Supporting the development of a data center leader in Europe

Data centers: a cornerstone of today’s economy 

The total amount of data created, captured, copied, and consumed globally increases rapidly, and reached 149 zettabytes in 2024. Over the next five years up to 2028, global data creation is projected to grow to more than 394 zettabytes. In line with the strong growth of the data volume, the installed base of storage capacity is forecast to increase.* This data boom requires connectivity, hosting and information sharing. In this context, propelled by AI and intensifying computing capacities, data centers have become critical. Data storage, availability, accessibility, security, processing capacities are the bedrock of everyday digital use, whether for personal or professional purposes. 

The rise of the European market

Propelled by their growing strategic significance, data centers are experiencing rapid expansion on a global scale. If the United States remain pioneers and leaders in this field, with over 5,000 active sites, Europe is not to be outdone. Several European places stand out as data center markets. Five hubs gather 80% of MW needs on the continent: Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and most recently, Dublin, with an over 3.2 GW IT capacity. Secondary European hubs such Madrid, Berlin or Milan are also emerging, weighting c. 20% of Europe’s IT capacity.**  European internet traffic is projected to experience a cumulative annual growth rate of 31% by 2030.*** Development opportunities are plentiful in this sector.

Data4, a European leader with great ambitions

Founded in 2006, by Alcatel and Colony Capital, Data4 was acquired in 2023 by Brookfield, one of the largest owners and operators of global infrastructure business. Data4 finances, designs, builds, and operates its own data centers. It operates 35 data centers today, mostly in France, Italy and Spain, and, more recently, in Germany, Poland and Greece. 
Data4 has a unique platform of 1.5 GW, thus positioning itself as the largest operator in Europe. Other key aspects of its development plan include adapting data centers design for AI and sustainable development. The company is notably committed to reduce its carbon footprint through a systematic life-cycle assessment of its data centers and the implementation of several innovations such as using low-carbon concrete for the construction of its data centers and AI models to improve energy efficiency and extending the lifespan of equipment through predictive maintenance.

Societe Generale’s support to a landmark transaction in the data centre industry

To achieve its 2030 investment plan in a rapidly evolving market, Data4 intends to optimize its organization and continue to develop new assets. In this view, the company has raised a new financing package of EUR 3.3bn, the largest transaction in one-go so far for data centre financing in Europe. Societe Generale played key roles in all parts of this deal, acting as Underwriter, Bookrunner, Senior Mandated Lead Arranger and Hedge Provider. The Bank’s sectorial expertise in Telecom Media and Technology, its ability to deploy synergies and the soundness of its originate-to-distribute model proved essential to succeed in this breakthrough and highly visible operation. This also demonstrates Societe Generale’s strong contribution to the development of data centers in the European market, with over 35 transactions completed as Mandated Lead Arranger and Underwriter. 

*Data growth worldwide 2010-2028 | Statista
**Le marché des data centers | Knight Frank
***Data centers en Europe : une augmentation de 21% de la puissance prévue d’ici 2027 | Savills 

Learn more with our Expert Views article: The exponential growth of data centers