Global law firm Hogan Lovells Cadwalader has advised Cube Infrastructure Managers on the sale of firstcolo to CVC DIF, with the transaction expected to close by the end of September 2026, subject to customary conditions.
firstcolo was founded in 2007 and is one of the established data centre and infrastructure partners in the Frankfurt metropolitan area. The company operates two data centres in the region and supports more than 350 customers with colocation, dedicated hardware, cloud, and connectivity services. The business model combines highly available, certified infrastructure with direct technical support and personal points of contact.
Since Cube Infrastructure Managers’ acquisition of firstcolo in November 2022, the company has significantly strengthened its market position. Working alongside the management team, Cube Infrastructure Managers supported the growth of the platform, nearly doubling adjusted EBITDA and preparing the business for its next phase of expansion.
The initial focus is on the greenfield project FRA7 in Rosbach vor der Höhe in the Frankfurt metropolitan area. The site will have a total capacity of up to 24 MW or up to 16 MW of IT load and is designed for demanding AI, high-performance computing, and cloud workloads. FRA7 is being planned as an AI-ready data centre from the outset.
The site, power supply, permits, and implementation via a turnkey construction concept have already been secured. There is also a partnership, advised by Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, with the regional energy supplier OVAG, which secures the site’s power supply and enables the use of data centre waste heat for regional heating networks.
FRA7 forms an important foundation for the continuous further development of firstcolo’s high-performance data centre platform. The project is intended to strengthen the company’s capabilities to provide AI-ready and energy-efficient infrastructure and to feed into the further development of potential locations in the greater Frankfurt area as well as other attractive locations in Germany. Over time, firstcolo aims to scale its platform in line with customer demand and market opportunities.
The team was led by partner Dr. Torsten Rosenboom, and supported by counsel Tobias Flasbarth and Andreas Thun, senior associates Sebastian Kummler and Dr. Jonas Palme, associate Leon Hofmann, senior business lawyer Nicolas Persch, and business lawyer Lena-Marie Weiß in the corporate and M&A aspects of the sale.
Partner Dr. Heiko Gemmel and associate Jan-Niklas Möller handled the tax matters.
Senior associate Elena Platte advised on the real estate aspects.
Partners Dr. Tobias Faber and Dr. Carla Luh, senior counsel Dr. Florian-Alexander Wesche, counsel Dr. Alexander Wandt and Katharina Rath, and associates Lina Sophie Makrutzki, Dr. Marzieh Rad, Julian Schulz and Tobias Schwalm provided guidance for infrastructure, energy, resources and projects.
Counsel Prof. Dr. Fabian Pfuhl and senior associate Felix Ackermann handled the intellectual property aspects.
Partner Dr. Marc Schweda advised on the antitrust aspects.
Counsel Damian Sternberg provided guidance for public related matters.
Partner Dr. Tim Gero Joppich handled the employment aspects.
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