MinterEllison advises SoftBank Robotics Group on strategic partnership with icetana AI

2 minute read  02.07.2025

MinterEllison has advised SoftBank Robotics Group Corp. and its subsidiaries (SoftBank Robotics Group) on its strategic partnership with icetana AI Limited (icetana AI), under which SoftBank Robotics Singapore Pte. Ltd. will acquire a 17.6% equity stake in icetana AI, becoming its second largest shareholder.

The partnership is intended to accelerate icetana AI’s product development roadmap and support collaborative initiatives. SoftBank Robotics Group, a global leader in technological innovation, will work with icetana AI to extend AI capability through intelligent video analytics for real-world environments. The collaboration reinforces SoftBank Robotics Group’s commitment to building a comprehensive AI ecosystem.

The transaction marks SoftBank Robotics Group’s second investment in an ASX-listed entity, following its acquisition of Millennium Services Group Limited in 2024. MinterEllison also advised on that transaction.

The arrangement appoints SoftBank Robotics as icetana AI’s exclusive distributor in Japan and establishes a multi-year joint research and development program. This program will involve the integration of icetana AI’s solutions with SoftBank Robotics Group’s automation and security technologies governed by a Scope of Work for joint development agreement.

SoftBank Robotics Australia has also announced the partnership with icetana AI to distribute the solution in Australia / New Zealand. Their webpage can be found as follows; https://apac.softbankrobotics.com/apac/icetana/

MinterEllison advised on all aspects of the transaction. The cross-practice team was led by Matthew Hibbins (Partner, M&A/Capital Markets), Keith Tan (Special Counsel, M&A/Capital Markets) and Stephen Clarke (Partner, M&A/Capital Markets), and included specialist expertise from team members across M&A, technology, privacy, competition, FIRB, employment, dispute resolution, tax, and intellectual property.

Matthew Hibbins said: “We’re proud to support SoftBank Robotics Group on this strategic investment and partnership. The collaboration with icetana AI reflects the growing global demand for intelligent automation and analytics, and we’re pleased to have played a role in helping bring this opportunity to life.”

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