The NumbersJuly 9, 2026via Financial Times Technology
Carlyle to sell $2.6bn data centre power unit to EQT for fivefold return
Why it matters
Private equity is aggressively monetizing AI infrastructure bets. This exit validates the thesis that data centre power and cooling tech are now strategic assets commanding premium valuations—a signal that AI capex intensity will only accelerate.
Key signals
- Carlyle selling data centre power unit to EQT for $2.6B
- Fivefold return on investment
- Deal driven by strong AI infrastructure demand
- PE portfolio company exit in hot infrastructure market
- Signals acceleration of data centre capex and power requirements
The hook
$2.6B. That's what Carlyle just pulled from selling a data centre power unit to EQT—a fivefold return that signals where PE money is flowing in the AI boom.
Deal underscores bright spot for private equity portfolio company sales amid strong demand for AI infrastructure