JLL enhances data centre capabilities with independent consultancy acquisition

• JLL acquires VIPA Digital, a leading data centre consultancy, establishing the firm as a premier specialist advisor in the commercial real estate market
• VIPA brings immediate technical depth with a team of specialist consultants who have delivered over 200 data centre projects across 31 countries, serving leading global investors and operators
• VIPA's upstream advisory expertise creates natural pull-through to JLL's Capital Markets, Project & Development Services, and Facilities Management platforms

LONDON, 29, October, 2026 – As global data centre demand continues to surge, JLL has concluded the purchase of VIPA Digital Limited (VIPA), a London-headquartered, leading independent data centre consultancy. The acquisition enables JLL to provide solutions across the full data centre lifecycle and adds significant technical depth to its existing offerings.

Founded in 2018 by industry stalwarts Vijay Mistry and Paul Cranfield, VIPA has built its reputation serving investors, developers, and operators globally in delivering 168 data centre projects across 31 countries. VIPA’s team of specialist consultants will now join JLL Work Dynamics, led by Mistry and Cranfield, who will report to Sue Asprey Price, CEO, EMEA Work Dynamics & Global Head of Portfolio Services.

The acquisition establishes JLL as a premier specialist data centre advisor, adding immediate, proven technical expertise that clients are actively demanding. It positions JLL to compete with depth and credibility in a mission-critical, high-growth sector where global capacity demand is set to grow 3.5x from 2025-2030, with 2,267 new data centres expected in operation over the next five years. JLL's latest research projects data centre infrastructure spending will reach $6.7 trillion through 2030, driven by AI and cloud expansion, with consulting services demand growing at 13% CAGR. In this supply-constrained market, VIPA brings scarce, mission-critical talent precisely when the industry needs it most.

"As we help clients navigate the unprecedented growth in data centre infrastructure, we welcome the VIPA team and are excited to significantly enhance our advisory capabilities for this rapidly evolving sector,” said Neil Murray, CEO of Work Dynamics, JLL. “We're responding to increased opportunity to deliver the specialised upstream consulting expertise our clients are actively seeking. Bringing VIPA into JLL gives us a platform to take that expertise to clients around the world, working alongside our colleagues in every region.”

Sue Asprey Price, CEO of EMEA Work Dynamics and Global Head of Portfolio Services, JLL, added: “This acquisition is a clear demonstration of JLL's commitment to the data centre sector as a core pillar of our Accelerate 2030 strategy and positions us to expertly support our clients' data centre solutions now and into the future."

The deal follows a similar investment in 2024, with JLL’s acquisition of SKAE Power Solutions, a New York-based provider of data centre technical and project management services.

"We're thrilled to join JLL at such a pivotal moment for the sector. VIPA has built its reputation by delivering institutional-grade advice to some of the leading investors and operators through a unique approach that bridges commercial, technical, and market perspectives," said Vijay Mistry, Partner & Co-founder at VIPA." He added: “Partnering with JLL allows us to bring that same rigour and independence to a broader client base, while delivering the end-to-end solutions the market is demanding."

"What excites us most about joining JLL is the opportunity to combine VIPA's technical depth with JLL's integrated service platform," said Paul Cranfield, Partner & Co-founder at VIPA. " Capital Markets, Project & Development Services, and Facilities Management capabilities create natural synergies with our upstream advisory work – enabling us to support clients across the entire asset lifecycle while preserving the independence and technical excellence that our clients value."

Why is JLL acquiring VPA Digital?
 

This acquisition aligns with JLL's Accelerate 2030 strategy of building deep, specialist capability in the sectors our clients need most. Data centres represent one of the fastest-growing segments of commercial real estate, and VIPA brings world-class technical advisory expertise, a proven global track record, and deep client relationships that significantly enhance JLL's existing platform. VIPA's full-lifecycle advisory capability reinforces JLL's offering and positions us to compete with depth and credibility in a mission-critical, high-growth sector.

How will JLL clients benefit from this acquisition?
 

JLL clients will gain access to specialist upstream data centre advisory services that complement our existing Capital Markets, Project & Development Services, and Facilities Management capabilities. VIPA's advisory mandates create natural pull-through opportunities across JLL's platform, enabling us to deliver coordinated, end-to-end solutions from strategy and consulting through to project delivery and ongoing facilities management. This integrated approach provides clients with seamless support across the entire data centre lifecycle.

Will VIPA retain its name and independent positioning?
 

For now, we will retain the VIPA brand. Over the coming months, we will evaluate how and when we might further integrate the VIPA team into our delivery model, go-to-market strategies, and brand structure. VIPA will operate with a semi-autonomous model that preserves its independent positioning and technical culture—key factors that clients value.

Who are VIPA’s clients?
 

VIPA serves leading investors, developers, and operators in the data centre sector, including hyperscalers, colocation providers, neoclouds, and institutional investors. We do not disclose specific client names.

Will VIPA’s employees become employees of JLL?
 

Yes. The entire VIPA team will join JLL. Vijay Mistry and Paul Cranfield will report to Sue Asprey Price, CEO, EMEA Work Dynamics & Global Head of Portfolio Services. The rest of the VIPA team will maintain their current reporting lines as we work through integration planning.

How does this fit with JLL's broader data centre strategy?
 

This acquisition is a clear demonstration of JLL's commitment to the data centre sector as a core pillar of our Accelerate 2030 strategy. It follows our 2024 acquisition of SKAE Power Solutions and reflects our continued investment in building world-class technical capabilities to serve this high-growth market. The acquisition deepens client relationships and expertise aligned with JLL's strategic priorities.

What makes VIPA's approach distinctive?
 

VIPA brings a unique "three-lens" approach that bridges commercial, technical, and market perspectives. The team combines experience from leading firms including Digital Realty, Morgan Stanley, UBS, Arup, and Dell, and is recognised globally for technical depth and commercial rigour. This independent, institutional-grade advisory capability is precisely what clients need to navigate the complexities of data centre infrastructure investment and development.

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