Bain explores partial exit from Bridge Data Centres

Private equity firm Bain Capital is attracting strong investor interest as it explores the sale of a significant stake in Southeast Asian data centre operator Bridge Data Centres, in a transaction that could value the business at more than $4bn, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Alternative investment firm Sixth Street Partners, South Korea’s SK Telecom, Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC and Canadian institutional investor La Caisse are reportedly among the parties competing for an interest in the business.

Bain is understood to be considering the sale of approximately 50% of Bridge Data Centres while retaining the remaining stake, allowing the private equity firm to continue participating in the company’s future growth. Discussions remain ongoing, and the size of the stake being offered and the overall valuation could still change.

None of the prospective investors or Bain has reportedly commented publicly on the process.

The potential transaction follows Bain’s strategic review of the business, which it acquired in 2017. Reports late last year suggested the firm was evaluating options for the asset, including bringing in new investors, with Citigroup and JPMorgan appointed to advise on the process.

The sale process comes amid sustained demand for digital infrastructure assets, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, which continue to increase demand for high-capacity data centres across Asia and globally.

Bain has been an active investor in the sector. Earlier this year, the firm completed the sale of WinTriX DC Group’s China data centre operations in a deal valued at around $4bn.

Headquartered in Singapore, Bridge Data Centres operates facilities across several high-growth Asian markets, including India, Malaysia and Thailand, positioning it to benefit from continued investment in digital infrastructure throughout the region.