Goodman Group and Digital Realty plan to spend A$715 million to acquire up to 9.9% of NextDC's shares.

Goodman Group and Digital Realty have offered to acquire up to 9.9% of Australian data center operator NextDC at A$9.50 per share, valuing the stake at roughly A$715 million (about $499.7 million), a 45.5% premium to NextDC’s A$6.53 close on November 4. The pair said they do not currently intend to launch a full takeover or seek control, though they reserved the right to act if circumstances change, with JPMorgan leading the offer. The move matters because NextDC shares have fallen about 45% this year after power network upgrade delays at a major Melbourne project forced it to defer around A$140 million in contracted customer revenue for the fiscal year. NextDC has also paused all new developments and land acquisitions and is evaluating asset sales and other capital recycling options. Investors will watch whether the premium stake purchase draws out further interest in NextDC or pressures the company to accelerate its capital-recycling plans.