75,215,528 NEXTDC shares acquired at A$9.22 average price

Goodman Group and Digital Realty have built a 9.9% position in NEXTDC, giving the property and data-centre specialists a substantial foothold in one of Australia’s most closely watched digital infrastructure companies. The investment stops short of a takeover bid for now, but the buyers have reserved the right to change course.

75.2 Million Shares Acquired Across Four Trading Days

The jointly owned vehicle acquired all 75,215,528 NEXTDC shares between 3 and 6 November, according to the substantial holding notice lodged on Monday. Goodman and Digital Realty said they paid an average of A$9.22 per share, while NEXTDC said the notice recorded a maximum purchase price of A$10.40 on 6 November.

The completed stake follows the pair’s 9.9% stake-building push, which had targeted an interest of up to 9.9% at A$9.50 a share. The final acquisition confirms the size of the position, rather than merely signalling an intended accumulation.

No Takeover Proposal Has Reached the NEXTDC Board

Goodman and Digital Realty said they had neither formed nor agreed to any further engagement beyond acquiring the stake. They also said neither party currently intends to submit a control proposal or make a takeover offer, while retaining the right to do so if circumstances change.

NEXTDC said it had received no formal communication from either investor and that its board had received no proposal from Goodman, Digital Realty or the investment vehicle, which the company understands to be Ackland Investments No.1. The board said any bona fide proposal would be assessed on its merits and in the best interests of all shareholders.

Strategic Collaboration Now Sits Alongside Control Optionality

Goodman and Digital Realty said they looked forward to a potential collaboration with NEXTDC’s board and management on ways to help address the company’s challenges. That language leaves the immediate relationship undefined: the filing establishes a major strategic shareholder position, but not an agreed partnership, board arrangement or transaction.

For NEXTDC shareholders, the next signals are likely to come from any further substantial holding notices, formal communication with the board or change in the buyers’ stated position. Until then, the 9.9% stake gives Goodman and Digital Realty considerable visibility and influence without announcing a present bid.