DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and Japan Extensive Infrastructure, Limited completed a transaction that transfers a portfolio of NEC Corporation data‑center facilities in the Greater Tokyo and Kansai regions to a new joint platform. The deal, finalized on March 31, 2026, creates a standalone platform that will be operated by the two companies’ affiliated funds.
The acquisition adds several NEC‑owned sites to DigitalBridge’s existing multi‑strategy platform, giving the company a stronger presence in Japan’s high‑growth colocation market. NEC will remain an anchor customer, continuing to lease and use the facilities under long‑term contracts, while DigitalBridge and JEXI will manage the assets and pursue additional colocation tenants.
DigitalBridge’s “power bank” advantage refers to its ability to combine data‑center capacity with renewable‑energy sources and flexible power delivery, enabling rapid deployment of AI‑ready infrastructure. By integrating the NEC sites, DigitalBridge can accelerate the rollout of high‑density, low‑latency facilities that support generative‑AI workloads and other advanced analytics.
The transaction follows DigitalBridge’s earlier take‑private of JTOWER Inc. in early 2025, which marked the company’s second major Japanese acquisition. The move is part of a broader strategy to build digital‑infrastructure platforms that respond to local market needs and long‑term structural trends, as noted by DigitalBridge’s senior managing director for Asia.
JEXI, an investment advisory firm within the Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group, will provide capital and governance for the new platform. The firm’s focus on domestic infrastructure aligns with its goal of creating a virtuous cycle of funds, assets, and capital in Japan’s critical social infrastructure sector.
The deal comes amid a surge in demand for AI‑ready data‑center capacity worldwide. DigitalBridge’s portfolio expansion positions it to capture leasing and operational revenue from both NEC and other enterprise customers seeking high‑performance, energy‑efficient facilities.
DigitalBridge is also a target of a $4.0 billion acquisition by SoftBank Group Corp., announced in December 2025. The pending transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2026, adds context to DigitalBridge’s current strategic moves and may influence investor perception of its valuation.
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