The merger – which will formally take place by EcoDataCenter acquiring the shares in Fortlax – represents the first step in EcoDataCenter’s strategic plan to consolidate the Nordic data center industry based on its concept of climate-smart data centers. The decision is also based on the fact that both companies complement each other well in terms of operations and corporate culture.
“Over the years, Fortlax has built a strong market position primarily in the high-security data center niche and is a pioneer in the co-location market in Sweden, making it the leading alternative for customers who want a Swedish vendor for data center services,” said Lars Schedin, CEO of EcoDataCenter. “The company is very well run and has a good reputation as well as a culture that’s compatible with EcoDataCenter’s.”
EcoDataCenter is based in Falun and launched the world’s first carbon-positive data center last year. In 2018 Areim entered as new majority holder through a private placement partly aimed to finance EcoDataCenter’s efforts to consolidate the data center industry based on its climate-smart concept. The merger with Fortlax is done through a purchase of shares and a stock swap, but involves no change in the Fortlax organization. Fortlax CEO Anders Berglund Hansius will continue to develop the group alongside EcoDataCenter CEO Lars Schedin.
“The data center industry is growing quickly, and to succeed you need to have sufficient size and capital,” said Anders Berglund Hansius. “Through the merger with EcoDataCenter, we gain both a stronger market position and the financial muscles we need to continue successful growth.”
Continued investments
Fortlax has been active in the co-location segment for 15 years and has built a strong market position in Sweden based on its data centers in Piteå in northern Sweden. The merger with EcoDataCenter means continued expansion and investment in the facilities in Piteå while the capacity at EcoDataCenter’s facility in Falun will be increased.
“We have a clear plan for our expansion, according to which we will carry out acquisitions as well as mergers, but where we will also gradually develop our existing facilities,” said EcoDataCenter chairman Lars Thunell.
