NL-ix is acquiring the Stockholm Internet eXchange (STHIX) from the Swedish IaaS provider Glesys. This move gives the Dutch internet exchange a foothold in Sweden. Customers of both parties will eventually gain access to each other’s networks.
STHIX was founded in 2006 and provides neutral Internet Exchange services in Sweden. Glesys, a Nordic provider of Infrastructure as a Service, acquired the exchange in 2020. The platform is now changing hands again. NL-ix says it will retain STHIX’s local presence and expertise.
According to STHIX, approximately 84 networks are connected to the exchange. The exchange operates at multiple locations in Stockholm and other Swedish cities, with ports ranging from 100 Mbit/s to 100 Gbit/s.
For NL-ix, this marks an expansion into Northern Europe. In the long term, the company aims to offer STHIX customers a broader range of interconnection and connectivity products. Conversely, existing NL-ix customers will be able to use the STHIX network. NL-ix CEO Jan Hoogenboom: “We share a common philosophy: building neutral, reliable, and high-quality interconnection services that help networks, businesses, and digital platforms grow.”
Glesys isn’t going anywhere. The company describes the sale as a way to sharpen its focus on Nordic digital infrastructure. CEO Glenn Johansson: “Glesys will remain closely connected as a customer and infrastructure partner, ensuring continuity as STHIX customers gain access to a broader range of services and a wider European reach.”
From Amsterdam to Europe
NL-ix was founded in 2001 as an alternative to AMS-IX. Since 2011, KPN has owned the exchange, where it operates as an independent company. Its offerings now extend beyond public peering. Through an interconnect, companies gain direct, monitored connections to some 2,400 public networks, including cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
NL-ix also announced a partnership with Anapaya last October. The goal was to bring SCION-based connectivity to Europe, a network architecture in which routes are verifiable and security is paramount.
For STHIX customers, little will change for the time being. NL-ix says it is prioritizing operational stability and continuity. Only then will it expand its services.
The companies have not disclosed how much NL-ix is paying for the acquisition.