MGX, the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) have announced that they will acquire 100% of Aligned Data Centers from private infrastructure funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management and its co-investment partners. The transaction, which values Aligned at approximately $40 billion, will support the expansion of next-generation cloud and AI infrastructure globally.
AIP was founded by BlackRock, GIP, MGX, Microsoft, and NVIDIA to expand AI infrastructure capacity and drive AI-driven economic growth. Its financial anchor investors include the Kuwait Investment Authority and Temasek.
Aligned Data Centers’ Growth and Capabilities
In less than a decade, Aligned has grown into one of the largest and fastest-growing data center companies worldwide. The company designs, builds, and operates data campuses for hyperscalers, neocloud providers, and enterprise innovators. Its portfolio includes 50 campuses and over 5 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity across key Tier 1 digital hubs in the U.S. and Latin America, including Northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas, Ohio, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Sao Paulo, Queretaro, and Santiago.
Aligned leverages patented air, liquid, and hybrid cooling systems to deliver adaptable solutions for high-density AI workloads. Its strong supply chain, strategic land acquisitions, and energy enablement contribute to efficiency and reliability, while access to multiple sources of capital provides flexibility for future growth. The company will remain headquartered in Dallas, Texas, under CEO Andrew Schaap and the current leadership team.
Strategic Partnership and Outlook
The consortium brings deep expertise in AI and digital infrastructure. AIP provides capital formation at scale, MGX contributes global investment focus on AI and advanced technologies, and GIP offers experience operating complex infrastructure assets. This collaboration will equip Aligned with the resources and strategic support needed to accelerate growth, expand its footprint, and continue delivering next-generation data center solutions.
The transaction is AIP’s first investment and is part of its goal to mobilize $30 billion in equity capital, potentially reaching $100 billion including debt. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, said: “With this investment in Aligned Data Centers, we further our goal of delivering the infrastructure necessary to power the future of AI, while offering our clients attractive opportunities to participate in its growth.” Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, CEO of MGX, added: “Our investment will direct scalable capital to an operator built for efficiency and growth, delivering the infrastructure needed to support global AI adoption.” Bayo Ogunlesi, CEO of GIP, said: “We will build the infrastructure to support innovation at scale — creating resilient, sustainable communities and unlocking transformative growth worldwide.”
Andrew Schaap, CEO of Aligned Data Centers, concluded: “Partnering with the consortium will accelerate our mission to deliver the infrastructure powering tomorrow’s digital economy. We are poised to scale faster, innovate further, and redefine what’s possible in sustainable data center infrastructure.”
