Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 16, A consortium comprising BlackRock, GIP, MGX, Microsoft, and Nvidia, known as the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), has agreed to acquire Aligned Data Centers from Macquarie Asset Management and its co-investors. The deal, announced recently, highlights the growing investment in digital infrastructure supporting AI and hyperscale computing.

AIP, supported by financial anchor investors like the Kuwait Investment Authority and Temasek, aims to enhance next-generation AI infrastructure and drive economic growth through AI advancements. The acquisition marks AIP’s first investment, aligning with its goal to mobilize $30 billion in equity, potentially expanding to $100 billion with debt.

Aligned Data Centers, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, has grown rapidly since its founding less than a decade ago, becoming a leading global data center operator. Its portfolio includes 50 campuses with over 5GW of operational and planned capacity across key regions such as Northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas, Ohio, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, São Paulo, Querétaro, and Santiago.

The company designs and operates advanced data campuses tailored for hyperscalers, neocloud, and enterprise clients. Aligned’s solutions, including Gigascale, Build-to-Scale, and Multi-Tenant Enterprise, utilize patented air, liquid, and hybrid cooling systems to support high-density AI workloads in energy-constrained areas. Its growth is bolstered by a robust supply chain, strategic land acquisitions, and efficient energy strategies, ensuring reliability and performance.

Aligned will continue under the leadership of CEO Andrew Schaap and its existing management team. The consortium brings extensive expertise and financial strength. AIP provides large-scale capital and strategic partnerships, MGX contributes a focus on AI and advanced technologies, and GIP offers experience in managing major infrastructure assets.

Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of BlackRock and chairman of AIP, stated: “AIP is positioned to meet the growing demand for the infrastructure required as AI continues to reshape the global economy. This partnership is bringing together leading companies and mobilising private capital to accelerate AI innovation and drive global economic growth and productivity.”

Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, managing director and CEO of MGX and vice chairman of AIP, said: “We are entering a new era in which AI will fundamentally reengineer our economies and enable accelerated growth. Our investment in Aligned Data Centers will direct scalable capital to an operator built for efficiency and growth.”

Bayo Ogunlesi, chairman and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners, added: “By combining Aligned’s scalable, adaptable platform with AIP’s capital and capabilities, we will build the infrastructure to support innovation at scale.”

Andrew Schaap, CEO of Aligned Data Centers, noted: “Partnering with the Consortium will accelerate our mission to deliver the infrastructure powering tomorrow’s digital economy.”

The transaction is expected to finalize in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions. This acquisition positions Aligned to expand its footprint and enhance sustainable, scalable AI and cloud infrastructure globally.