Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited (CORD), an investment leader specializing in digital infrastructure, has announced a major acquisition to strengthen its European presence in the data center market. Partnering with Belgian infrastructure investor TINC NV and an additional Cordiant-managed fund, CORD has acquired a 47.5% stake in Belgian data center provider DCU Invest NV (Datacenter United, or DCU) and the data center assets of Proximus Group. This strategic combination of assets, referred to as the “Combined Group,” will position the entity as a prominent retail and wholesale colocation provider in Belgium.

CORD’s investment of €92.3 million underscores its ongoing commitment to a ‘Buy, Build and Grow’ strategy, which targets essential digital infrastructure assets like data centers, fiber networks, and telecoms. By focusing on core assets in Europe and North America, CORD aims to generate long-term value for its investors while supporting the growing demand for robust digital infrastructure in a digitally connected world.

The Combined Group will operate as a major player in the Belgian data center landscape, with 13 facilities across multiple regions, including Brussels. The DCU assets include nine Tier III/IV data centers across eight locations, and the Proximus data center (PDC) business includes four facilities spread across three sites. This scale enables the Combined Group to leverage operational synergies and enhanced efficiencies, helping drive stronger performance and increase profitability.

In this acquisition, Proximus will remain a key client, having entered into a long-term, inflation-linked master service agreement (MSA) with the Combined Group. The MSA includes an initial 10-year term with two optional five-year extensions, ensuring a strong foundation of stable, long-term revenue, with Proximus expected to utilize 37% of the Combined Group’s IT power capacity.

This transaction aligns with CORD’s larger strategy of creating long-term value in digital infrastructure by transforming complex investment scenarios into valuable growth opportunities. Cordiant will leverage its expertise in data center management to enhance operational efficiencies and scalability for the Combined Group, positioning it to meet Europe’s expanding demand for data center services. According to Steven Marshall, Chairman of Cordiant Digital Infrastructure, and Benn Mikula, Cordiant’s Co-Founder, this acquisition demonstrates Cordiant’s ability to structure deals that meet stringent investment criteria and unlock potential within high-value assets.

Manu Vandenbulcke, CEO of TINC, emphasized the growth prospects for Datacenter United in Belgium, highlighting the strength of the new strategic partnership. “With an increased foothold in the important Brussels area, Proximus as a key customer, and Cordiant as a complementary new shareholder, Datacenter United is well positioned for strong growth,” Vandenbulcke said.

Set for completion by Q1 2025, this acquisition marks a significant milestone in CORD’s commitment to advancing digital infrastructure. As the digital economy grows, CORD’s strategic acquisition will support a sustainable, future-proof infrastructure that meets evolving market demands while fostering value creation for stakeholders.

This partnership not only demonstrates CORD’s expertise in digital infrastructure investment but also strengthens its role as a trusted provider of high-quality digital infrastructure solutions across Europe.

To read more about the latest announcement from The Combined Group, click here.