Equinix turns the network into the control plane for enterprise AI inference

Digital Realty Trust (DLR) reported $707M in annualized GAAP base rent bookings for Q1 2026, with a record $1.9B backlog. Equinix (EQIX) saw 16.4% revenue growth and raised AFFO guidance. Iron Mountain (IRM) grew revenue by 39% YoY, driven by data center leasing. All three REITs are benefiting from AI-driven data center demand.

Equinix (EQIX) and CPP Investments completed a $4 billion acquisition of atNorth, a Nordic data center operator, with Equinix holding a 34% stake. The deal expands Equinix's exposure to AI and high-performance computing infrastructure and is immediately accretive to its AFFO per share. CPP Investments is the controlling shareholder with a 51% stake.

Equinix, a data center REIT, has gained a role in the AI data center market, partnering with Nvidia to offer AI model hosting. Its stock is up 33% this year, with a market cap of $100B. Equinix focuses on urban locations for inference, a growing segment of AI compute. Revenue rose 16% YoY to $2.63B, but some investors remain skeptical.

Equinix (EQIX) and CPP Investments completed the $4B acquisition of atNorth, a Nordic data center operator. CPP holds 51%, Equinix 34%, and Partners Group 10%. The deal is immediately accretive to Equinix's AFFO per share and supports atNorth's growth in AI and high-performance computing.

CPP Investments and Equinix (EQIX) completed the $4B acquisition of atNorth, a Nordic data center provider. CPP holds 51%, Equinix 34%, and Partners Group 10%. The deal aims to expand atNorth's capacity for AI and cloud services, with backing from global lenders.

Wren House Infrastructure Management is close to acquiring an 80% stake in a European data center joint venture from GIC Pte for approximately €700 million. Equinix Inc. (EQIX), which holds the remaining 20% stake, plans to remain invested. The deal is still under discussion and may not be finalized.