(Telecompaper) Brightstar has announced a definitive agreement for Softbank to invest JPY 1.26 billion in BrightStar. As part of the transaction, the Buying & Innovation Group, "BIG," a joint venture created to provide savings and efficiencies for Softbank, Sprint and Brightstar, will become a division of Brightstar. Softbank's investment, which values Brightstar at JPY 2.2 billion, including its existing outstanding debt, is the next step in Brightstar's evolution. As a result of the transaction, Brightstar will become the exclusive provider of handsets, accessories and services to certain Softbank telecommunications affiliates. In addition, Brightstar, leveraging certain assets of Softbank telecommunications affiliates, will buy more than JPY 20 billion in handsets, accessories and services. Both companies will leverage Brightstar's local presence in more than 50 countries to commercialise products and services offered by Softbank, its affiliates and its investment companies.