BlackRock and Partners Set to Acquire Aligned Data Centers for $40 Billion

An investment consortium that includes major players such as BlackRock, Nvidia, xAI, and Microsoft has announced plans to acquire Aligned Data Centers in a deal valued at $40 billion. This transaction, unveiled on Wednesday, marks the first investment by the newly formed Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP).

AIP aims to initially deploy $30 billion in equity capital, with potential growth to $100 billion when factoring in debt. The consortium represents a significant collaboration between some of the leading figures in the technology and investment sectors, reflecting the growing importance of data infrastructure in the age of artificial intelligence.

The acquisition is projected to close in the first half of 2026. Aligned Data Centers specializes in designing, building, and operating data centers tailored for hyperscalers, neocloud services, and enterprise clients. Its extensive portfolio comprises 50 campuses and over 5 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity. These assets are strategically located across the United States and Latin America, catering to the increasing demand for robust data solutions.

Aligned will maintain its headquarters in Dallas, Texas, under the leadership of CEO Andrew Schaap. The firm’s established reputation in the data center market positions it well to benefit from the significant investment from AIP, which seeks to enhance the infrastructure needed to support the burgeoning AI sector.

The partnership between these influential organizations highlights a collective recognition of the critical role that data centers play in the modern digital economy. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the need for scalable and efficient data infrastructure is expected to grow, making this acquisition a timely and strategic move.

In summary, the acquisition of Aligned Data Centers by the AIP consortium not only signifies a substantial financial commitment but also underscores the vital intersection of investment and technological advancement in today’s marketplace. This collaboration promises to drive innovation and support the infrastructure necessary for the future of AI and data management.