ABU DHABI, 16 October 2025: A consortium comprising Abu Dhabi-based MGX, the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) has announced an agreement to acquire 100 percent of Aligned Data Centers from funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management and its co-investors. The transaction values Aligned at approximately US$40 billion and is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
The deal marks AIP’s inaugural investment and signals one of the largest-ever acquisitions in the data infrastructure sector. The consortium aims to support the development of digital infrastructure critical to artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Aligned Data Centers, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, has grown into one of the leading data center operators in North and Latin America, with 50 operational and planned data campuses offering more than 5 gigawatts of capacity.
Founded by BlackRock, GIP, MGX, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, AIP was established to expand global AI infrastructure. The partnership includes anchor investors such as the Kuwait Investment Authority and Temasek. It plans to deploy US$30 billion in equity capital, with a potential total commitment of up to US$100 billion when including debt.
Aligned’s assets are strategically located across major digital gateway markets including Northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Ohio, São Paulo, Querétaro, and Santiago. The company specializes in designing and operating advanced data centers tailored to hyperscalers, neocloud providers, and enterprise clients. Its patented and patent-pending cooling technologies are engineered to support high-density AI workloads, offering air, liquid, and hybrid systems for enhanced operational adaptability.
Consortium aims to scale AI infrastructure globally
Aligned will continue to be led by CEO Andrew Schaap and its existing leadership team. The company’s headquarters will remain in Dallas. According to the consortium, Aligned’s management has demonstrated consistent execution across development, operations, and delivery of scalable infrastructure for a growing base of cloud and AI clients.
The transaction provides Aligned with access to new capital and expertise from partners with deep experience in global infrastructure, AI, energy, and technology investments. GIP, acquired by BlackRock earlier this year, manages over US$100 billion in assets across infrastructure sectors. MGX, which focuses on advanced technologies, and AIP, as a newly launched platform, bring together public and private sector capital to back AI-related infrastructure projects at scale.
Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock and Chair of AIP, said the investment reflects the growing demand for AI infrastructure globally. MGX CEO Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, who also serves as Vice Chairman of AIP, said the transaction enables scalable capital deployment to infrastructure designed for AI adoption. Bayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of GIP, noted that the acquisition combines Aligned’s platform with AIP’s capital to build the infrastructure underpinning future innovation.
Investment supports expansion into high-demand AI regions
Aligned’s portfolio includes a robust pipeline of development projects supported by strategic land positions, power procurement capabilities, and long-term client relationships. The company has secured partnerships and supply chains to ensure efficient scaling in energy-constrained regions, aligning with data-intensive AI workloads.
The acquisition reinforces a broader trend of consolidation and capital inflows into digital infrastructure, as global investment firms target assets capable of supporting the next phase of technology-driven growth. The closing of the transaction will be subject to regulatory reviews in relevant jurisdictions and final approvals by the involved parties. – By Content Syndication Services.