Fintech PR
Manulife-backed Serverfarm acquires two data centers providing over 500MW of new potential capacity in the Houston market
HOUSTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Serverfarm, a global data center developer and operator, has acquired two Houston, Texas data center campuses which are positioned to deliver near-term capacity to the market through sustainable modernization of pre-existing buildings. The acquisition marks the company’s entry into the Texas market expanding its colocation capabilities across the United States. The transaction was funded with equity commitments from Manulife Investment Management (on behalf of Manulife Infrastructure Fund II,* Manulife Infrastructure Fund III and its affiliates), Serverfarm’s majority shareholder, and other minority shareholders. The Seller was exclusively advised by CBRE Data Center Capital Markets.
Through Serverfarm’s expertise in adaptive reuse, infrastructure modernization and sustainable redevelopment, HOU1 and HOU2 will rapidly scale to address the underserved, high demand Houston market with hyperscale data center capacity. The first phase of one campus is pre-leased to a large customer, with both campuses attracting intense interest from hyperscalers and other technology companies.
“Serverfarm’s innovative approach to providing near-term capacity directly addresses hyperscale customer requirements in a sustainable, future-proof manner. Our entry into Houston is our largest data center investment to date, demonstrating our continued focus on serving our customers’ needs,” said Avner Papouchado, CEO, Serverfarm.
Houston ranks as the 7th largest US metro economy, home to 7.3 million people and boasts a GDP of over $630 billion. Thanks to its central location, skilled workforce, energy infrastructure and a business-friendly regulations and tax environment, Houston and the broader Texas area is a leader in digital and energy transformation.
Serverfarm’s HOU1 data center facility has a current capacity of 350,000 sq ft with line-of-sight of 410MW of customer capacity. The HOU2 data center campus spans across nearly half a million sq ft in two buildings with secured customer capacity to scale to 100MW using available, existing grid power. Serverfarm’s phased development plan for the sites is focused on maximizing capacity within the existing data center building shells prior to future expansion. The sites have a combined acreage of 250 acres and both campuses have on-site substations with unused available capacity uniquely positioning Serverfarm to serve the Houston metro at a scale previously unseen.
“This acquisition represents a transformational opportunity for Serverfarm and demonstrates its strong development capabilities and ability to provide speed-to-market to hyperscale customers in prime metro locations,” said Recep Kendircioglu, global head of infrastructure, Manulife Investment Management. “We are strongly supportive of opportunities that strengthen the market position of our portfolio companies and excited about the acquisition of these two data centers enhancing Serverfarm’s presence in the United States.”
About Serverfarm
Serverfarm is an established multi-regional data center platform that provides data center solutions to key hyperscale, webscale, technology & network customers. These data center solutions include Colocation, Data Center Design, and IT Infrastructure Management, through Serverfarm’s proprietary InCommand DMaaS technology. For more information, visit serverfarmllc.com
About Manulife Investment Management
Manulife Investment Management is the brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. Our mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering investors for a better tomorrow. Serving more than 19 million individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members, we believe our global reach, complementary businesses, and the strength of our parent company position us to help investors capitalize on today’s emerging global trends. We provide our clients access to public and private investment solutions across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, alternative, and sustainability-linked strategies, such as natural capital, to help them make more informed financial decisions and achieve their investment objectives. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.
* Manulife Infrastructure Fund II is closed and no longer open for subscription.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/manulife-backed-serverfarm-acquires-two-data-centers-providing-over-500mw-of-new-potential-capacity-in-the-houston-market-302244468.html
LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ultima Markets, a leading global forex and CFDs brokerage, is thrilled to announce its double success at the prestigious Global Forex Awards – Retail 2024. The company won two distinguished awards: “Best Affiliates Brokerage – Global” and “Best Fund Safety – Global.”
The awards were presented during the event in Limassol, Cyprus, where Jean Philippe, Board Advisor, Corporate Governance and Sustainability at Ultima Markets, accepted the honours.
The Global Forex Awards – Retail has celebrated excellence in trading innovation for seven consecutive years. Ultima Markets’ dual wins reflect its commitment to quality, client-centric strategies, and strong partnerships across the financial services sector.
The “Best Affiliates Brokerage—Global” award recognises Ultima Markets’ exemplary affiliate programme, which has successfully driven its global expansion. It is celebrated for its transparency and competitive rewards tailored to affiliate needs.
Receiving the “Best Fund Safety – Global” award highlights Ultima Markets’ efforts to safeguard client assets. Through its partnership with Willis Towers Watson, the company provides up to USD$1,000,000 in insurance per account, while its Financial Commission membership ensures clients access to up to €20,000 in compensation funds.
These recognitions underscore Ultima Markets’ priority to security and transparency, including segregated accounts and robust risk management practices. The broker also assures affiliate partners of exceptional standards.
Commenting on the awards, Jean Philippe said, “These recognitions reflect the exceptional work of our teams to ensure the safety of traders’ funds and our dedication to creating value for our partners and clients. We will continue to evolve and innovate to meet the market’s demands.”
Ultima Markets is renowned for its extensive range of trading products and personalised customer service, designed to meet clients’ diverse needs worldwide. The dual recognition marks a significant milestone in the company’s global growth and reaffirms its reputation for delivering fund safety and robust affiliate opportunities.
