Baker McKenzie has advised global digital infrastructure company, Colt Technology Services on the sale of six European data centers to NorthC and two London data centers to a UK-based business. Both buyers are owned by funds managed by DWS Group.
The sale enables Colt to focus on its core business strategy, delivering sustainable digital infrastructure to drive customers’ success and power the AI economy. The divestment is expected to complete later this year.
The eight city centre data centres included in this divestment are located in Amsterdam, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and two in London. The data centres were part of the assets Colt gained with its acquisition of Lumen EMEA in 2023, which Baker McKenzie advised Colt on.
The Baker McKenzie team was led by London Corporate Partner, Charles Whitefoord with support from Of Counsel, Susanna Beard, Senior Associate, Oliver Feslier Holmes, and Associate Lucy Wallace. Specialist tax advice was provided by Tax Partner, Alistair Craig, Senior Associate, Charlotte Rooney, and Associate Fewa Olu-Martins. Corporate Reorganisation Partners Emily Carlisle and Richard Needham and Senior Associate Sam MacDonald advised on the carve-out aspect of the transaction. Lawyers from the Firm's Employment and Competition teams also advised on the deal. The Colt legal team was Alessandro Galtieri, Nadine Ramasamy and General Counsel, Caroline Griffin Pain.
Latham & Watkins advised NorthC and DWS on the transaction.
Commenting on the transaction, Charles Whitefoord said: "We're pleased to have once again worked with the Colt team on this strategic divestment, which will enable Colt to streamline its operations and focus on its core business areas, enhancing its ability to deliver innovative solutions to its clients. It is another important transaction for our busy digital infrastructure team in London and showcases the depth of expertise we have in the team."