8-KAcquisitions & DispositionsMaterial AgreementsFinancial Events

EQUINIX INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Dec 22, 2005)

Filed December 22, 2005For Securities:EQIX

Summary

Equinix, Inc. (EQIX) filed an 8-K on December 22, 2005, detailing several material definitive agreements and asset dispositions that significantly impact its real estate portfolio and financial obligations. The company completed a sale-leaseback transaction for a 107,000 square foot data center in El Segundo, California, receiving $38.7 million in cash while simultaneously leasing the facility back. This move appears to be part of a broader strategy involving iStar LLC, which is also involved in a significant mortgage and lease agreement for Equinix's Beaumeade Business Park in Ashburn, Virginia, and amendments to a ground lease in San Jose, California.

Key Highlights

  • 1Completion of a sale-leaseback transaction for a 107,000 sq ft El Segundo, California data center for $38.7 million cash.
  • 2Entered into a 20-year lease for the El Segundo data center with iStar El Segundo LLC.
  • 3Secured a $60 million, 20-year mortgage for the 32-acre Beaumeade Business Park in Ashburn, Virginia, with a fixed interest rate of 8.00%.
  • 4Entered into a 20-year Master Lease for the Beaumeade Business Park, requiring Equinix to invest at least $40 million in improvements by December 31, 2007.
  • 5Amended a ground lease in San Jose, California, assigning it to a subsidiary, with a modified term to December 31, 2007, and a base rent of $40 million.
  • 6Recognized a one-time restructuring charge of approximately $30-35 million in Q4 2005 related to the San Jose ground lease amendment.
  • 7Assigned a telecommunications office lease in Los Angeles to its subsidiary, Equinix Operating Co., Inc., effective January 1, 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

Equinix received $38.7 million in cash from the sale of the El Segundo data center. Simultaneously, the company entered into a long-term lease to continue operating the facility, maintaining operational continuity while realizing immediate capital.

Equinix secured a $60 million mortgage for the Beaumeade Business Park with a 20-year term and a fixed 8.00% annual interest rate. Concurrently, a 20-year Master Lease was put in place for the entire park, which requires Equinix to invest a minimum of $40 million in improvements by the end of 2007.

A restructuring charge of approximately $30-35 million is expected in the fourth quarter of 2005 due to the amendment of the San Jose ground lease. This amendment shortens the lease term and alters payment obligations, necessitating this charge.

Several transactions involve iStar LLC and its affiliates, as well as SFT I, Inc. The filing notes that iStar LLC (or affiliates) is involved in the El Segundo sale-leaseback, owns land leased by Equinix in San Jose, and has mortgage arrangements with an Equinix subsidiary regarding property in Ashburn, Virginia. SFT I, Inc. is the lender for the Beaumeade Business Park mortgage.