The transaction includes data centres in key metropolitan regions including Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf and Amsterdam
Colt announced the divestment of six of its data centres in major cities across Europe to regional data centre provider NorthC, headquartered in the Netherlands and majority-owned by funds managed by DWS Group. Colt said it will also divest two of its data centres in London to a UK-based data centre business, also owned by funds which are managed by DWS Group.
The sale expands NorthC’s European data centre footprint in the Benelux and DACH regions and enables Colt to focus on its core business strategy. This acquisition further increases NorthC’s capabilities to serve customers in multiple regions in the Benelux and DACH and establishes nationwide coverage in Germany. It also adds significant available capacity in Amsterdam, one of NorthC’s core markets.
The divestment is expected to complete later this year. The data centres were part of the assets Colt gained with its acquisition of Lumen EMEA in 2023. The data centres collectively have a power availability of over 25MW. The colocation business of approximately 400 customers will transfer from Colt as part of the divestment. The majority of these customers also purchase network products from Colt and will remain Colt customers.
Colt will enter into a long-term partnership agreement with NorthC and will retain network equipment in the divested data centres as part of its global digital infrastructure. Colt will remain an important customer in the to be acquired data centre facilities.
“This represents another major milestone in our journey to operate the leading platform of regional data centers in northwestern Europe,” said NorthC Group CEO Alexandra Schless (above). “Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, is a key strategic market for us. With this acquisition, we will strengthen our presence across key economic regions in Germany, which will unlock further growth and new opportunities.”
She added: “We’re also pleased to further expand our partnership with Colt as one of the major network providers within the rich connectivity eco-system in each facility.”
Colt CEO Keri Gilder said: “For Colt, the sale enables us to focus on building our strengths in key strategic areas, driving growth, committing to an outstanding customer experience and building sustainable digital infrastructure.”
Colt made that point that the sale by Colt Technology Services was entirely separate and unrelated to Colt Data Centre Services, which has operated as a separate entity to Colt since 2023. Colt Data Centre Services designs, builds and operates data centres for global hyperscalers and large enterprises.
NorthC has been advised by Evercore, acting as M&A advisor and Latham & Watkins serving as legal counsel on this transaction.