“We are delighted to be recognised with these awards, which reflect our mission to create a secure trading environment and build strong, rewarding partnerships,” said Jack Li, Ultima Markets’ Regional Business Director.
About Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets is a fully licensed, fast-growing broker offering access to 250+ financial instruments. With a team of 2,000+ professionals in 15 global offices, we serve clients in 172 countries. Check out more about our awards on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ultima-markets-wins-two-prestigious-awards-at-global-forex-awardsretail-2024-302253644.html
Fintech PR
EQT to acquire Indostar Home Finance, an Indian affordable housing finance company, for INR 17.5 billion (USD 210 million) and invest INR 5 billion to support further growth
STOCKHOLM, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —
- Indostar Home Finance is a fast-growing affordable housing finance company with INR 24 billion (USD 286 million) in assets under management, that has supported over 39,000 low income homeowners and small businesses
- India’s INR 30 trillion housing finance market presents a multi-decade growth story driven by strong government support, rising affordability and urbanization
- EQT will invest INR 5 billion in primary capital to support Indostar Home’s continued growth, including by broadening its footprint across India and investing in digital capabilities
EQT is pleased to announce that the BPEA Mid-Market Growth Partnership (or “the MMG fund”) has agreed to acquire a 100% stake in Indostar Home Finance (or “the Company”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Indostar Capital Finance Limited, for INR 17.5 billion (USD 210 million).
Founded in 2017, Indostar Home Finance provides affordable mortgages to retail customers in tier 2 to tier 4 cities in India and has supported over 39,000 low income homeowners and small businesses. The Company has rapidly scaled to more than INR 24 billion in assets under management, achieving a 32 percent compounded annual growth in the last three years. Indostar Home Finance has a network of more than 130 branches spread across nine states and employs over 1,000 people.
The Indian housing finance market currently stands at more than INR 30 trillion, according to the CRISIL. The segment has recorded strong growth driven by government support, rising affordability, and urbanization. However, there remains a significant shortage of housing in the country, with India’s mortgage to GDP ratio at 12.3% compared to more than 60% for developed countries like the USA and UK.
The MMG fund will invest INR 5 billion of primary capital in Indostar Home Finance to support its next phase of growth. EQT aims to expand the Company’s geographic footprint and accelerate its digital transformation journey by leveraging EQT’s in-house digitalization expertise, network of seasoned industry advisors, and expertise in go-to-market strategies.
Ashish Agrawal, Partner in the EQT Private Capital Asia advisory team, said: “Retail lending is a key investment theme for EQT within financial services in India. Building on our investment in the education finance sector through HDFC Credila last year, we are thrilled to welcome Indostar Home Finance to our portfolio. India’s affordable housing finance sector represents a long-term growth opportunity supported by secular demand drivers, favorable government policies and resilient asset quality across economic cycles”
Hemant Sharma, Managing Director in the EQT Private Capital Asia advisory team, said: “Indostar Home Finance has established itself as a leading player in this segment and is well-positioned for continued growth. We are impressed by its market-leading position in South India and strong underwriting capabilities. We see significant potential to expand Indostar’s presence across India and drive its digital transformation. EQT looks forward to supporting the company in its next phase of growth.”
Mr. Shreejit Menon, CEO of Indostar Home Finance, said: “This transaction marks a key milestone for Indostar Home Finance. We are excited to embark on this new journey with EQT, who shares our vision and whose partnership will significantly help advance our mission of delivering affordable housing finance solutions across India. With EQT’s support and global expertise, we are well-positioned for accelerated growth and success.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Contact
EQT Press Office, [email protected]
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LYON, France, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — After an intense week of competition, the 47th WorldSkills Competition has officially wrapped up, marking the end of a thrilling journey for 1,400 young professionals from around the globe. For four days, participants representing nearly 70 countries and regions competed fiercely in 59 diverse skill areas, transforming Lyon’s Eurexpo into a vibrant hub of craftsmanship and international talent.
From day one, the atmosphere was charged with energy as competitors showcased their expertise in sectors ranging from Manufacturing and Engineering to Fashion, Digital Technology, and Healthcare. The level of dedication and precision demonstrated throughout the week was a testament to the profound commitment these young professionals have to their trades, as well as their determination to showcase their nation’s worth on the global stage.
Last night, the closing ceremony of WorldSkills Lyon 2024, held at Groupama Stadium, brought the event to an emotional close with the announcement of medalists in each skill category. Four medals were awarded in each skill: Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, and the Medallion for Excellence. This ceremony underscored the core belief of the WorldSkills movement: excellence is found in diversity – diversity of profiles, backgrounds, expertise, and techniques.
The list of medalists is now available. Visit https://worldskills.org/what/competitions/worldskills-lyon-2024/#results to discover the winners!
What’s next?
The impact of WorldSkills Lyon 2024 extends far beyond the event itself. As the competition unfolded, and millions of people followed it in person or through media, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 spotlighted the crucial role of vocational education in today’s world and in shaping our shared future. By celebrating excellence, the competition highlighted the incredible ability of youth to drive the change our world needs through their energy and dedication. The legacy of this event lies in every vocation it has sparked and every future career it has inspired. This 47th edition has once again shown the world that where there is skill, there is a way.
Media Contacts:
Alice Nahon
PR Officer
[email protected]
Anne-Laure TRONC
Press Relation Manager
[email protected]
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/worldskills-lyon-2024-talented-winners-long-lasting-legacy-302253405.html
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