Introduction

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes. The global business world is shaped by ambitious leaders who understand how to recognize opportunities, manage risks, and build companies that influence entire industries. Among the executives who have attracted considerable attention are Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes. Both have established impressive professional reputations, although their careers have developed in very different business environments.

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes is widely recognized as the founder and driving force behind SoftBank Group, a Japanese investment and technology company. His career reflects a strong interest in innovation, entrepreneurship, telecommunications, and emerging technologies. Through major investments and ambitious business decisions, Son has helped bring technology companies into the global spotlight.

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes, meanwhile, is known for his leadership in the American aerospace and industrial sectors. His professional journey is closely associated with United Technologies Corporation and RTX Corporation, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies. His experience includes financial management, corporate restructuring, acquisitions, and the complex business environment surrounding aerospace and defense.

Although these executives work in different industries, their careers offer interesting opportunities for comparison. Both have dealt with major corporate decisions, changing economic conditions, international competition, and the responsibility of leading large organizations.

Understanding Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes requires looking beyond their executive titles. Their professional backgrounds, leadership philosophies, business strategies, and long-term ambitions reveal how different approaches to management can influence major companies.

This article explores their backgrounds, career achievements, business interests, leadership styles, financial success, and contributions to the modern corporate world.

1. Who Is Masayoshi Son?

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Masayoshi Son is a Japanese entrepreneur, investor, and business executive best known for founding SoftBank Group. Born on August 11, 1957, in Japan, he developed an interest in business and technology at a young age. His ambitions eventually took him beyond Japan and into the international investment community.

Son attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied economics and computer science. His education exposed him to the rapidly developing technology industry and helped him understand how computers could change everyday life. During his university years, he also explored entrepreneurial ideas and demonstrated an interest in building businesses rather than simply pursuing a traditional career.

In 1981, Son established a company called Nihon SoftBank. The original business focused on distributing computer software and supporting the growing personal computer market. At the time, the technology industry was still developing, but Son recognized that computers and digital information would become increasingly important. This early decision established the foundation for his future business empire. SoftBank Group Corp.+1

As the technology market expanded, SoftBank gradually moved beyond software distribution. The company entered telecommunications, internet services, and other technology-related businesses. These developments transformed SoftBank from a relatively small Japanese enterprise into an internationally recognized corporate group.

One of Son’s most important characteristics is his willingness to make ambitious investments. He has supported businesses that he believes could reshape entire industries, even when their future success was uncertain. His investment history includes well-known companies such as Alibaba, Arm, and several emerging technology businesses.

Son’s leadership philosophy is closely connected to long-term technological transformation. Rather than focusing exclusively on immediate profits, he often considers how a particular technology might influence society over the next decade or even longer. This forward-looking approach has made him one of the most recognizable figures in international technology investing.

2. Who Is Greg Hayes?

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Gregory J. Hayes, commonly known as Greg Hayes, is an American business executive recognized for his extensive experience in aerospace, defense, corporate finance, and industrial management. Unlike Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes, whose professional identity is closely connected to technology investments, Hayes built his reputation through executive leadership at major American industrial companies.

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes studied economics at Purdue University and earned a bachelor’s degree. He also became a Certified Public Accountant, a qualification that reflects his background in accounting and financial management. These educational and professional foundations helped him develop the financial knowledge required to manage large organizations.

His professional journey became closely associated with United Technologies Corporation, commonly known as UTC. Hayes joined the organization in 1999 through its merger with Sundstrand Corporation. Over the following years, he held several important positions involving finance, corporate strategy, and business development.

Before becoming CEO, Hayes served as UTC’s chief financial officer from 2008 to 2014. This role gave him significant experience managing corporate finances, evaluating business performance, and understanding the challenges facing an international industrial organization. His financial background became an important part of his executive leadership style.

