Ferrovial, one of the world’s leading infrastructure and services companies, has taken a significant step in expanding its presence in the data center sector through the acquisition of Powernet, a Spanish telecommunications and systems engineering company. This strategic move reinforces Ferrovial’s expertise and operational capacity in the design, development, operation, and maintenance of data centers, aligning with the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its footprint in the fast-growing field of digital infrastructure.
Founded in 1989, Powernet has established itself as a highly reputable provider of data center solutions, with a strong track record of success across Spain. Headquartered in Madrid and with additional offices in Barcelona and A Coruña, the company has spent over three decades developing advanced technical capabilities and delivering tailored services to a wide range of clients. Powernet specializes in the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of data centers—key components of the global digital economy. Its expertise extends beyond infrastructure to encompass information systems and telecommunications, offering comprehensive services in communications, systems integration, and network management.
Through this acquisition, Ferrovial gains a skilled team of professionals and a portfolio of specialized services that will enhance its Construction division’s ability to deliver turnkey data center projects. This integration will not only strengthen Ferrovial’s position in Spain but also lay the groundwork for international expansion in the data infrastructure market. The company will now be better equipped to respond to the increasing global demand for robust, energy-efficient, and technologically advanced data centers—facilities that are vital for supporting cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital connectivity.
Powernet’s leadership will continue to play a crucial role following the acquisition. José Gabriel Lao has been appointed the new Managing Director of Powernet. Lao brings extensive experience from within Ferrovial, having joined the company in 1997 as a site manager. Over the course of more than two decades, he has held several leadership positions that have contributed to the company’s growth and diversification. In 2008, Lao transitioned to Cadagua, Ferrovial’s water management subsidiary, where he was responsible for a range of functions including production, sales, and business development. His appointment as Managing Director marks a new chapter for Powernet, ensuring continuity, strategic alignment, and integration within Ferrovial’s organizational structure.
The acquisition is part of Ferrovial’s long-term vision to strengthen its presence in sectors driven by digital transformation. For more than ten years, Ferrovial has been involved in the data center industry, primarily in Spain, where it has successfully developed and constructed advanced facilities for leading international clients. These projects have helped the company build deep technical expertise and a reputation for quality, safety, and innovation—attributes that have become synonymous with the Ferrovial brand.
Recognizing the rapid acceleration of digitalization across industries, Ferrovial established a dedicated Digital Infrastructure division in 2024. This new division represents a strategic evolution of the company’s business model—from its traditional role as a construction provider to a more integrated role as a global investor, developer, and operator of digital infrastructure assets. The move reflects the company’s ambition to participate more actively across the entire value chain of data centers and other digital assets, rather than limiting its involvement to the construction phase alone.
With the acquisition of Powernet, Ferrovial now possesses enhanced technical and operational capabilities that will allow it to provide end-to-end solutions for clients in the digital infrastructure sector. These include not only the construction of new data centers but also the ongoing management, monitoring, and optimization of existing facilities. The combined expertise of Ferrovial and Powernet will enable the delivery of cutting-edge, high-efficiency data centers designed to meet the most stringent performance and sustainability standards.
Ferrovial’s entry into this sector comes at a pivotal time. The exponential growth in global data traffic, driven by technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence, has created unprecedented demand for data processing and storage capacity. Data centers have become the backbone of the digital economy, and their design and operation are increasingly critical for ensuring business continuity, data security, and energy efficiency. Ferrovial’s construction experience, coupled with Powernet’s specialized knowledge in telecommunications and systems integration, positions the combined entity to deliver comprehensive, future-ready solutions that address these evolving needs.
In addition to strengthening Ferrovial’s capabilities in Spain, this acquisition supports the company’s international ambitions. Ferrovial has expressed its intent to expand its digital infrastructure operations into other key markets, particularly in Europe and North America, where demand for data centers continues to rise. The integration of Powernet provides a solid foundation for this expansion, offering both technical know-how and a proven operational framework.
Ultimately, the acquisition of Powernet reflects Ferrovial’s commitment to innovation, diversification, and sustainable growth. By investing in a company with deep expertise in data center engineering and telecommunications, Ferrovial is positioning itself at the forefront of the digital infrastructure revolution—an area expected to play a central role in the global economy for decades to come. The move demonstrates Ferrovial’s determination to anticipate market trends, deliver value to its clients, and contribute to the development of a more connected and digitalized world.
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