KKR(US:KKR) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-02-02 06:55Core Viewpoint - A consortium led by KKR is nearing a deal to acquire ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, a Singapore-based global data center provider, with the transaction valuing the company at over SGD 13 billion [1][7]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - KKR is collaborating with Singapore telecommunications giant Singtel for this acquisition [1][7]. - The negotiations have entered a critical phase, with an announcement expected soon, although no binding agreement is guaranteed [2][7]. - ST Telemedia's parent company, Temasek Holdings, currently holds over 80% of STT GDC, with the remaining shares owned by the KKR-led consortium, which acquired a minority stake for approximately USD 1.3 billion in 2024 [2][3][7]. Group 2: Market Context - The acquisition is set against a backdrop of increasing demand for computing power driven by the AI boom, prompting foreign firms, including private equity companies, to invest in data centers, with Asia being a major beneficiary of this investment wave [3][7]. - Recent investments in the region include Micron Technology's announcement of a USD 24 billion advanced wafer fabrication plant in Singapore, Microsoft's USD 23 billion investment in AI-related infrastructure (mostly in India), and Amazon's USD 5 billion investment in data centers in Taiwan [3][8]. - Southeast Asia has also announced similar investment plans, contributing to the overall expansion of the digital economy, including digital payments and e-commerce [3][8]. Group 3: Company Profile - STT GDC operates over 100 data centers globally, with a total capacity exceeding 2.3 gigawatts [4][8]. - For KKR, this acquisition will further strengthen its business presence in the region, following an investment of USD 800 million in 2023 to acquire a 20% stake in Singapore Telecommunications' regional data center business [4][9].