By Steven Russolillo Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Savvis Inc. (SVVS) Chief Executive Jim Ousley said Monday that his company hasn't hired an investment banker, refuting reports that the company inked a deal with Qatalyst Partners. Savvis--a data center operator that provides web hosting, network and other so-called cloud-computing services--has been a prime takeover target this year following recent deals in the data-storage sector. Ousley has said Savvis has generated more interest from bankers in recent weeks and has had more strategic discussions than usual. But Ousley firmly denied Savvis had reached an agreement with San Francisco-based Qatalyst, the investment banking firm that advised 3Par last year during the bidding war between Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) and Dell Inc. (DELL). "We have not had any discussions with Qatalyst, not a single one," Ousley said in an interview with Dow Jones Newswires. "We have no idea where that rumor came from, we've never talked to those people." A representative for Qatalyst, which was founded by investment banker Frank Quattrone, wasn't immediately available for comment. Savvis shares, which earlier Monday rose as much as 9%, recently added 2.2% at $33.91. The stock has more than doubled since July and is up 33% in 2011. Investors are guessing Savvis could be the next takeover target amid increasing consolidation with the data-storage industry. Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) announced earlier this year plans to acquire Terremark Worldwide Inc. (TMRK) for $1.4 billion. Ousley said the company intends to continue exploring strategic partnerships overseas. Last month, Savvis reached a deal with Bharti Airtel Ltd., a deal that will help expand its infrastructure and service platforms into India. The company has mentioned Europe, Brazil and China as its next target areas. "At this point in time we have not hired any outside advisors, but we're consulting with bankers as we always do," Ousley said. "We're in the process of exploring opportunities, particularly overseas." -By Steven Russolillo, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2180; steven.russolillo@dowjones.com