In 2014, Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes became the chief executive officer of United Technologies Corporation. He later became chairman in 2016. During his leadership, the company underwent major changes, including business divestitures, acquisitions, and a strategic shift toward aerospace operations. PSX+1

Hayes eventually became one of the central figures behind the creation of Raytheon Technologies, now known as RTX Corporation. The 2020 combination of United Technologies’ aerospace businesses with Raytheon created a major aerospace and defense organization. Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes led the company through this significant corporate transformation, establishing an important chapter in his professional career.

3. Masayoshi Son’s Journey and Major Business Achievements

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes career demonstrates how a combination of ambition, technological awareness, and investment strategy can influence the development of international industries. His achievements are not limited to founding one company. Instead, he has played a role in several important technology and investment developments.

One of his earliest achievements was building SoftBank into a major technology business. When the company started in 1981, its activities were considerably smaller than the international operations it maintains today. Son expanded the business by recognizing opportunities in emerging technologies and adjusting its strategy as the market changed.

His investment in Yahoo during the early internet era helped strengthen SoftBank’s position in the digital economy. At a time when online services were still developing, Son understood that internet-based businesses could eventually become central to communication, entertainment, and commerce. His early investment activity demonstrated his willingness to support companies before their industries reached maturity.

Another major achievement was SoftBank’s investment in Alibaba. Son recognized the potential of the Chinese e-commerce market and supported the company during its earlier development. Alibaba eventually became one of the world’s most influential technology and commerce businesses. The investment became one of the most successful examples of Son’s ability to identify businesses with extraordinary growth potential.

The acquisition of Arm Holdings in 2016 was another significant milestone. Arm develops semiconductor technology used in processors across smartphones, connected devices, and other computing products. By acquiring Arm, SoftBank strengthened its position in the global semiconductor industry and gained exposure to a technology platform with applications across multiple markets.

Son also established the SoftBank Vision Fund, which became a major investment platform focused on technology companies. The fund supported businesses working in artificial intelligence, transportation, robotics, financial technology, and other developing sectors. Although some investments generated controversy and substantial losses, the fund demonstrated the scale of Son’s ambitions. SoftBank Group Corp.+2

4. Greg Hayes’s Career and Major Corporate Achievements

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes developed his reputation through a different type of business environment. His career involved managing complex industrial operations, overseeing financial decisions, and guiding companies through significant structural changes.

His early years at United Technologies helped him understand the relationship between financial performance and operational efficiency. Working across finance and corporate strategy provided valuable experience in managing businesses that operated in highly competitive international markets.

His appointment as CEO in 2014 represented an important step in his career. As chief executive, Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes became responsible for major strategic decisions involving UTC’s business portfolio, financial performance, and long-term direction. His background in accounting and finance was particularly relevant because the organization operated across several complicated industrial markets.

One major decision during his leadership involved the sale of Sikorsky Aircraft in 2015. This move formed part of a broader effort to reshape UTC’s business structure and concentrate more heavily on aerospace-related activities. It demonstrated Hayes’s willingness to make difficult portfolio decisions when he believed they would improve the company’s strategic position.

Another important achievement was UTC’s acquisition of Rockwell Collins in 2018. The transaction strengthened the company’s aerospace capabilities and expanded its involvement in aircraft electronics, communications, and aviation systems. Acquisitions of this scale require careful financial planning, operational coordination, and long-term strategic thinking.

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes also oversaw the separation of Otis Elevator Company and Carrier Corporation in 2020. These transactions allowed the businesses to operate independently while UTC concentrated on its aerospace operations. The restructuring represented a major transformation in the company’s identity and business model. PSX+1

The next major milestone was the combination of UTC’s aerospace businesses with Raytheon Company in April 2020. The transaction created Raytheon Technologies, later renamed RTX Corporation. Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes became the CEO of the newly combined company and helped guide its early development during an exceptionally challenging period for the global aviation industry.

