Softbank considering the sale or listing of ARM

Softbank is pondering the sale or public listing of semiconductor firm ARM, its CEO has confirmed.

The Japanese conglomerate had planned to take ARM public in 2023 but, speaking on an earnings call, Masayoshi Son said the ownership structure could change sooner, with a number of options on the table.

"As one of the options that we may study or explore are the option of selling a part or some or full of the company," he said.

"Of course, another option is to bring forward the timing of IPO of this company. So that is another option that we can have. So we would like to closely study the best option."

Softbank acquired Cambridge-based ARM in 2016 for £24.3bn.

Son added that a relisting for the firm is "not that difficult", but said that any move would have to see Softbank make back its original investment.

Last month the investment firm said it planned to spin off two of ARM's IoT businesses, leaving it to solely focus on its semiconductor business.

Reports also suggested that Nvidia could be lined up as a potential suitor for ARM.