Infrastructure firm Equinix has acquired West African data centre and connectivity solutions provider MainOne as it seeks to expand into the region.
MainOne has presence in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions including the requisite regulatory approvals. The transaction has an enterprise value of US $320m, and marks the first step in Equinix’s long-term strategy to become a leading African carrier neutral digital infrastructure company.
With more than 200 million people, Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and, along with Ghana, has become an established data centre hub. This makes the acquisition a pivotal entry point for Equinix into the continent.
Founded by Funke Opeke in 2010, MainOne has enabled connectivity for the business community of Nigeria and now has digital infrastructure assets including three operational data centres, with an additional facility under construction expected to open in Q1 2022. Under the terms of the transaction, the management team, including CEO Opeke, will continue to serve in their respective roles.
MainOne owns and operates a subsea network from Nigeria to Portugal, as well as 1,200 kilometres of reliable terrestrial fibre network across southern Nigeria. These are all improving connectivity to and from Europe, West African countries and the major business communities in Nigeria. When completed, this acquisition will extend Platform Equinix into West Africa, giving organisations based inside and outside of Africa access to one of the world’s fastest growing markets.
Charles Meyers, President and CEO of Equinix, said: “Growth of data consumption in Africa is amongst the fastest in the world, and our customers are looking for a trusted partner to pursue the opportunities presented by broad mobile adoption and greater connectivity across the region. MainOne’s infrastructure, customer relationships, partner ecosystem and operating capability will extend the reach of Platform Equinix and bolster opportunities for customers in Africa and throughout the world.”
