Substrate
finance

CBRE Reports Growth in Data Center Services

CBRE generated more than $3 billion in infrastructure-related revenue in 2025 and nearly $950 million in the first quarter. The company manages about 1,300 data centers globally and is expanding training programs for technical workers.

Fortune
1 source·May 20, 8:30 AM(9 days ago)·1m read
CBRE Reports Growth in Data Center ServicesFortune
Audio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.

CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm, reported strong growth in its data center and critical infrastructure businesses during the first quarter. The company said its data center leasing revenue more than tripled year-over-year. It also announced plans to open two training centers this summer near airports in Ohio and Indianapolis.

The company generated more than $3 billion in infrastructure-related revenue in 2025 and nearly $950 million in the first quarter alone. Critical infrastructure activities accounted for roughly 14% of core EBITDA in 2025, up from about 3% in 2021. CBRE also created a dedicated critical infrastructure services unit focused on data centers, telecom, and power infrastructure.

2 billion in November 2025 and Direct Line Global in June 2024.

CBRE currently manages about 1,300 data centers globally, serves as project manager for roughly 150 facilities, and controls more than 30 development sites. The company said it has secured dozens of potential data center sites and works with major tech companies on land entitlements and power and water access.

Sulentic said finding qualified technical labor has become the biggest challenge. U.S. training centers expected to teach thousands of technicians and skilled trades workers. The first two sites are set to open this summer. Financial analyst Stephen Sheldon at William Blair said CBRE has the most exposure in the data center space and has been more proactive than competitors including JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, and Collier.

Key Facts

Infrastructure revenue
More than $3 billion in 2025
Q1 infrastructure revenue
Nearly $950 million
Data center management
Manages about 1,300 facilities globally
Critical infrastructure share
14% of core EBITDA in 2025

Story Timeline

4 events
  1. June 2024

    CBRE acquired Direct Line Global, a data center services provider.

    1 sourceFortune
  2. November 2025

    CBRE acquired Pearce Services for $1.2 billion.

    1 sourceFortune
  3. April 23

    CBRE reported 19% year-over-year revenue growth on earnings call.

    1 sourceFortune
  4. April

    CBRE issued shareholder letter on critical infrastructure activities.

    1 sourceFortune

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    CBRE plans to open two training centers for data center technicians this summer.

  2. 02

    The company expects its data center business to outgrow the rest of the firm for some time.

  3. 03

    CBRE will continue acquiring land and providing services for hyperscale projects.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score75%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count246 words
PublishedMay 20, 2026, 8:30 AM

Related Stories

SEC Chair Paul Atkins Says Congress Will Pass Crypto Legislationibtimes.com
finance51 min agoDeveloping

SEC Chair Paul Atkins Says Congress Will Pass Crypto Legislation

SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated he is confident Congress will pass crypto market structure legislation. He added that President Trump will sign the bill into law.

WA
BI
2 sources
Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Management Belongs to Iran and Omanasiaone.com
finance51 min agoDeveloping

Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Management Belongs to Iran and Oman

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that control of the Strait of Hormuz must be decided solely by Iran and Oman. The spokesperson also said no agreement has been reached with the United States and that current focus remains on ending the war.

DE
LI
ZE
IN
4 sources
Fed Official Highlights Regulatory Barriers to AI Productivity Gainscnbc.com
finance51 min agoDeveloping

Fed Official Highlights Regulatory Barriers to AI Productivity Gains

A Federal Reserve official stated that productivity growth remains key to economic expansion and that regulatory hurdles are the main obstacle to sustained gains from artificial intelligence.

FI
FI
2 sources