CMS supports the Noé Group and Goldacre in landmark partnership with L&G to develop state-of-the-art data centre

International law firm CMS has advised investment company, the Noé Group, and its technology arm, Goldacre on its 50:50 partnership with Legal & General Capital to expand its £230 million Kao data centre campus that will serve life science and technology businesses along the London to Cambridge innovation corridor. This investment demonstrates a commitment from Legal & General to deliver the digital infrastructure required for Future Cities, and marks the first step of an ambitious partnership to drive the strategic expansion and accelerated growth of the UK data industry.

The Kao Data Campus (Kao Data) serves hyperscalers and enterprise customers across the largest data centre market and technology cluster in Europe. Kao’s business model leverages best-in-class design to achieve market leading efficiency, strong resilience and excellent connectivity, whilst also retaining flexibility for customer specification requirements. Kao Data’s location will provide a hub for connectivity routes from Dublin to Amsterdam.

David Bloom, Founder of Goldacre, says: “This significant partnership is a landmark moment, both for the continued growth of Kao Data and for the development of the wider UK data centre industry. With this substantial injection of capital, Kao Data is uniquely well-placed to strengthen its position as an innovative, performance-led business.

“Anthony Waller and his team have played a key role in the Kao London One story, which has seen this derelict site grow into the best-in-class campus we see today. They have been invaluable advisors as we have formalised this ambitious partnership with Legal and General and in previous years over multiple capital raises.”
Anthony Waller, CMS Corporate partner who led the deal, comments: “We are pleased to have advised our longstanding client on this landmark partnership which will accelerate the growth of Kao Data and support its long-term success. CMS has worked on this project since its inception, advising on the construction of the campus, so it is great to have the opportunity to cement our relationship with the Noé Group and Goldacre and help secure this vital investment from a blue-chip company like Legal & General.”

The CMS team also included Senior Associate Elliot Cowan and associate Emmanuelle Ronez.