Carlyle Sells Data Center Power Unit to EQT for $2.6 Billion, Generating Fivefold Return

Private equity firm Carlyle has agreed to sell its data center power unit to EQT for approximately $2.6 billion. The deal will allow Carlyle to achieve a fivefold return on its investment, highlighting strong demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The sale represents a bright spot in the divestiture of private equity portfolio companies. Carlyle acquired the unit in 2018 and has since significantly increased its value. The transaction underscores the profitability of investments aimed at meeting the growing energy needs of the data center sector. EQT aims to expand its energy infrastructure portfolio through this acquisition. As data centers become critical infrastructure with the proliferation of technologies such as AI and cloud computing, demand for such assets continues to rise. Carlyle's high return from this sale demonstrates how private equity firms are benefiting from AI-focused investments. The deal is expected to close pending regulatory approvals. This is not investment advice.