Eurazeo, through its newly launched fund EZORE, announces a €100 million strategic 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.
A future-proof model in key markets
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.
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.
A partnership combining strong industry expertise
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 capitalizes 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.
Pierre Larivière and Riccardo Abello, Co-Heads Real Estate at Eurazeo, said:
"Metrobloks' innovative approach to data center development aligns perfectly with our investment strategy focused on sustainable and high-growth real estate. Through this strategic partnership, we aim at penetrating the rapidly expanding data center sector, capitalizing on its high potential. We are particularly enthusiastic about this collaboration given the outstanding profile of the Metrobloks team and are committed to supporting the platform’s development and achieving significant success together.”
Ernest Popescu, CEO at Metrobloks, declared:
"We are 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."
