ACS and GIP Form Global Data Center Venture with 1.7 GW Capacity

The Facts -

Here's a summary of the essential facts, data, and arguments presented:

ACS Group and GIP Forge Partnership for Global Data Center Expansion

In a strategic move set to reshape the digital infrastructure landscape, ACS Group and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a segment under BlackRock, are collaborating to establish a new global data center platform. This 50-50 partnership aims to address the surging global need for digital infrastructure, boasting an initial capacity of 1.7 gigawatts.

The partnership is poised to design and manage cutting-edge data centers, targeting hyperscale clients, artificial intelligence firms, and corporations across significant international markets. The initiative will harness ACS's robust engineering and construction expertise alongside GIP's investment acumen, focusing on sustainable, large-scale digital infrastructure.

At its inception, the platform will include ACS's 1.7 GW development portfolio, spanning continents such as Europe, the United States, and Australia. This initial phase has an enterprise valuation nearing €2.0 billion, with €1.0 billion delivered upfront and an additional €1.0 billion conditional upon meeting specific commercial objectives. There’s potential for an extra €200 million through projects under consideration. ACS is also assessing an 11 GW pipeline across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific for possible future contributions.

ACS strengthens its foothold in the digital infrastructure arena, propelled by AI and cloud computing growth. Through its subsidiaries, including Turner Construction Company, Leighton Asia, and the newly acquired Dornan Group, ACS has already delivered over 5.5 GW of data center capacity for major tech clients. The venture will further bolster ACS Digital & Energy, its arm dedicated to data center and energy project initiatives.

For GIP, this partnership expands its digital infrastructure portfolio, aligning with the global pivot towards data-centric services. As a firm adept at managing complex infrastructure assets, GIP views this new venture as a pivotal avenue to support the increasing demands of AI and cloud services.

The agreement awaits necessary regulatory clearances.

KEY QUOTES

“This agreement is a decisive step in our strategy to lead the digital infrastructure sector globally. By joining forces with GIP, we are combining ACS’s development, engineering, and construction expertise with the deep investment capacity and industry experience of one of the world’s leading infrastructure investors. Together, we are uniquely positioned to meet the surging demand for AI and cloud computing with comprehensive, sustainable solutions.”

Juan Santamaría, Chief Executive Officer, ACS Group

“As AI continues to reshape many sectors of the global economy, today’s announcement will allow us to continue to support innovation at scale. GIP has a longstanding and deep relationship with ACS and together we are committed to building the infrastructure required for the growth of cloud and AI investment and support transformative growth.”

Bayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Global Infrastructure Partners

---
Read More USA Works News