Dec 19 (Reuters) – Global data center transactions surged to an all-time high through November, driven by insatiable demand for computing infrastructure to support a boom in the use of artificial intelligence.
According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, more than 100 data centers traded during the period, totaling just under $61 billion.
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Why is it important?
Interest in data centers has increased this year as tech giants and AI hyperscalers plan to spend billions of dollars to scale up their infrastructure.
Much of this year's U.S. stock rally has been driven by AI companies, but concerns about high valuations and debt-fueled spending have also raised concerns about how quickly companies can turn investments into profits.
Look at the numbers
Investment in data centers, including M&A, asset sales, and equity investments, reached nearly $61 billion by the end of November, already exceeding the record high of $60.81 billion set in 2024.
Since 2019, data center transactions in the U.S. and Canada have totaled approximately $160 billion, with Asia Pacific reaching nearly $40 billion and Europe at $24.2 billion.
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important quotes
“There is strong interest from financial sponsors, attracted by the risk-reward profile of these assets,” said Iuri Stolta, TMT analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence. “Private equity firms are eager buyers, but sellers are generally reluctant, creating a difficult environment for selling high-quality data center assets.”
Report by Shashwat Chauhan in Bengaluru. Editing: Shriraj Karuvilla
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