SoftBank Group Corp. is debating a new strategy to go private, by gradually buying back outstanding shares until founder Masayoshi Son has a big enough stake he can squeeze out remaining investors, according to people familiar with the matter.
The approach would likely take more than a year and would involve the Japanese company continuing to sell assets to fund successive buybacks, the people said, asking not to be identified because the plan is private.
Son wouldn¡¯t buy more shares himself, but his ownership stake ¡ª currently about 27% ¡ª would increase as other investors sell stock. Under Japanese regulations, Son could compel other shareholders to sell when he gets to 66% ownership, perhaps without paying a premium, the people said.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.