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3C and Datalec Merger: A New Era in Liquid Cooling and Data Centre Services

In a significant move that signals the potential of liquid cooling in the tech space, 3C and Datalec Precision Installations have merged to create what is now known as 3C Datalec. Founded by Steve Walton, former CEO of CoolIT Systems, 3C has combined forces with London-based Datalec to offer a comprehensive suite of data centre infrastructure services that includes design, construction, and operational support tailored for AI data centres. The merger was announced on October 14, 2026, and the combined entity forecasts revenues exceeding $400 million for the year.

This monumental partnership comes at a time when the demand for high-density data processing is escalating due to artificial intelligence workloads, effectively transforming the landscape for data centre operations. With expertise in liquid cooling, mechanical and electrical engineering, and facility management, 3C Datalec aims to be the go-to partner for data centre operators worldwide.

Driving Forces Behind the Merger

The merger not only combines the strengths of both companies but also reflects the evolving needs of the data centre sector, particularly in response to increasing compute density and thermal management challenges posed by AI technologies. As stated by Walton, “Rack densities have outgrown air, and liquid cooling is no longer optional.” This perspective highlights the pressing need for advanced cooling solutions to ensure the efficacy and efficiency of data centres.

Backed by significant investments from prominent firms such as Longbow Capital and S2G Investments, 3C Datalec is poised for expansive growth. The strategy is clear: hire around 200 engineers and inaugurate new facilities in key locations like Warsaw, Calgary, and Austin over the next year. The combined workforce is expected to enhance the company’s capabilities to support extensive projects across 16 countries, reinforcing operations in Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

The Three Pillars of Operation

3C Datalec organizes its services as follows:
1. Create: Comprehensive design and engineering services tailored to meet the specific needs of AI-powered data centres.
2. Construct: Expertise in liquid cooling, mechanical and electrical installations, alongside ODM manufacturing and connectivity solutions.
3. Care: Ongoing commissioning, operations handling, and facilities management to ensure the continued success of data centre operations.

This systematic approach not only provides efficiency but also aligns with the company’s mission to streamline operations for its clients, creating a seamless experience from conception to execution.

Training the Next Generation

A pressing issue in the industry is the shortage of skilled engineers capable of handling the demands of modern data centres. To combat this, 3C Datalec recognizes the importance of investing in its talent pool. The newly formed entity has pledged to cultivate its workforce through robust apprenticeship and technical training programs offered via its internal university. Moreover, employees will participate in the Leadership Employee Equity Program (LEEP), fostering a culture of ownership and shared success.

As Danny Keeper, Group Director and Co-Founder of Datalec remarked, the firm has always prioritized its people. “We’ve built strong relationships and a culture that people want to be part of,” he said. The partnership with 3C further enhances this ethos, enabling Datalec to expand globally without losing its core identity.

Stuart Richmond, also a Co-Founder, conveys confidence in the merger, emphasizing that existing teams and contacts will remain unchanged. “Joining 3C means we can now offer liquid cooling at a global scale,” he stated, reinforcing the commitment to customer satisfaction and project excellence.

The Future of Data Centre Infrastructure

Industry experts, including Matthew Cunning from Longbow Capital, see this merger as pivotal for the future of data centre tech. The dual capabilities brought together by 3C and Datalec position them as leaders in the rapidly evolving infrastructure landscape. With AI reshaping operational needs, the role of liquid cooling becomes increasingly central, marking a new era for data centres across the globe.

Moreover, Bala Nagarajan of S2G Investments remarked on the nature of future investments, stating, “The next phase of data centre investment will be shaped by both new development and the need to upgrade existing facilities for higher-density workloads.” This vision aligns perfectly with 3C Datalec’s mission of creating cutting-edge critical infrastructure for today’s technologically advanced environments.

In summary, the merger of 3C and Datalec not only creates a powerful player in liquid cooling and data centre services but is also indicative of a broader shift in the industry. With ambitious plans for growth and innovation, 3C Datalec is set to redefine data centre infrastructure, ensuring its clients are equipped to thrive in an AI-driven future.