Rogers sells 9 data centers to InfraRed to reduce $26B debt

Rogers Communications has signed a definitive agreement to sell nine data centers from its Rogers Business portfolio to InfraRed Capital Partners for an undisclosed sum. The transaction represents part of Rogers’ broader strategy to divest non-core assets and reduce debt, while maintaining operational control over facilities critical to its network infrastructure.

What you should know: The sale involves Tier 2 and 3 data centers across key Canadian cities with a combined capacity of up to 49 MW.

• Rogers will retain its corporate data centers used for internal network and IT operations.
• The telecom giant will continue selling data center services on behalf of InfraRed and provide network connectivity to the sites.
• Both companies committed to ensuring a seamless transition for existing customers.

Why this matters: This deal aligns with Rogers’ aggressive debt reduction strategy following its recent $26 billion acquisition of Shaw Communications.

• Proceeds from the sale will be directed toward debt repayment as part of Rogers’ plan to strengthen its balance sheet.
• The transaction allows Rogers to monetize real estate assets while maintaining service revenue streams through ongoing partnerships.

Who’s involved: InfraRed Capital Partners, part of Canadian-based Sun Life, manages $13 billion in equity capital with existing investments in European data center firm Nexspace and various telecom tower assets.

• Pilar Banegas, partner at InfraRed, said: “This investment represents an exciting opportunity for us to drive value in an established business, capitalizing on the rising demand for secure and reliable data centre services, within one of the most attractive segments of the Canadian digital infrastructure market.”

The bigger picture: Rogers has been systematically monetizing infrastructure assets to manage its debt load.

• In April, Rogers struck a CAD$7 billion deal with Blackstone to sell a stake in its wireless backhaul network.
• Under that arrangement, Blackstone acquired a 49.4% equity interest but only 20% voting control, while Rogers retained 80% voting interest and operational control.
• The data center transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approval.