Interxion to purchase data centre facilities in Marseille

MRS 1, which currently serves as a transit and caching node for more than 60 network providers, has the advantage of access to the aggregation point of eight undersea cables that terminate in Marseille. In addition to purchasing the land, buildings, and data centre equipment, Interxion has entered into a contract with SFR that provides immediate, direct access to the existing community of network providers and cable operators. Contractual arrangements also provide for transitional services between Interxion and SFR, as well as for SFR to transfer to Interxion the majority of the space in the facility that it currently occupies or sub-leases.

“Interxion’s investment in MRS 1 positions it at the crossroads of connectivity between Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The strong network hub that is created by the aggregation of multiple undersea cable landing points connecting to terrestrial cables makes Marseille a highly attractive gateway. We have received strong interest from our connectivity, CDN, social media, and cloud customers seeking to serve the emerging markets that can be accessed by these cables. We expect to expand the existing connectivity hub in MRS 1 and to develop vibrant cloud and CDN hubs,” said David Ruberg, Interxion Chief Executive Officer. “The purchase of MRS 1 is consistent with Interxion’s strategy of deploying capital in a disciplined manner to meet strong customer demand, secure magnetic customers, and develop communities of interest that enable us to achieve attractive long-term returns.”

The purchase is scheduled to complete in the third quarter of 2014. Capital expenditure associated with the purchase and construction of MRS 1 is expected to be approximately €45 million, of which approximately €20 million is associated with the purchase of the freehold land and buildings, and the construction of the first two phases.