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Vantage Data Centers Secures €720 Million Financing Through Pioneering European ABS Deal


Innovative Financing Strategy

U.S. data center operator Vantage Data Centers has raised an impressive 720 million euros (approximately $821.4 million) in Europe—the first asset-backed securitization (ABS) deal of its kind on the continent. The landmark transaction involved the securitization of four strategically located data centers in Germany, positioning Vantage at the forefront of innovative financing within the digital infrastructure sector.

Attractive Terms and Robust Investor Demand

The deal, which carries an average coupon of 4.3% on the issued bonds, underscores the company’s ability to leverage its high-quality real estate assets and long-term lease commitments to secure competitive financing. By using its data center infrastructure and anticipated revenues as collateral, Vantage has effectively mitigated risk and attracted strong investor interest, with oversubscription reaching two to four times the amount raised.

Strategic Deployment of Capital

Vantage has indicated that the funds will be primarily allocated to extinguish existing construction loans, thereby streamlining the company’s balance sheet. Both Sharif Metwalli, the Chief Financial Officer, and Senior Vice President Rich Cosgray emphasized the transaction’s high leverage and investor confidence during discussions with CNBC.

Robust Infrastructure in Key Markets

The four facilities—two in Berlin and two in Frankfurt—boast a combined power capacity of approximately 64 megawatts and are fully leased to hyperscale clients. Previously appraised at about $1 billion by Scope Ratings, these data centers continue to attract robust support, evidenced by credit ratings that affirm the strong credit quality of significant tranches.

Broader Market Implications

This ABS issuance is a clear indicator of shifting trends in European digital infrastructure finance. With investors such as insurance companies, pension funds, and fund managers increasingly recognizing the potential of data center assets, the European market—triggered by escalating demand from Big Tech and the surging utilization of artificial intelligence—is set to experience rapid growth. Prominent cities like Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin are witnessing burgeoning demand, while tier-two markets are emerging as attractive alternatives for cloud service providers seeking dispersed facilities.

Pioneering Transactions and Future Outlook

Vantage’s recent success builds on its previous milestone of raising £600 million via the first securitization of a data center in the EMEA region. With a global footprint that now includes around 2,500 megawatts of operational or under-development data center capacity, the company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the industry’s momentum. Led by Barclays Bank and Deutsche Bank, with legal representation from Clifford Chance, this transaction epitomizes a forward-thinking approach in leveraging asset-backed financing to propel strategic growth.


Sklavenitis Cyprus Sets A New Standard For Employee-Centric Benefits

Investing In Human Capital

In a bold move that underscores the growing importance of human capital in today’s business landscape, Sklavenitis Cyprus has taken innovative steps to ensure its workforce is both valued and supported. The supermarket chain has introduced a policy to pay a 14th salary to all employees—including those from Papantoniou Supermarkets—cementing its status as the sole retailer in Cyprus to implement such a comprehensive benefit.

A Significant Investment In People

This initiative is far from symbolic. With an estimated total cost of €2 million, it represents a committed investment in the company’s most valuable asset—its people. By providing an additional salary, Sklavenitis reinforces a culture of inclusivity and fairness, acknowledging every employee’s contribution to its success.

Robust Benefits For Long-Term Stability

Complementary to the 14th salary, the company has launched a robust benefits program designed to address both financial and personal security. An Automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (ATA) of 12.56 per cent ensures that wages remain aligned with inflation, safeguarding real income stability for its team members.

Comprehensive Health And Life Support

Sklavenitis further enhances employee welfare through access to a Group Life and Health Insurance Plan and a Provident Fund co-funded by the employer. These measures not only provide immediate protection but also empower employees to plan confidently for the future.

Exclusive Perks And Incentives

The company extends its commitment beyond conventional benefits by offering store discounts, a birth allowance, and holiday gift vouchers valued at €100 during both Easter and Christmas. These additional perks enhance employee satisfaction and underline Sklavenitis’ people-first ethos.

A Strategy For Mutual Success

In an industry where employee engagement directly impacts customer satisfaction, Sklavenitis’ comprehensive approach stands out as both a progressive and strategic business decision. By investing in its workforce, the company not only nurtures a supportive workplace but also drives superior corporate performance, setting a new benchmark for responsible employment practices in Cyprus.

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