Equity for Data Centers acquisition and development

 

call 440-637-5646
 
or EMAIL:
equity@michaellewisgroup.com   . 

 

Equity financing for data center real estate involves raising capital from investors in exchange for ownership shares or equity in a data center property. This capital can be used for various purposes such as acquisition, development, expansion, or improvement of data center facilities. Here's an in-depth look at the different types of equity available for data centers, their uses, how to source equity for data center JV partners, the advantages and disadvantages of having an equity partner, how an equity or JV partnership ends, and how potential JV partners evaluate scenarios involving data centers. Additionally, I'll provide examples of capital stack structures showcasing equity and debt, including mezzanine financing and C-PACE financing.

Types of Equity for Data Centers Real Estate:

1. Preferred Equity:

   • Provides investors with priority over common equity holders in terms of distributions and liquidation proceeds.

   • Typically offers fixed dividends or a preferred return before common equity holders receive any profits.

2. Mezzanine Financing:

   • Involves providing debt-like capital to data center projects, often with equity warrants or conversion features.

   • Subordinate to senior debt but has priority over common equity in case of default or liquidation.

3. Co-General Partnership (Co-GP):

   • Partners come together to form a partnership and jointly manage the data center investment.

   • Share responsibilities, risks, and rewards associated with the property, typically in proportion to their capital contributions.

4. Joint Ventures:

   • Two or more parties pool resources and expertise to pursue a specific data center project.

   • Share ownership, profits, and risks based on terms outlined in the joint venture agreement.

Uses of Equity for Data Centers Real Estate:

1. Acquisition: Used to acquire existing data center properties or land for development purposes, providing funds for down payments or purchase prices.

2. Development: Finances the construction or expansion of new data center facilities, covering land acquisition, infrastructure development, permits, etc.

3. Value-Add Strategies: Implements strategies to enhance the efficiency, security, or sustainability of data center operations, increasing property value and attractiveness to tenants.

4. Operating Capital: Covers operating expenses, maintenance costs, technology upgrades, and marketing efforts associated with data center management and leasing.

Sourcing Equity for Data Centers Real Estate JV Partners:

1. Networking: Build relationships with potential JV partners, including institutional investors, private equity firms, real estate developers, and technology companies, through industry events, conferences, and networking platforms.

2. Industry Expertise: Partner with entities specializing in data center investments, operations, or technology infrastructure, leveraging their expertise, resources, and networks to access equity investors interested in data center opportunities.

3. Professional Advisors: Seek assistance from real estate attorneys, financial advisors, and consultants with experience in data center transactions, who can facilitate introductions and help structure equity partnerships tailored to the unique needs of data center projects.

4. Technology Partnerships: Collaborate with technology companies or cloud service providers seeking to expand their data center footprint, offering strategic alignment and potential synergies that may attract equity investors.

Advantages of Equity Partners in Data Centers Real Estate:

1. Access to Capital: Provides funds for acquisitions, developments, or value-add initiatives, enabling owners to capitalize on growth opportunities and enhance property value.

2. Risk Mitigation: Spreads financial risk among partners, providing a cushion against market fluctuations, tenant turnover, and technological disruptions in the data center industry.

3. Expertise and Resources: Brings industry expertise, technological capabilities, and operational knowledge to the project, enhancing its competitiveness, performance, and long-term viability.

4. Diversification: Allows owners to diversify their investment portfolio, access new markets, and pursue larger-scale data center projects with the support of equity partners.

Disadvantages of Equity Partners in Data Centers Real Estate:

1. Profit Sharing: Partners are entitled to a share of profits, reducing the owner's overall return on investment compared to financing solely with debt or personal funds.

2. Loss of Control: May lead to conflicts over decision-making and operational management, especially if there are disagreements among partners regarding strategy, investments, or tenant selection.

3. Complexity: Managing relationships with multiple partners can add complexity to the project, requiring clear communication, alignment of goals, and formalized agreements to avoid misunderstandings or disputes.

4. Exit Strategy: Exiting a partnership can be challenging, especially if there are disagreements among partners or if market conditions make it difficult to sell or refinance the data center property at an acceptable valuation.

How an Equity or JV Partnership Ends:

Partnerships typically end through:

1. Buyout: One partner buys out the other(s) based on agreed-upon terms.

2. Sale: Data center property is sold, and proceeds distributed according to partnership agreement.

3. Termination: Partners agree to dissolve partnership, liquidate assets, and distribute proceeds.

4. Default: Partners may default on obligations, leading to dissolution or legal action.

Evaluating Scenarios Involving Data Centers for JV Partnership:

1. Market Analysis: Assess the demand for data center services in the target market, including factors such as population growth, technological infrastructure, internet connectivity, and industry trends.

2. Financial Due Diligence: Evaluate the financial performance and potential returns of the data center project, considering factors such as occupancy rates, lease terms, operating expenses, capital expenditures, and revenue projections.

3. Technical Assessment: Review the technological specifications, resilience, security measures, and environmental sustainability of the data center facility, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.

4. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with the data center investment, including regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, natural disasters, technological obsolescence, and tenant credit risk.

Capital Stack Examples:

1. Equity and Debt:

   • Equity: $5 million common equity

   • Debt: $15 million senior mortgage loan

   • Example: Investor contributes $5 million in common equity, $15 million senior mortgage loan secures the property, providing $20 million for data center acquisition or development.

2. Debt, Equity, and Mezzanine Financing:

   • Debt: $10 million senior mortgage loan

   • Equity: $5 million preferred equity

   • Mezzanine Financing: $2 million mezzanine financing

   • Example: $10 million senior mortgage loan secured, $5 million preferred equity contributed, $2 million mezzanine financing added to complete $17 million capital stack.

3. Debt, Equity, and C-PACE:

   • Debt: $8 million senior mortgage loan

   • Equity: $4 million common equity

   • C-PACE: $1 million C-PACE financing

   • Example: $8 million senior mortgage loan secured, $4 million common equity contributed, $1 million C-PACE financing added for energy-efficient upgrades.

call 440-637-5646
 
or EMAIL:
equity@michaellewisgroup.com   .     
 

Equity for Data Centers acquisition and development