A&O advising 3i Infrastructure on its investment in Global Cloud Xchange

GCX is a leading global data communications service provider and owns one of the world’s largest private subsea fibre optic networks, with 66,000km of cables across 46 countries from North America to Asia, providing high-bandwidth connectivity to a range of blue-chip customers including hyperscalers, telecommunications operators, new media providers and enterprises.

The transaction is conditional upon a number of regulatory approvals and completion is expected mid-2022.

Commenting on the deal, co-head of A&O’s Global Infrastructure Group Sara Pickersgill said: “We are extremely pleased to have been able to assist 3i Infrastructure in this landmark investment. GCX’s subsea cable network is one of the most comprehensive globally and today’s announcement is another example of how A&O is helping its clients deliver the digital infrastructure required to meet the rapidly growing global data traffic needs of the future.”

The A&O team advising 3i Infrastructure is led by Infrastructure M&A partner Sara Pickersgill supported by senior associate Fatima Shawaf. Infrastructure finance partner Ed Moser is leading on financing for the transaction, supported by associates Rhushub Bidd and James Pritchard. Telecoms sector head Tom Levine is providing specialist telecoms advice, and advice on foreign direct investment and national security regimes is provided by partner Dominic Long, assisted by counsel Charles Pommies and senior associate David Weaver.