Anant Raj Set for Major Transformation: Data Centre Arm Divestiture Fuels Dedicated Digital Infrastructure Listing

Anant Raj Set for Major Transformation: Data Centre Arm Divestiture Fuels Dedicated Digital Infrastructure Listing​

Anant Raj Ltd is undergoing a massive structural realignment as it announces the demerger of its burgeoning data centre and cloud operations. The move entails carving these high-growth assets into a new, dedicated entity, Ashok Cloud Pvt Limited, which will be listed independently in the near future. This restructuring aims to segment Anant Raj's diversified business into two focused entities: real estate infrastructure and advanced digital services.

Strategic Rationale for Business Demerger​

The demerger is a critical strategic pivot designed to provide specialized focus and autonomy to both emerging businesses. Amit Sarin, Managing Director of Anant Raj Ltd, noted that the company’s real estate and data centre operations have evolved into two distinct platforms, each possessing unique growth trajectories and capital requirements.

By consolidating existing data centre and cloud services under one entity, the group is creating a highly scalable platform. This integrated approach is intended to attract significant investments, pursue strategic partnerships, and capitalize effectively on opportunities within India's fast-growing digital infrastructure sector.

Defining Ashok Cloud’s Digital Focus​

Ashok Cloud Pvt Limited will emerge as a specialized leader in advanced digital infrastructure and cloud services. The scope of this new company will be extensive, covering sovereign public cloud offerings and AI ready cloud infrastructure.

Its service portfolio will include DC and Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions, data backup services, and comprehensive cloud migration assistance. This specialized focus positions the newly listed entity to directly capitalize on the accelerating demand for digital services across various industries in India.

Ambitious Growth Targets and Investment Plans​

Anant Raj currently manages 28 MW of IT load across its established campuses located in Manesar and Panchkula, Haryana. The company is aggressively expanding its data centre footprint throughout the region.

The medium-term goal set by the group is ambitious: to reach a total capacity of 307 MW by FY32 across its sites in Manesar, Panchkula, and Rai. This significant expansion is underpinned by a planned capital expenditure (CapEx) amounting to approximately USD 2.1 billion.

Shareholder Benefits and Market Recognition​

The proposed composite scheme provides eligible Anant Raj Ltd shareholders with direct participation in the data centre business's future value creation. Upon implementation of the scheme, eligible shareholders will receive one fully paid-up equity share of Ashok Cloud Private Limited for every one fully paid-up equity share held in Anant Raj Ltd.

It is clarified that ACPL will continue to remain a subsidiary of Anant Raj Ltd following the demerger. This move is expected to facilitate independent market recognition for the Data Centre Business, enabling shareholders to directly invest in its high growth potential.

Regulatory Milestones and Key Partnerships​

The restructuring has been approved by a Composite Scheme of Arrangement from the Board of Directors, authorized under Sections 230 to 232 of the Companies Act, 2013. The completion of this scheme remains subject to receiving all necessary statutory, regulatory, and judicial approvals. This includes clearances from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), SEBI, shareholders, and stock exchanges.

Further strengthening its integrated digital infrastructure offerings, Anant Raj partnered with Orange Business, the French IT and telecom services provider, in June 2024 to deliver managed cloud services across India. The group is also tracking toward an installed IT load capacity of around 117 MW by FY28.