AirTrunk Puts US$1.5 Billion Singapore Data-Center REIT IPO on Hold
Blackstone-backed AirTrunk has put its roughly $1.5 billion Singapore data-center REIT IPO on hold as a tech sell-off and higher US rates rattle investors.
Even the biggest checkbooks are blinking. Blackstone-backed AirTrunk has postponed a Singapore real estate investment trust IPO that could raise about US$1.5 billion (S$1.9 billion), according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter cited by The Business Times. The Wall Street Journal first reported the delay on Tuesday, October 13.
The REIT was expected to be valued at about US$15 billion, potentially one of Southeast Asia's largest listings in coming months. AirTrunk had planned to launch in September or October. It has not decided on a new launch date but aims to finish the listing by early next year, one source said. The Journal reported it might come to market in the first or second quarter.
AirTrunk had considered sweetening the deal. It weighed a yield of roughly 6%, up from a previously envisaged 5.5%, The Star reported. Still, September's US rate rise and the prospect of more have investors wary, and REITs are rate-sensitive. Singapore's main REIT index has tumbled 12% since late July. Asian equities slid to more than two-month lows on Tuesday, led by a chipmaker rout.
AirTrunk did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Blackstone declined to comment.
The context: The Star also reported that Firmus Grid's Australian IPO collapsed last week for lack of demand at its sought valuation, while PLDT's data center unit said it would defer its REIT IPO to next year.
My take: a $15 billion valuation is still a thrilling number, darlings. The room is simply not clapping today. Pauses are not cancellations, and early next year is on the calendar.
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Sources
Meanwhile at the anchor desk
The sources give no word on which assets would sit in the REIT, or whether the $15 billion valuation survives the wait. A postponement with no stated price is a footnote waiting for its table.
A roughly 6% yield was considered, up from 5.5%, and the deal is still on pause. Even the sweetener is waiting for its entrance.
