Equinix is stretching its Canadian digital reach with the acquisition of 13 data centres from BCE Inc. The $1.04 billion (USD $750 million) deal, which is expected to close later this year, will give the U.S. REIT and digital platform operator access to markets in Vancouver, Kamloops, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and Saint John, New Brunswick, and expand its holdings in Toronto, where it currently has two co-location facilities in the downtown core.
Under the terms of the all-cash deal, more than 600 Bell customers within the data centres will become Equinix customers. The two entities will also forge a strategic partnership to offer a combined package of Bell’s telecommunications services and access to the Equinix platform.
Equinix now owns and operates 210 data centres in 55 regions of 26 countries. The new Canadian acquisitions will add 1.2 million square feet of data centre space and 400,000 square feet of co-location space. In outlining the rationale for the new deal, Equinix touts Canada’s “a high-growth market with a business focus on accelerating cloud adoption” and opportunities for future expansion.
“The acquisition of these 13 strategic assets further extends the depth and breadth of Equinix’s global platform,” says Jon Lin, Equinix president in the Americas. “Additionally, it opens key gateways for North America to Asia through Vancouver and North America to Europe through the submarine cable systems in the Millidgeville (Saint John) area.”
“Our partnership with Equinix will further accelerate digital transformation opportunities for Canadian enterprise customers,” adds Tom Little, president, Bell Business Markets.
