2025 saw the close of a record-breaking year for growth, investment and interest in the data centre sector. Driven by accelerating demand for AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure, there are no signs of slowing down for 2026 and the sector remains a compelling investment opportunity for investors across the infrastructure, real estate and tech sectors.

Freshfields is deeply embedded in this space. We regularly advise leading investors, operators and financiers across the full spectrum of data centre transactions. Tapping into the vast and varied expertise of our teams, we are please to share our second Data Centres Quarterly Update which includes:

• a wrap of the market in 2025 and a look ahead into what to expect in 2026
• a closer look at ABS financing for data centres and other financing structures
• an update on the latest developments on power supply in the British Isles
• market intelligence on current investment opportunities and recent deal activity

Please reach out to us or your usual Freshfields contact if you would like to arrange a conversation or require further information, and we would welcome your feedback on our quarterly update so that we can make it as useful as possible for future editions.