5. The Creation of RTX and Greg Hayes’s Leadership at the Company

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The creation of RTX Corporation was one of the most important corporate developments associated with Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes. The organization brought together businesses with extensive experience in aircraft engines, aerospace systems, defense technology, and military equipment.

The merger between United Technologies’ aerospace businesses and Raytheon Company was completed in April 2020. It created an organization with a broad portfolio of products and services for commercial aviation and national defense. The new company initially operated under the name Raytheon Technologies.

For Hayes, managing the merger involved more than combining two corporate structures. It required bringing together different management teams, operating procedures, financial systems, and organizational cultures. Successful integration depended on maintaining business operations while establishing a unified strategic direction.

The timing made the challenge even more complicated. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international travel, affected aircraft demand, and created uncertainty across the aerospace supply chain. Commercial aviation experienced extraordinary pressure, while defense-related operations faced their own operational and logistical challenges.

Hayes’s financial and executive experience helped him navigate this difficult environment. His leadership focused on maintaining operational stability, managing financial resources, and positioning the company for future opportunities. His previous experience at UTC was especially valuable because he understood the businesses that formed a substantial part of the new organization.

In 2023, Raytheon Technologies adopted the name RTX Corporation. The new identity reflected the company’s broader structure, which includes Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. These businesses serve different markets but share a connection through aviation, aerospace engineering, and defense technology.

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes later transitioned away from the CEO position. Christopher Calio succeeded him as CEO in May 2024, and Hayes subsequently stepped down as executive chairman in April 2025. His special-adviser arrangement was scheduled to continue through January 2, 2026. PSX+2

6. Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes: Different Leadership Styles

Although Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes have worked in different industries, their careers reveal interesting similarities and differences. Both have managed large organizations, made important strategic decisions, and dealt with significant financial and operational challenges.

Son is widely associated with entrepreneurial thinking and bold investment decisions. He frequently looks for opportunities in technologies that could transform industries. His investment philosophy is based on identifying long-term trends and supporting companies that might become important players in the future.

Hayes, on the other hand, developed a reputation for structured corporate management. His experience in accounting, finance, and industrial operations influenced his approach to executive decision-making. He focused on business performance, operational efficiency, strategic restructuring, and managing complex organizations.

Another difference concerns their attitudes toward risk. Son has become particularly well known for making large investments in businesses with uncertain futures. Some of these investments have produced extraordinary returns, while others have resulted in significant financial losses. His experience demonstrates that ambitious investment strategies can create opportunities but also expose companies to substantial risks.

Hayes’s leadership involved a different category of risk. Aerospace and defense businesses require significant investment, technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and long-term planning. Corporate decisions in these industries can influence manufacturing operations, government relationships, and international supply chains.

Despite their different approaches, both executives understood the importance of adapting to changing markets. Son repeatedly shifted SoftBank’s attention toward emerging technologies, while Hayes reshaped UTC’s business structure and helped create a major aerospace and defense company.

Their careers demonstrate that successful leadership does not follow one universal formula. Some executives create value through investment and entrepreneurial vision, while others achieve results through operational management, financial discipline, and corporate transformation.

7. Business Interests and Industries That Define Their Careers

The professional interests of Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes reflect two important areas of the modern global economy: technology investment and aerospace engineering. Although these industries have different priorities, both depend on innovation, financial resources, and long-term strategic planning.

SoftBank operates as a strategic investment holding company with interests in technology businesses. Its activities have included telecommunications, semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, internet services, and robotics. Son’s investment decisions are often influenced by his belief that technological developments can reshape the global economy.

Artificial intelligence has become particularly important to Son’s recent business strategy. He has expressed strong interest in artificial superintelligence, autonomous systems, and AI infrastructure. His 2026 corporate message describes an ambition to position SoftBank as a leading platform provider for the coming era of advanced artificial intelligence. SoftBank Group Corp.+1

Semiconductors are another important part of SoftBank’s business interests. Arm’s processor architecture is widely used in smartphones and other computing devices. As demand for AI computing increases, semiconductor technology has become increasingly important to data centers, connected devices, and advanced computing systems.

