertical Bridge ? the group?s largest private mobile-infrastructure arm in the United States ? has delivered a standout financing milestone. The deal strengthens DigitalBridge?s positioning ahead of forthcoming financial disclosures, while investors digest the still-evolving takeover process.

Key facts at a glance:
- Record ABS transaction: Vertical Bridge closes a securitization totaling $1.94 billion.
- Takeover update: SoftBank offers $16.00 per share in cash to acquire DigitalBridge.
- Reporting date: Fiscal year 2025 results are due on February 25, 2026 after the U.S. market close.
- Special note: Because the sale is in progress, the usual analyst conference will not take place.

Massive financing for the cell-tower sector
Vertical Bridge, the largest private operator of wireless-infrastructure assets in the United States and a core DigitalBridge stake, announced the completion of a $1.94 billion asset-backed securitization yesterday. This marks the largest transaction of its kind within the sector?s history.

The securitization is backed by a portfolio comprising 10,425 cell towers located across all 50 states plus Puerto Rico. The notes issued are secured by this extensive tower portfolio. Investor demand was strong: 78 investors participated, with 41 of them new entrants to the program. The influx of capital highlights how infrastructure assets can attract substantial leverage even amid a dynamic market environment.

Roadmap toward the SoftBank deal
DigitalBridge is set to report its fourth-quarter results and full-year 2025 figures on February 25, 2026, after the market closes. Why is management avoiding a direct analyst dialogue at this juncture?

The reason lies with the planned SoftBank Group acquisition, which was announced at the end of December. With the sale process underway, DigitalBridge will not host a live earnings call or provide forward-looking guidance. Instead, the company will release its SEC filing covering the annual report along with a concise investor-relations presentation.

The agreed purchase price stands at $16.00 per share, valuing the company at approximately $4 billion. At the time of the announcement, this price represented a notable premium to the prevailing stock price. Closing the transaction is anticipated in the second half of 2026, contingent on regulatory approvals. Until closing, DigitalBridge operates as an independent company and continues to trade on the market.

What to expect next
Market participants will shift their attention to the February 25 earnings release, which will lay out the firm?s operational footing, ahead of the regulatory approvals required for the ownership transfer.