Equinix raises bid for IXEurope

NEW YORK, July 19 (Reuters) - U.S. Internet company Equinix Inc. (EQIX.O) on Thursday raised its bid for British data center group IXEurope IXE.L to 140 pence per share from its previous offer of 125 pence per share, the companies said in a joint statement.

IXEurope shares rose more than 14 percent on the news in Thursday trading on the London Stock Exchange.

Equinix's higher bid trumped the offer of a third party, the companies said, and raises the value of the deal to about 270.1 million pounds, or $555 million, before the assumption of debt.

Equinix hopes to close its acquisition of IXEurope by mid-September, it said. The deal is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.