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes professional interests are more closely connected to aerospace and defense. His former leadership responsibilities at RTX involved businesses producing aircraft engines, aviation systems, military technology, and other specialized products. These operations require advanced engineering capabilities and strong relationships with customers across commercial and government markets.

The aerospace industry also faces changing technological demands. Aircraft manufacturers and airlines are increasingly interested in fuel efficiency, reliability, sustainable aviation, and advanced digital systems. Defense organizations continue to invest in sophisticated technologies to address evolving security requirements.

Although their industries are different, both executives have worked in sectors where innovation can create significant competitive advantages. Their careers demonstrate how technology, engineering, and investment decisions can influence the future of international business.

8. Net Worth, Financial Success, and Wealth

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes have achieved different levels of public financial recognition. Son is regularly included among the world’s wealthiest individuals, while Hayes is primarily recognized for his executive compensation and corporate leadership career.

Son’s wealth is closely connected to his ownership interests in SoftBank and the performance of its investment portfolio. Since SoftBank holds interests in several technology companies, changes in the market value of these investments can significantly influence his estimated personal fortune.

His investment in Alibaba became a particularly important contributor to his financial success. The company’s expansion into international e-commerce and technology markets demonstrated how an early investment in a developing business can create substantial long-term value.

Arm has also played an important role in SoftBank’s financial strategy. Its position in the semiconductor industry provides exposure to growing demand for computing technology. However, the value of such investments can fluctuate according to market expectations, business performance, and broader economic conditions.

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes accumulated wealth through his long executive career, corporate compensation, and professional activities. His leadership positions at United Technologies and RTX involved substantial responsibilities, and public corporate filings provide information about aspects of his executive compensation.

However, comparing their net worth requires caution. Son’s personal wealth is heavily influenced by the valuation of his business interests, whereas Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes wealth is not based on controlling a comparable global investment empire. Their financial positions therefore reflect different business models.

There is no reliable reason to present an exact combined net worth or suggest that both individuals have similar fortunes. Their financial achievements are better understood through their respective professional careers, ownership interests, and executive responsibilities. Forbes+1

9. Personal Background and Life Outside Business

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes personal background has influenced his professional identity. Born in Japan, he developed his education and early entrepreneurial interests in an environment that eventually encouraged him to pursue international business opportunities.

His time studying in the United States played an important role in shaping his understanding of technology and entrepreneurship. Exposure to the American technology environment helped him develop ideas that later influenced the direction of SoftBank.

Son is also known for maintaining a strong interest in long-term planning. He has discussed a personal 50-year life plan that he originally developed when he was 19. His 2026 message explained that he had updated his ambitions to continue pursuing major technological goals into his seventies. SoftBank Group Corp.

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes has a different personal and educational background. His professional development was shaped by his studies in economics, accounting qualifications, and decades of experience in major American corporations.

His connection to Purdue University is an important part of his publicly documented educational history. His economics degree and Certified Public Accountant qualification helped establish the financial foundation for his corporate career.

Unlike Son, whose public image is closely associated with entrepreneurship and high-profile technology investments, Hayes has generally maintained a more conventional corporate executive profile. His professional reputation has primarily developed through company leadership, financial management, and major corporate transactions.

Both executives have spent much of their professional lives dealing with demanding responsibilities. Leading international businesses requires long-term commitment, difficult decisions, and the ability to respond to unexpected challenges. Their careers illustrate how personal ambition and professional discipline can contribute to lasting business achievements.

10. Are Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes Connected?

An interesting question surrounding Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes is whether they have a direct professional relationship or business partnership. Both are influential figures in international business, but their careers have developed through separate corporate organizations.

Son’s primary professional association is with SoftBank Group. His work has involved technology investments, telecommunications, semiconductor businesses, and artificial intelligence. His business activities connect him with entrepreneurs, technology companies, investors, and international financial institutions.

