CenturyLink Offloads Data Center, Colocation Business

The telecom exodus from the data center market came to a fever pitch in 2016. For the past year, CenturyLink said it was evaluating "strategic" options for its colocation business and data center assets. In November, the Monroe, La.-based carrier formally exited the market, announcing plans to sell off its data centers and co-location business for $2.15 billion to a group of funds advised by investment firm BC Partners.

Via the terms of the deal, BC Partners said it would work in a consortium that also includes Medina Capital Advisors and Longview Asset Management. The deal will roll CenturyLink's 57 data centers and co-location business into the consortium's newly formed global secure infrastructure company. CenturyLink plans on continuing to offer co-location services through the commercial relationship it will enter into with the consortium when the deal closes.