MGX And BlackRock's Consortium Acquires Aligned Data Centers To Expand AI Infrastructure

The consortium comprising MGX, the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) has announced plans to acquire Aligned Data Centers. This acquisition involves purchasing all equity from Macquarie Asset Management and its partners. The deal is valued at approximately US$40 billion and aims to enhance cloud and AI infrastructure capabilities.

Aligned Data Centers, established less than ten years ago, has rapidly grown into a major player in the data center industry. The company designs and operates advanced data campuses for top-tier hyperscalers and enterprises. Their portfolio includes 50 campuses with over 5 gigawatts of capacity, spread across key regions in the U.S. and Latin America.

The consortium's investment will provide Aligned with the necessary capital to expand its operations. AIP, founded by BlackRock, GIP, MGX, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, aims to boost AI infrastructure capacity. Key investors include the Kuwait Investment Authority and Temasek. The consortium's expertise in AI and digital infrastructure will support Aligned's growth.

Aligned's innovative solutions cater to complex customer needs through patented cooling systems that support high-density AI workloads. Their strong supply chain and strategic partnerships ensure efficiency and reliability. Aligned also benefits from diverse capital sources, offering financial flexibility for future expansion.

Andrew Schaap will continue leading Aligned Data Centers from their Dallas headquarters. The existing leadership team remains intact as they work towards expanding their footprint. The consortium's backing will help Aligned innovate further while delivering next-generation data center solutions.

AIP's first investment marks a significant step towards mobilizing US$30 billion in equity capital, with potential growth to US$100 billion including debt. Aligned's strong customer relationships and strategic presence position it well within AIP’s vision for future AI infrastructure development.

Industry Impact

Larry Fink of BlackRock 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 mobilizing private capital to accelerate AI innovation and drive global economic growth and productivity."

Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi of MGX added: "We are entering a new era in which AI will fundamentally reengineer our economies... Our investment in Aligned Data Centers will direct scalable capital to an operator built for efficiency and growth."

Bayo Ogunlesi of Global Infrastructure Partners commented: "AI is reshaping every sector of the global economy... By combining Aligned’s scalable, adaptable platform with AIP’s capital... we will build the infrastructure to support innovation at scale."

The transaction is anticipated to conclude by mid-2026 after regulatory approvals. With this acquisition, Aligned Data Centers is set to accelerate its mission of delivering essential digital infrastructure for tomorrow’s economy, supported by AIP’s extensive resources in AI, energy, and finance.

With inputs from WAM