Johnson wrote to SoftBank executives as part of the last-ditch effort, the report said, adding that ministers and London Stock Exchange (LSE) executives are trying to persuade the Japanese conglomerate to reconsider its preference for listing New York.
Arm declined to comment on the matter, while the LSE and SoftBank did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters. The Prime Minister’s office could not be reached immediately.
Digital Minister Chris Philp and Investment Minister Gerry Grimstone, who are leading the lobbying efforts, are expected to meet with SoftBank executives in the coming weeks, according to the report.
However, two people familiar with SoftBank’s thinking said there was very little scope for changing plans and listing in London, the FT adds.
In February, SoftBank shelved the sale of Arm Ltd to US chipmaker Nvidia Corp in an $80 billion deal, citing regulatory hurdles, and decided to list the company instead.