MainOne, a West African data centre and connectivity solutions provider with a presence in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire is set to be acquired for $320 million by American multinational Equinix Inc., the US company said in a statement Tuesday.

The all-cash transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of next year, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions including the requisite regulatory approvals.

Founded by Funke Opeke in 2010, MainOne is a key provider of enterprise connectivity solutions, with an estimated 800+ business-to-business customers. These include major international technology enterprises, social media companies, global telecom operators, financial service companies, and cloud service providers.

The company owns and operates an extensive submarine network extending 7,000 kilometers from Portugal to Lagos, Accra, and along the West African coast, with landing stations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. These provide connectivity to and from Europe, West African countries, and the major business communities in Nigeria.

MainOne also owns digital infrastructure assets that include three operational data centers, with an additional facility under construction expected to open in Q1 2022. These are in addition to key internet exchanges enabling low latency to key global networks, including Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Facebook.

Under the terms of the agreement, the management team, including CEO Funke Opeke, will continue to serve in their respective roles.

“The MainOne team is excited about the partnership created through the acquisition,” Opeke said in the statement. “With similar values and culture to what we have built in 12 years, Equinix is the preferred partner for our growth journey and will accelerate our long-term vision to grow digital infrastructure investments across Africa.”

For Equinix, a global specialist in data centres and internet connectivity, the deal marks the first step in a long-term strategy to become a leading provider of digital infrastructure in Africa.

Equinix believes MainOne to be one of the most exciting technology businesses to emerge from Africa, making the acquisition a pivotal entry point for the US company into the continent.

“Expansion in Africa has long been a strategic priority for us. With MainOne, we have found a company that not only has a highly complementary data center and connectivity assets but can further accelerate the expansion of our business model and growth objectives,” said Eugene Bergen, EMEA President at Equinix.

Globally, Platform Equinix is comprised of 237 data centres across 65 metros and 27 countries, providing data center and interconnection services for over 10,000 businesses, including more than 50% of Fortune 500 companies. When completed, the acquisition will extend Platform Equinix into West Africa.

“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,” added Charles Meyers, President, and CEO of Equinix.

alizma:
Every country want to have space in Africa

Zooposki:
Africans selling themselves to the west. SMH for the weak Black man.

Crusadee:
Make them just gimme $5000 make I use am buy MKPULUMMIRI for the whole year 2022 me and my homies in Ulakwo owerri and aba go enjoy wella, if you Mention me I will strike you

g7conet:


One who needs beating sited...

Crusadee:
you no go see me beat, I be esn

g7conet:


One who needs beating sited...

I dodge the strike

Kingzy4pep:
In as much as this will propel the growth and expansion of mainone, I'm still wondering if full acquisition by an international firm is a better idea. How about merging?
Anyway what do I know?

Zooposki:
Africans selling themselves to the west. SMH for the weak Black man.