Equinix, a US digital infrastructure business, stated on Monday that it plans to expand into Africa by acquiring MainOne, a prominent West African data center and connectivity solutions provider with locations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
According to a statement from the company, the acquisition is expected to close in Q1 2022, subject to the satisfaction of standard closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
NewsBeatng reports that the deal might be valued up to $320 million.
Funke Opeke, who launched MainOne in 2010, is anticipated to stay on as CEO after the acquisition is completed.
Opeke graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in engineering and was named one of Forbes’ World’s Top 50 Women in Tech in 2018 for her work in promoting internet adoption.
Data Centre Magazine just named her one of the Top 10 Women to Watch in the Data Center Industry.
“Equinix will accelerate our long-term strategy to expand digital infrastructure investments across Africa,” says the company. “I appreciate our initial shareholders, led by Mr. Fola Adeola, MainStreet Technologies, AFC, PAIDF, FBN, Polaris, and AfDB, for believing in the MainOne mission of bridging Africa’s digital divide,” Opeke added.
“Equinox is the preferred partner for our growth path because our beliefs and culture are similar to what we’ve established together over the last twelve years.”
“The MainOne team is excited about the partnership created through the acquisition, and we look forward to building our next chapter together.”
“The acquisition of MainOne will represent a critical point of entry for Platform Equinix into the expansive and rapidly growing African market,” President and CEO, Equinix, Charles Meyers, said.
“MainOne’s leading interconnection position and experienced management team represent critical assets in our aspirations to be the leading neutral provider of digital infrastructure in Africa.
“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.”
