Equinix acquires BT’s Irish data centers in €59 million deal

Global interconnection leader Equinix has announced the acquisition of BT's data center business in Ireland. The deal, valued at €59 million, includes two key facilities in CityWest and Ballycoolin, Dublin.

This strategic move aligns with BT's ambition to transition towards an "asset-light" model, focusing on partnerships and cloud-based services. By divesting its data center assets, BT aims to enhance its agility and scalability, leveraging Equinix's extensive global network spanning over 560 locations worldwide.

"This acquisition strengthens our position in the Irish market and reinforces our commitment to providing customers with the highest quality, interconnected data center solutions," said Peter Lantry, Managing Director of Equinix Ireland.

The acquired data centers will expand Equinix's footprint in Dublin, bringing its total to six. This acquisition comes amidst challenges faced by the company in expanding its Irish operations due to a moratorium on data center development following a denied national grid connection last year.

The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. During this transition period, Equinix will prioritize seamless operations for BT's existing customers and integrate the acquired assets into its global network.

"We look forward to working closely with BT to ensure a seamless transition, welcoming their data center team and customers to Equinix and bringing the scale, expertise, and investment that next generation data center facilities require for excellent service delivery for organizations in Ireland and globally," said Lantry.

This acquisition shows the growing demand for high-quality data center infrastructure and the strategic importance of interconnected global platforms in today's digital economy.