Latest news with #MaxHerveGeorge
Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
French tycoon to cash in on Labour's data centre blitz
A French tycoon is plotting to cash in on the Labour-backed boom in data centres after snapping up planning rights for a landmark development in Cambridgeshire. Max-Hervé George, who runs Swiss-based investment fund SWI Group, has bought a site earmarked for development near Sutton-in-the-Isle with the intention of constructing one of the UK's biggest data centres. Mr George's fund said the new site, which won planning permission three years ago under a different developer, would target a capacity of 330 megawatts (MW) – making it one of the most significant projects in Britain. Mr George's move highlights a new gold rush for data centres after they were classed as critical national infrastructure last September, with Sir Keir Starmer creating 'AI growth zones' so that they can be built more quickly. The Cambridgeshire site aims to cater to a cluster of global technology businesses located in Britain's so-called 'golden triangle' between Cambridge, Oxford and London. It is among a slew of projects lined up across Britain that underpin the Prime Minister's strategy for economic growth. Under the plan, SWI Group has acquired the existing rights and planning permission from another business to develop the land. It plans to invest around £3bn to bring the site to life although the money is yet to be raised. Mr George, 35, said that his business has been 'unstinting and steadfast' in its efforts to create 'Europe's most valuable data centre groups'. He added: 'When we first got involved with data centres six years ago, we could see the demand for computing was going to grow dramatically, but the explosion in the growth of AI has taken even us by surprise.' The Sutton project will be the group's fifth data centre to operate under its AiOnX brand, adding to its sites in Ireland, Denmark, Spain and Italy. SWI is looking to invest more than €20bn (£14.6bn) into the centres, to provide a total capacity of 2 gigawatts. Mr George set up SWI Group earlier this year by merging his Icona Capital business with Switzerland's Stoneweg, a fund manager. He told The Telegraph in March that at least half of the fund's €10bn pot could be ultimately invested in British assets, in what could be a major boost for Sir Keir's push to attract overseas capital and bolster economic growth. Mr George said at the time that he was 'intensively looking to invest in data centres', as well as warehousing and logistics properties. Beyond SWI Group, Mr George made his millions through 'golden ticket' life insurance contracts sold by Aviva France. Under those contracts, which he first received at the age of seven from his father, customers were able to trade funds based on the previous week's prices.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Max-Hervé George Leads SWI Group's Strategic Expansion into European AI and Data Centre Investments
Chairman Max-Hervé George leads the Swiss investment firm into sectors poised to shape Europe's next phase of economic growth. GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / / June 24, 2025 / SWI Group, a global investment firm with a diversified asset base across real estate, finance, and private equity, today announced an expansion of its investment focus to include artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure in Europe. This strategic shift aligns with the firm's commitment to supporting high-impact industries with long-term value creation potential. With the rapid rise of AI technologies and increased demand for digital sovereignty, Europe is transforming its digital backbone. SWI Group's investments in data centres and AI-enabling infrastructure are designed to accelerate this transition. Chairman and Co-CEO Max-Hervé George commented: "Artificial intelligence represents a historic leap in productivity and innovation. By investing in the infrastructure that supports it, we're laying the groundwork for the next generation of economic growth-not just for SWI, but for the broader European economy." Data centres - often overlooked but increasingly critical - are the unsung infrastructure enabling the modern economy. As workloads become more complex and energy-intensive, next-generation facilities will require high-density compute capacity, green energy integration, and low-latency connectivity. SWI Group is actively exploring both greenfield and brownfield opportunities across Europe to meet this demand. Founded on principles of adaptability and long-term thinking, SWI Group's diversified investment portfolio now includes strategic bets in tech-driven sectors. The firm continues to maintain strong positions in traditional asset classes while responding to shifts in global capital flows and innovation patterns. With Switzerland as its base, SWI Group enjoys access to a broad talent pool, a stable regulatory environment, and proximity to major European innovation corridors. The company also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and compliance, ensuring all data infrastructure investments meet emerging ESG standards and future-proof regulatory requirements. As part of its initiative, SWI is actively forming partnerships with technology providers, infrastructure developers, and AI companies to create a vertically integrated investment pipeline. The firm's flexible capital structure enables it to operate across early-stage ventures, infrastructure projects, and growth equity opportunities. With billions under management and a growing network of partners, SWI Group aims to be a central actor in shaping Europe's digital future. Media DetailsCompany Name: SWI GroupContact Person: Alexander MaxwellMail: Alexander@ Geneva, SwitzerlandWebsite: SOURCE: SWI Group View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
