eStruxture, a Canadian cloud and carrier-neutral data center provider, today announced that it has agreed to acquire eight data centers in Canada from Aptum Technologies, a hybrid multi-cloud managed service provider. Notably, Aptum Technologies, a portfolio company of Digital Colony Partners I, is not selling its United States or United Kingdom data centers as part of this transaction. Finally, the transaction is expected to close in Q2 2021.
Transaction Overview – eStruxture and Aptum Technologies
With the purchase of Aptum Technologies’ colocation business, eStruxture is continuing its roll-up strategy for data center assets in Canada. Indeed, eStruxture has built-up its data center portfolio to-date primarily through acquisitions. Specifically, these prior purchases include a Calgary data center from Shaw Communications in August 2019, Backbone Data Vault in April 2018, Kolotek in February 2018, a former Montreal printing facility in December 2017, and Netelligent Hosting Services in June 2017.
The company’s acquisition effort is being funded by commercial real estate investor Canderel, Canadian pension fund Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), and private equity firm Fengate Asset Management.
eStruxture – Overview
Prior to today’s announcement, eStruxture operated 6 data centers, representing 55 megawatts of power capacity in Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary. Collectively, these data centers comprised 350k sqft and provide support to over 900 customers.
Overall, the company operates carrier-neutral data centers which include both retail colocation and wholesale facilities. The company is led by President and CEO, Todd Coleman, who was previously the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Cologix.
Aptum Technologies’ Canada Data Centers – Overview
In Canada, Aptum Technologies operates 8 data centers, representing 45 megawatts of power capacity. Collectively, these facilities comprise 260k sqft, in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Formerly known as Cogeco Peer 1 and re-branded as Aptum Technologies, post-acquisition, the company was carved-out of Cogeco (TSE: CGO).
eStruxture and Aptum Technologies – Combined Company
eStruxture’s acquisition of eight data centers from Aptum Technologies more than doubles its existing footprint of six data centers in Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary. Specifically, eStruxture is acquiring five data centers in Toronto, two in Montreal, and one in Vancouver.
Overall, eStruxture will operate a total of 14 facilities across Canada, increasing its total footprint to over 600k sqft of data center space and total IT capacity of 100 megawatts. Indeed, eStruxture is also entering the Toronto market for the first time. Toronto is a market which the company notes has power costs that are almost 3.0x per kilowatt hour (kWh) more expensive than Montreal.
Transaction Rationale – eStruxture
eStruxture’s customers will gain access to two of Canada’s largest carrier hotels through Aptum Technologies’ data centers. Firstly, 151 Front Street West in Toronto (owned by Allied Properties REIT), is the largest internet exchange point in Canada. Secondly, 555 Hastings in Vancouver (owned by Polaris Realty).
Aptum Technologies’ data centers will give eStruxture access to the Toronto Internet Exchange (TorIX) and the Vancouver Internet Exchange (VANIX). Additionally, these eight facilities will add over 200 new network providers to eStruxture’s ecosystem. For example, network providers in these facilities include Bell, Telus, Zayo, Videotron, Allstream, Rogers, Cogeco, Beanfield, and Shaw Business Solutions. Additionally, Aptum Technologies will continue as one of eStruxture’s largest customers in Canada.
Transaction Advisors – eStruxture and Aptum Technologies
eStruxture’s financial advisor was Scotiabank and legal counsel was Fasken Martineau DuMoulin. Aptum Technologies’ financial advisor was DH Capital and legal counsel was Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg.
