Infranity buys co-controlling stake in European data centre firm Etix

European infrastructure investment manager Infranity is acquiring a co-controlling stake in data centre Etix Everywhere.

The infrastructure business of Generali Investments said it has entered into an agreement with Global Data Centre Group (GDC) to buy the stake and will become a key shareholder alongside Eurazeo.

In February last year, the Eurazeo Transition Infrastructure Fund invested in the European data centre company.   

Etix, founded in 2012, operates a network of 15 edge data centres (located close to the populations they serve) across Europe, with a strong presence in France. Founded in 2012, the company has established itself as a significant player in the European edge data centre market and is expanding into Southeast Asia. The company is projected to reach 30MW of installed IT capacity by 2030.

Infranity, which has been active in digital infrastructure more broadly, with more than €4bn deployed in the sector across its platforms since 2018, said the latest deal is well-aligned with its strategic focus to invest in the core-plus segment of European infrastructure.

Romain Le Melinaidre, executive director of equity investments at Infranity, said: “We are delighted to support Etix in its next development phase alongside Eurazeo as a long-term partner.

“Led by an experienced management team, we believe Etix is already a well-established name in this fast-growing European edge data centre space, yet we see significant potential to expand in the near future.”

David Yuile, managing director, Lanrik Partners/GDC, said: “It has been a pleasure to have supported Etix’s growth since GDC’s initial investment in December 2020.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the transaction, which is the second divestment in line with the Group’s stated value realisation strategy.”

Louis Blanchot, CEO of Etix Everywhere: “We are delighted to welcome Infranity on board, which will allow us to continue developing our data centre platforms through organic growth and strategic acquisitions and become a major edge player in Europe.

“Being backed by two premium European funds, Eurazeo and Infranity, will allow us to support our European IT partners with sustainable and European sovereign colocation offering, while gaining faster market shares in our targeted markets.”

Melissa Cohen, partner of the infrastructure team at Eurazeo, said: “We are happy to start the new chapter for Etix together with Infranity, and to continue our development plan that relies on both organic and external growth, under the leadership of a seasoned management team. 

“We are proud of Etix’s trajectory since our entry in early 2023, as the company has become a leading player in France, whilst embarking into a decarbonisation pathway.”

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