Thought leadership

Data Centers – A modern digital asset class

August 06, 2026

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Data server background illustrating the theme of supporting data centre growth strategies with focused sector knowledge including advice for investors, developers, operators, and end-users throughout the data centre project lifecycle. Key legal services include advising on site acquisition, project finance and investment, contracts such as customer and supply agreements, data governance including ensuring compliance with data protection laws and addressing cyber threats, and navigating energy, environmental, and tax regulations.

    Supporting growth across the global data center market

    The data center sector sits at the heart of the global digital economy. Demand continues to accelerate as artificial intelligence, cloud adoption, digital transformation and increasing connectivity requirements drive a new wave of infrastructure investment around the world.

    Bringing new capacity to market has never been more complex. Developers, investors, operators and technology businesses must navigate challenges ranging from public opposition, power availability, planning and construction risk through to evolving regulatory requirements, cyber resilience and sustainability expectations.

    Ashurst Perkins Coie works alongside clients at every stage of the data center lifecycle, helping them identify, develop, finance, acquire, energise, equip, operate, build portfolios, and realise value from critical digital infrastructure assets. This multidisciplinary approach enables us to support developer-led projects while also advising on the financing, investment, and strategic transactions that are shaping the future of the sector.

    With more than two decades of experience advising on data center projects globally, we provide commercially focused advice informed by deep sector knowledge and a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges driving market growth.

    Through this content hub we explore the legal, commercial, and regulatory issues influencing the next generation of data center. Our insights cover topics across the full asset lifecycle, including:

    • Site acquisition, planning and development
    • Community engagement
    • Construction and procurement
    • Energy and power strategies
    • Financing and investment structures
    • Tech procurement
    • Mergers, acquisitions and strategic transactions
    • Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
    • Data privacy and cybersecurity
    • Sustainability and ESG

    Explore our articles, podcasts and thought leadership to keep your playbook sharp and stay ahead of the trends reshaping the global data centre market.

    Editorial Disclaimer

    Originally published before the Ashurst Perkins Coie combination. See disclaimer.

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    The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to.
    Readers should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

    Editorial Disclaimer

    Originally published before the Ashurst Perkins Coie combination. See disclaimer.

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