21Vianet Group, one of the largest providers of carrier-neutral Internet data services in China, has acquired a leading local Content Delivery Network (CDN) services provider called Fastweb (no relation to the Italian ISP) for an undisclosed amount amounting to no more than US$ 20mn.
The acquisition gives 21Vianet access to a large content delivery network with more than 150 points-of-presence (POPs) located across China, as well as Fastweb’s proprietary CloudCDN platform software, a portfolio of cloud enabling technology solutions, its self-developed CDN caching engine, back-end administrative BOSS system and customer service portal.
Fastweb CEO Edward Liu will join 21Vianet as Chief Software Officer, overseeing 21Vianet’s cloud computing initiatives as well as its business partnership strategies, and bringing 25 years of experience of cross-industry experience, including positions at Akamai and Speedera Networks.
The total consideration for the acquisition was based upon 5 to 7.35 times the average of Fastweb’s 2012 and 2013 EBITDA, to be paid in a combination of equity and cash, in the aggregate amount not to exceed US$ 20mn.
