- Vertiv agrees to buy Great Lakes for $2.2 billion, expanding its data centre infrastructure portfolio
- Acquisition targets growing demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions in AI and hyperscale data centres
What happened: Strategic move in data centre sector
Vertiv has signed a definitive agreement to acquire cooling technology firm Great Lakes for $2.2 billion, as first reported by Capacity Media. The transaction, expected to complete by Q4 2025, will significantly expand Vertiv’s infrastructure solutions portfolio.
Market data from Market Research Future shows Great Lakes currently supplies liquid cooling systems to 15% of North America’s hyperscale facilities. The combined company will offer integrated power and cooling solutions optimized for energy-intensive AI applications.
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Why it’s important
The deal highlights the rapid transformation of data centre infrastructure driven by AI and hyperscale computing. With global data centre energy consumption projected to double by 2026, per IEA estimates, efficient cooling solutions are critical for sustainability and cost reduction.
Vertiv’s move positions it as a key competitor against Schneider Electric and Eaton in the $25 billion thermal management market. However, integrating Great Lakes’ technology may face challenges, as liquid cooling adoption remains limited outside hyperscale facilities. The success of this acquisition could set a benchmark for future consolidation in the industry.