Cellnex explores sale of French data centre unit

Spain’s Cellnex is exploring a sale of its data centre unit in France, in a deal that could value the business at a few hundred million euros, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The largest European mobile phone tower company is talking with advisers regarding a potential sale, the people said, as part of its strategy to focus on its core business as it shifts strategy from acquisitions to bolstering its finances.

Cellnex declined to comment.

Specific revenue figures for Cellnex’s French data centre unit have not been disclosed. However, during the first half of the year, France emerged as Cellnex’s largest market by revenue, contributing 399 million euros, or 21% of the group’s overall revenue.

In March, the company announced its intention to focus on four business lines, including Towers, Fiber, Connectivity & Housing services, Broadcast, and DAS & Small Cells. The towers business currently accounts for over 80% of the company’s total revenue.

Earlier this year, Cellnex sold its Austrian business for a enterprise value of 803 million euros and a its Irish unit for 971 million euros.