Nantes, July 3, 2023 – Etix Everywhere (Etix) today announced that it has reached an agreement with DataBank to acquire its five data centers in France (operated under the name ‘zColo France SAS’). DataBank had originally acquired these assets as part of the zColo transaction in 2020.
The acquisition will be carried out with the support of Eurazeo through its Eurazeo Transition Infrastructure Fund (ETIF). ETIF became a key shareholder of Etix in February 2023 alongside the Global Data Centre Investment Fund (GDC – ASX), enabling the company to accelerate its expansion strategy.
The five data centers (three located in Paris and one each in Montpellier and Toulouse) currently offer an effective capacity of 3.5 MW/1,000 racks, expandable to 5.4 MW/1,500 racks (maximum IT capacity). These assets will perfectly complement Etix’s existing French data centers, allowing the company to extend its geographic presence into three new regions in central and southern France. This brings the total potential maximum capacity of the Etix portfolio to 17.3 MW. With this acquisition, Etix strengthens its position as the undisputed leader in the French regional data center market, now operating 12 data centers across 5 different regions. Etix continues to innovate and deliver cutting-edge data center solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers while advancing its decarbonization journey.
Louis Blanchot, CEO of Etix Everywhere, stated:
“We strongly believe that edge data centers will be a key element of tomorrow’s digital world. This new acquisition is a strategic move to reinforce our leadership in the French regional market and accelerate our development in Europe, where we aim to double our data center portfolio within the next three years.”
Raul Martynek, CEO of DataBank, commented:
“This transaction allows DataBank to focus its capital and resources on our core U.S. market. With a remaining portfolio of 65+ data centers across more than 27 markets, we remain the leading edge data center provider in the United States, with more facilities in more markets than any other public or private operator.”
Both DataBank and Etix have strong track records in successfully acquiring and integrating assets and will work together under a six-month Transition Services Agreement (TSA) to ensure a smooth transition of all customers and operations. The acquisition of zColo France is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of Q3 2023.
ODDO BHF is acting as financial advisor to Etix for this transaction, with Herbert Smith Freehills serving as its legal counsel. Guggenheim Partners is acting as financial advisor to DataBank, and Delsol Avocats as its legal counsel.
About Eurazeo
Eurazeo is a leading global investment company based in France, with a diversified portfolio of €32.4 billion in assets under management. Leveraging its significant expertise in private equity, private debt, real estate, and infrastructure, Eurazeo will support Etix, alongside GDC, in strengthening its leadership position in the French regional market and delivering a sovereign edge data center network to its clients.
About Etix Everywhere
Etix Everywhere is a major player in the data center industry, providing secure and interconnected solutions to its clients worldwide through its global network of 15 data centers.
With a strong commitment to energy efficiency, proximity-based edge data centers, and ambitious growth plans, Etix is driving innovation and shaping the future of data center services in Europe and Southeast Asia.
About DataBank
DataBank helps leading global enterprises and technology and content providers ensure their data and applications are always available, always secure, always compliant, and ready to scale to meet the demands of the AI era.
Its edge colocation and infrastructure footprint includes more than 65 HPC-ready data centers across 27+ markets, 20 interconnection hubs, and on-ramps to a cloud ecosystem with virtually unlimited reach.