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes professional career has primarily been associated with United Technologies and RTX. His leadership focused on aerospace manufacturing, defense systems, corporate restructuring, and large-scale business operations.

There are some broader connections between their professional industries. Modern aerospace companies increasingly depend on advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, computing infrastructure, and digital technologies. These areas overlap with the technology markets in which SoftBank has invested.

For example, artificial intelligence can support manufacturing, predictive maintenance, logistics, and advanced engineering. Similarly, semiconductor technology plays an important role in modern aircraft systems, communications equipment, and defense applications.

However, an overlap between industries should not be confused with a confirmed business partnership. Publicly available corporate biographies and leadership records do not establish a specific major partnership between Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes.

It is therefore more accurate to describe them as two prominent business executives whose careers illustrate different sides of the modern global economy. Their professional stories can be compared without suggesting that they jointly founded a company or worked together in an executive capacity.

11. Challenges and Controversies in Their Business Careers

Major business success rarely comes without difficulties. Both Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes have experienced challenging business environments that tested their decision-making abilities and leadership skills.

For Son, investment risk has been one of the most visible challenges. His strategy of supporting rapidly growing technology companies has produced notable successes, but it has also involved investments that failed to meet expectations. WeWork became a prominent example of the risks associated with SoftBank’s ambitious investment approach.

The SoftBank Vision Fund also experienced difficult periods as several portfolio companies faced valuation declines, financial pressure, and changing market conditions. These developments raised questions about investment discipline, company valuations, and the sustainability of aggressive growth strategies.

Son’s continued focus on artificial intelligence has generated further debate. Supporters believe that advanced AI infrastructure could become one of the most important economic opportunities of the coming decades. Critics, however, question the financial commitments required and whether every ambitious AI project will deliver sufficient returns. TIME+1

Hayes faced a different collection of challenges during his corporate leadership career. One of the most difficult periods was the COVID-19 pandemic, which created significant uncertainty for the aviation industry. The merger that created Raytheon Technologies also required extensive integration work during this challenging economic period.

Corporate restructuring brought its own complications. Selling business divisions, separating major subsidiaries, and combining aerospace organizations required careful financial and operational planning. These decisions could influence employees, suppliers, customers, and shareholders.

Another important consideration for aerospace and defense companies involves regulatory requirements and government relationships. Businesses operating in these sectors must maintain strict standards involving safety, security, manufacturing quality, and contractual obligations.

The experiences of both executives demonstrate that leadership is not simply about making successful decisions. It also involves recognizing mistakes, managing uncertainty, adjusting strategies, and maintaining organizational stability during difficult periods.

12. The Future Business Legacy of Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes future business legacy will likely be closely connected to artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, and the long-term development of SoftBank. His recent strategic direction indicates that he sees advanced AI as a major technological transformation rather than a temporary market trend.

SoftBank’s interests in Arm and its investments in AI-related businesses provide a foundation for this ambition. Son wants the company to participate in the development of technologies that could influence computing, robotics, communication, and industrial operations.

His long-term vision also involves artificial superintelligence. Although the concept remains a subject of technological and philosophical debate, Son believes that increasingly advanced AI systems could significantly expand human capabilities.

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes legacy is more closely connected to corporate transformation. His leadership at United Technologies and RTX helped reshape major industrial businesses and established a different structure for their aerospace operations.

The creation of RTX remains one of the most significant milestones associated with his executive career. Bringing together major aerospace and defense operations created an organization with substantial international influence.

His departure from RTX leadership also represents an important part of the company’s succession process. Christopher Calio took over as CEO in 2024 and later became chairman in 2025, allowing the organization to continue under new leadership. PSX+1

Son and Hayes therefore leave different professional examples. Son represents entrepreneurial ambition and large-scale technology investing, while Hayes represents financial management, industrial leadership, and strategic corporate restructuring.

