Orange and Morrison Plan French Data Centre Venture for AI Demand

Orange and Morrison announced in a press release plans to create a jointly controlled data centre company in France. The 50/50 venture would target 400 MW of capacity, nearly ten times Orange's current capacity, with support from a €3 billion investment programme.

Orange would contribute five data centres across four French campuses: Chevilly-Larue, Aubervilliers, Chartres, and Val-de-Reuil. Morrison would provide equity funding through its global value add strategy, with the programme also using Orange assets and debt.

Orange Business is expected to be the exclusive partner for distributing colocation and hosting offers to large companies, small and medium sized businesses, and public sector entities. Orange platforms and services would continue to be hosted in the venture's data centres, with Orange retaining operational control over areas used for its own operations.

The companies expect to sign the transaction by the end of 2026. Closing is expected in the first quarter of 2027, subject to employee representative consultation and regulatory approvals.