Eurazeo and Metrobloks to Develop Data Centers in Europe

French private equity firm Eurazeo, through its newly launched fund EZORE, on Monday announced around $108 million partnership with Metrobloks, a US-based developer and operator of highly connected data centers in metropolitan areas.

This collaboration aims to develop next generation data centers at the edge of city centers, providing essential infrastructure dedicated to low-latency applications in artificial intelligence and cloud fields requiring proximity to end-user and high technology standards.

The strategy consists in acquiring lands, developing and operating data centers in strategic Tier 1 markets, known as FLAP-D hubs, as well as in emerging Tier 2 markets like Milan, Madrid, Lisbon, Berlin, and Manchester.

This approach will allow to serve a diverse range of customers, including hyperscalers, large enterprises, and retail colocation clients, within both dedicated and multi-tenant facilities, Eurazeo said.

Through this partnership, Eurazeo and Metrobloks commit to integrate sustainability into its operations, aiming to create data centers which limit their carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency.

Metrobloks brings together a team of seasoned industry executives who have collectively delivered over 15 GWs of data center capacity worldwide including multiple projects across Europe in key cities such as London, Madrid, and Frankfurt. With deep expertise spanning land development to end-user hosting, the Metrobloks team is well-equipped to source and deliver successful projects.

Eurazeo will contribute financial, strategic and human resources. The Real Estate team capitalises on its 10-year experience in operational real estate and its proven track record to seize investment opportunities across Western Europe.

Moreover, this partnership is at the core of EZORE fund which invests solely in operational real estate and focuses on digital space within its Real Estate as a Service vertical.

Perfect Alignment

Pierre Larivière and Riccardo Abello, Co-Heads Real Estate at Eurazeo, said that Metrobloks’ innovative approach to data center development aligned perfectly with their investment strategy focused on sustainable and high-growth real estate.

Through this strategic partnership, Eurazeo aims to penetrate the rapidly expanding data center sector, capitalizing on its high potential, they said.

Metrobloks CEO Ernest Popescu said that they were thrilled to partner with Eurazeo to deliver next-generation data center solutions to meet the evolving needs of the digital economy.

“Eurazeo’s deep understanding of real estate investment and their commitment to sustainability makes them an ideal partner as we expand our footprint in Europe,” Popescu added.
Eurazeo is a leading European investment group with €36.1 billion in diversified assets under management, including €26.2 billion on behalf of institutional and retail clients through its private equity, private debt, real estate and infrastructure strategies.

The Group supports more than 600 mid-market companies, leveraging the commitment of its 400-strong workforce, its in-depth sector expertise, its privileged access to global markets through 13 offices across Europe, Asia and the US, and its responsible approach to value creation based on growth. The company’s institutional and family shareholding structure, and its solid financial structure, ensure its long-term viability.