Australian AI data-centre operator Firmus withdrew its planned US$5 billion stock market listing on October 9, 2026, Reuters reported. The Nvidia-backed company will seek private funding instead, as investors scrutinise the cost and value of infrastructure built for artificial intelligence.
In a statement reported by ABC and the BBC, Firmus cited market volatility and said the proposed offer did not reflect its business or long-term growth prospects. The company had sought an Australian market valuation of about A$44 billion at A$11 per share. Reuters said the sale would have been Australia's second-largest initial public offering.
The company's portfolio spans seven AI facilities in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, according to its website as reported by ABC. Two sites operate in Australia and Singapore, while five are under development with a target of entering service within 24 months. Those dates are development targets, rather than completed capacity.
UniSuper investment chief John Pearce said the fund declined to invest directly because of the valuation, ABC reported. He also expressed concern that Firmus would repeatedly need more debt and equity to finance expansion. His comments highlight questions about the funding required to turn planned computing facilities into operating infrastructure.
The withdrawal redirects a major AI infrastructure fundraising effort away from Australia's public market. Reuters reported weak investor demand, while the company attributed its decision to market conditions. These explanations distinguish investors' reservations about the offer from Firmus's own assessment of its business prospects.
Firmus said it would explore private funding and other market options, and update shareholders as those plans advance. A person involved in the transaction told Reuters a private round would be followed by a Nasdaq listing. Firmus declined to comment on that possibility, so a US listing remains unconfirmed.
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