Hyundai Motor Group is moving to acquire the remaining equity stake in Boston Dynamics held by Japan’s SoftBank, a step that would give Hyundai full ownership of the robotics company. Multiple reports say the plan involves buying SoftBank’s 9.65% stake, after SoftBank exercises a put option under agreements signed in 2020. The put option is described as tied to whether Boston Dynamics lists in the United States; that option period is set to expire around July 20, according to one source.
In 2020, Hyundai and its affiliates already acquired an initial controlling stake in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank (described as 80% in one report). Subsequent capital increases and additional investments are said to have diluted SoftBank’s stake to 9.65%. Once SoftBank’s stake is acquired, reporting indicates the ownership would shift largely to existing Hyundai-related holders, with HMG Global remaining the largest shareholder and Hyundai executives also increasing their exposure. Several outlets link the consolidation to Hyundai’s commercialization push around Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas and to preparations for a potential IPO, including a potential Nasdaq listing.
