Struggling colocation firm Cyxtera has faced mounting challenges in recent months, culminating in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in June. As part of its efforts to restructure and recover, the company has made the difficult decision to reject leases of two data centers owned by Prime DC in Santa Clara, California. This move comes as Cyxtera seeks to find a buyer or new investor to secure its future and navigate through its ongoing losses and looming debt maturities.
Notice of Lease Rejection: Prime DC Data Centers
In a significant development, Cyxtera has decided to reject the leases of two data centers in Santa Clara, California, which are owned by Prime DC. This decision comes amidst the company’s financial struggles and its pursuit of an effective restructuring plan. Cyxtera has confirmed the lease rejection and has provided a supporting document that validates this decision. The rejection underscores the challenges the company faces as it strives to achieve stability and sustainability within the colocation industry.
Cyxtera’s search for a buyer or new investor
In light of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, Cyxtera is actively seeking a buyer or new investor to inject capital and ensure its long-term viability. The company recognizes the importance of securing additional funding or investment to address its mounting losses and debt obligations. Finding a suitable buyer or investor will be crucial for Cyxtera’s ability to restructure effectively and regain stability in the highly competitive colocation market.
Cyxtera’s previous lease agreements
In its efforts to expand its footprint and meet growing customer demand, Cyxtera had previously entered into lease agreements, including the lease of 1111 Comstock, which was first announced in October 2020 and subsequently completed in 2021. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to serving its clients in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Additionally, Prime DC, which counts Macquarie among its investors, had unveiled plans to develop another 9MW facility at 1231 Comstock in January 2022. As it turns out, Cyxtera had leased the property, although this lease had not been previously announced.
Proximity of location to Cyxtera’s existing facility
The two data center sites rejected by Cyxtera are conveniently located adjacent to Cyxtera’s SFO4-A facility at 1500 Space Park Drive. This proximity presents potential operational efficiencies and expansion possibilities for Cyxtera. In an industry where connectivity and accessibility are key factors, the close proximity of these sites to Cyxtera’s existing facility could have offered strategic advantages, further highlighting the significance of the lease rejection.
Previous lease rejections during the bankruptcy process
As part of the bankruptcy process, Cyxtera has faced the challenging task of reevaluating its lease agreements. In addition to the Prime DC data centers, the company has also rejected leases at facilities owned by CyrusOne, Serverfarm, and Stack. These locations include Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Moses Lake in Washington, and Elk Grove in Illinois. These lease rejections underscore the difficult decisions Cyxtera has had to make in order to navigate its financial restructuring.
Challenges faced by Cyxtera post-SPAC
Cyxtera initially went public via a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) in 2021. However, the company has faced significant hurdles in finding a suitable partner for acquisition. This has contributed to its ongoing struggles, including mounting losses and the need to address its debt maturities. Despite its initial hopes of leveraging the public market, Cyxtera’s inability to find a company willing to acquire it has amplified its challenges.
Cyxtera’s rejection of leases for Prime DC data centers in Santa Clara, California represents another difficult decision in its ongoing efforts to restructure and recover. With the company currently navigating Chapter 11 bankruptcy, finding a buyer or new investor has become imperative to ensure its future operations. The challenges faced by Cyxtera, including the lease rejections and the inability to secure an acquisition partner, highlight the tough road ahead. As the company continues its search for stability, the colocation industry waits to see if Cyxtera can overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger in the evolving digital landscape.