“We are very clear that we're focused on the UK. We won't do anything outside of the UK,” that's the message from Pulsant’s CEO Rob Coupland as the digital infrastructure provider focuses on regional investment.
Recently Pulsant strengthened its UK-only growth strategy with the acquisition of two new data centre sites from SCC, adding facilities in Birmingham and Fareham, bringing its total data centre count to 14.
The new sites fill critical gaps in Pulsant’s geographic coverage, particularly in the Midlands and the South, Coupland explains.
“Birmingham, as the UK’s second city, has been a strategic target for some time. The addition of Fareham also deepens our southern presence. Both sites significantly extend the reach of our platform and fill important geographic gaps,” he says.
As a result, the Birmingham site delivers 2MW of power capacity, with room for future expansion, whereas Fareham offers 3MW and is slightly larger, respectively.
“Both bring immediate value in terms of established clients and revenue,” he says.
"We’re not disclosing specific financials. But this was a good deal for both sides. For us, it was a cost-effective way to enter two strategic markets.
“We believe this is a very efficient investment. We gain the infrastructure, the expertise of the teams, and a strong existing client base which would take years to build from scratch."
A complementary deal with SCC
Why SCC? According to Coupland, the move was tactical and cooperative.
“The services SCC focus on going beyond our core infrastructure offerings," he notes. "So it's a complementary relationship.
The deal, which sees Pulsant take full ownership and operational control of the sites, while SCC, which previously hosted its infrastructure there, becomes a long-term customer.
He explains: “This deal allows SCC to focus on its core business while continuing to use our platform to deliver its services more broadly across the UK. They’ll become a client of ours, as many of their systems are hosted in the acquired sites. It’s a win-win.”
Meanwhile, Coupland emphasises that current customers in the newly acquired data centres will not experience any disruption.
He explains: “The physical locations remain the same, and we’re being very respectful in how we manage relationships. It’s about continuity- introducing ourselves properly and making the transition seamless”.
"The early response has been positive. SCC has strong relationships with their clients, and we’re committed to maintaining that," Coupland claims
"Our own clients are also excited- some have already approached us about the new locations, especially in Birmingham”.
Keeping talent in place
As part of the transition, Pulsant is retaining the operational teams at both sites, including data centre managers, with Coupland admitting they are “critical to the success of this deal”.
Meanwhile, the company announced it will slowly integrate its own systems and processes while taking the time to understand and preserve what already works.
“We'll listen and learn first. We have some standardised ways of working that have been built over time, and we’ll align over time where it makes sense. But these are well-run sites already,” he states.
Focused on the right deals only
While expansion is on the cards, Coupland makes it clear that Pulsant is not racing toward growth for growth’s sake.
"We’re always looking, but we’re focused on the right acquisitions- not just volume," he says.
"Since Antin Infrastructure became our shareholder in 2021, this is our third acquisition. It’s been three years since the last one. We're not in a rush,” he concludes.
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