GDS vs GIL Comparison

GDS Holdings started as an IT service provider in 2001, then moved to the data center business with its first self-developed data center opening in 2010. The company now develops and operates data centers in China and also builds, operates, and transfers data centers for other clients. It offers colocation and managed services and mainly targets hyperscale cloud service customers who take large areas of its data centers or even whole data centers under long-term contracts. Its data centers are located predominantly in and around the Tier 1 cities in China, and it has also started expanding into Southeast Asia via the now 23% owned DayOne. GDS listed on the Nasdaq in 2016 and completed a secondary listing in Hong Kong in 2020.

Gildan is a vertically integrated designer and manufacturer of basic apparel, including T-shirts, underwear, socks, and hosiery. It is a leader in blank T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other apparel to wholesalers, major clothing brands, and printers (printwear). Gildan also sells branded clothing through retail and direct-to-consumer channels, a business that was greatly enhanced by the Hanesbrands acquisition in 2025. Gildan's labels include Hanes, Bali, Maidenform, Playtex, Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, and Goldtoe. Gildan produces most of its clothing at factories in Latin America but has been ramping up production at its new facility in Bangladesh. Incorporated in 1984, the Montreal-based company operates internationally but generated 90% of its sales in the US in 2025.