Their careers also offer lessons for future business leaders. Innovation is important, but it must be supported by sound financial planning. Ambition can create opportunities, but successful execution requires experienced teams and realistic expectations.

13. Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes

The careers of these two executives provide several useful lessons for entrepreneurs, business owners, and aspiring corporate leaders. Their experiences show that building a successful business requires more than a good idea. It demands planning, adaptability, financial awareness, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

Think beyond immediate opportunities. Son’s career demonstrates the importance of identifying long-term technological trends. Entrepreneurs who understand where an industry might be heading can position their businesses ahead of competitors.

Develop strong financial knowledge. Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes professional background highlights the value of understanding accounting, financial performance, and corporate resources. Even innovative businesses need effective financial management to survive.

Be willing to make difficult decisions. Both executives have made major strategic decisions involving investments, acquisitions, and restructuring. Business leaders must sometimes change direction when existing strategies no longer support long-term goals.

Understand the risks of expansion. Son’s investment history shows that ambitious growth can produce both major successes and costly setbacks. Entrepreneurs should evaluate opportunities carefully and avoid treating market excitement as proof of future profitability.

Build strong management teams. Leading a large organization requires people with different skills. Effective executives depend on experienced professionals who can manage operations, finances, technology, and customer relationships.

Adapt to changing industries. Technology and industrial markets rarely remain unchanged. Businesses that fail to respond to new developments can lose their competitive position. Both careers demonstrate the importance of understanding market changes and adjusting business strategies accordingly.

Ultimately, the most valuable lesson is that long-term success comes from combining vision with execution. An ambitious strategy can attract attention, but consistent management is what helps turn that strategy into a sustainable business.

Conclusion

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes represent two different approaches to leadership and corporate success. Son built an international reputation through entrepreneurship, technology investments, and his long-term vision for SoftBank. Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes established his reputation through financial management, aerospace leadership, and major corporate transformations involving United Technologies and RTX.

Their careers have influenced different industries, but both demonstrate the importance of strategic thinking and adaptability. Son’s investments have helped shape the technology landscape, while Hayes played a significant role in restructuring major aerospace and defense businesses.

It is also important to recognize that their professional journeys are separate. There is no established basis for presenting them as business partners or claiming that they jointly developed a major company.

For entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts, their stories provide valuable lessons about ambition, financial discipline, innovation, and leadership. Their different approaches show that there is more than one way to build a successful career in the international business world.

As technology and industry continue to evolve, the professional legacies of Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes will remain interesting examples of how influential executives can shape the companies and markets around them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Masayoshi Son?

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes is a Japanese entrepreneur and investor who founded SoftBank Group in 1981. He is known for his investments in technology businesses, including Alibaba and Arm, and his interest in artificial intelligence.

2. Who is Greg Hayes?

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes is an American business executive who formerly served as chairman and CEO of RTX Corporation. He previously led United Technologies Corporation and played an important role in the creation of RTX.

3. Are Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes business partners?

There is no established public evidence of a major direct business partnership between them. Their careers have primarily involved different companies and industries.

4. What companies are associated with Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes?

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes is primarily associated with SoftBank Group. His business activities have also involved investments and ownership interests in companies such as Alibaba and Arm.

5. What is Greg Hayes best known for?

Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes is best known for leading United Technologies and helping oversee its combination with Raytheon Company to create Raytheon Technologies, now called RTX Corporation.

6. What is the main difference between Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes?

Son is primarily known as a technology entrepreneur and investor, while Hayes is recognized for corporate leadership, financial management, and aerospace and defense industry experience.

7. Is Greg Hayes still the CEO of RTX?

No. Christopher Calio succeeded Hayes as CEO in May 2024. Masayoshi Son and Greg Hayes subsequently stepped down as executive chairman in April 2025.

8. What can entrepreneurs learn from their careers?

Entrepreneurs can learn the importance of long-term planning, financial discipline, calculated risk-taking, innovation, and adapting business strategies to changing market conditions.

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