$40 Billion AI Data Center Acquisition Shakes Industry
A powerful investor group, led by BlackRock, Microsoft, and Nvidia, has made headlines with a remarkable $40 billion deal to acquire Aligned Data Centers, one of the largest data center operators globally. This acquisition marks a significant step in securing essential computing capacity that is vital for the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (AI).
The acquisition took place on Wednesday, with Aligned Data Centers being purchased from the Australian Macquarie Asset Management. This deal is the first for the AI Infrastructure Partnership, a collaboration formed last year that includes prominent investors like Abu Dhabi's MGX fund and Elon Musk’s xAI startup.
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink emphasized the importance of this investment, stating that it supports their goal of providing the necessary infrastructure to fuel the future of AI. This deal is part of a broader trend where major tech companies are significantly increasing their investments in AI infrastructure, with Morgan Stanley estimating that they will spend around $400 billion this year alone.
Aligned Data Centers has been a significant beneficiary of the AI infrastructure boom, raising $12 billion in equity and debt earlier this year. The company operates over 5 gigawatts of capacity across 50 campuses in the U.S. and Latin America, positioning itself as a key player in meeting the increasing demand for AI capabilities.
As the AI revolution continues, tech giants like Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta are also investing heavily in their AI infrastructures. