DigitalBridge Group, and La Caisse (formerly CDPQ) have announced the successful completion of their acquisition of Yondr Group, a leading global developer, owner, and operator of hyperscale data centers. The transaction, finalized with Cathexis Holdings, L.P., marks a major step forward in strengthening the long-standing digital infrastructure investment partnership between DigitalBridge and La Caisse. This strategic acquisition positions Yondr to accelerate its global footprint and meet the rapidly growing demand for hyperscale and AI-powered data center solutions. As part of the deal, La Caisse has partnered with investment vehicles managed by DigitalBridge and now holds joint control of Yondr.
As part of the transition, Yondr has appointed Aaron Wangenheim as Chief Executive Officer and Sandip Mahajan as Chief Financial Officer, both effective immediately.
Yondr specializes in delivering hyperscale data center capacity tailored to the requirements of the world’s leading technology companies. With over 420MW of contracted capacity for hyperscalers and access to additional land supporting over 1GW of potential capacity, Yondr is well-equipped to meet escalating demand driven by digital transformation, AI workloads, and the expansion of cloud computing environments.
“We’re thrilled to finalize our acquisition of Yondr alongside La Caisse,” said Jon Mauck, Senior Managing Director and Head of Data Centers at DigitalBridge. “With a diverse global portfolio of campuses, Yondr further strengthens DigitalBridge’s world-class data center portfolio and reinforces our focus on being a global partner to the leading hyperscale, technology, and AI companies that are driving the digital economy. We look forward to working alongside Aaron and Sandip, who bring extensive leadership experience, as we support Yondr’s strategy of developing and operating scaled capacity to meet the demands of AI and cloud computing. We are also very pleased to partner again with La Caisse, who shares our partnership-oriented approach to long-term value creation.”
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“Over the past few years, we have explored various direct investment opportunities in the data center space, and Yondr has stood out as a compelling platform to capitalize on the growth of the sector. At the end of 2024, we joined forces with DigitalBridge – a trusted partner – to invest in Yondr’s next development phase under renewed leadership and ownership,” said Emmanuel Jaclot, Executive Vice-President and Head of Infrastructure at La Caisse. “This investment reflects our conviction in the value of digital infrastructure and our confidence in Yondr’s ability to scale with agility, innovate, and deliver AI-ready data solutions at pace.”
The partnership between DigitalBridge and La Caisse spans several years of collaborative investment in digital infrastructure. Notably, La Caisse acquired a 30% stake in Vertical Bridge—a DigitalBridge portfolio company and the largest private owner and operator of U.S. communications infrastructure—in 2019. The partnership was further strengthened in 2024 through their support of Vertical Bridge’s $3.3 billion tower transaction with Verizon.
“I am proud to have supported Yondr on its journey since its formation in 2018. Yondr has become a vital infrastructure partner to many of the world’s largest technology companies, and I believe DigitalBridge and La Caisse are the right partners to support Yondr through its next stage of growth. I look forward to seeing what the business will achieve,” said William Harrison, CEO of Cathexis.
New Leadership to Drive Next-Phase Growth
Aaron Wangenheim steps into the role of CEO at Yondr with over 20 years of experience in data center development and operations. He held senior leadership roles at T5 Data Centers for over a decade, including eight years as COO. Most recently, he has worked as an advisor and developer, helping investors evaluate and deliver tailored data center solutions. In his new capacity, Wangenheim will spearhead Yondr’s strategic expansion to serve the hyperscale sector.
Sandip Mahajan joins as CFO, bringing more than 30 years of experience in financial strategy, equity and debt fundraising, and infrastructure investment. His previous leadership roles include CFO of Mitie Group PLC and senior finance roles at Balfour Beatty PLC, where he led project finance initiatives focused on infrastructure equity.
“Yondr has an impressive track record as a leading developer, owner, and operator of hyperscale data centers, and I’m excited to be joining the company as Chief Executive Officer at such a pivotal time for the business and the industry,” said Mr. Wangenheim. “I look forward to leading Yondr through its next phase of growth with the backing of two world-class investors that appreciate the critical role we play in supporting our clients.”
Wangenheim succeeds Paul Cossell, who is retiring after two and a half years as CEO and a nearly 30-year career in construction and infrastructure. Mahajan replaces Chester Reid, who is stepping down after more than two years as CFO to pursue new business opportunities.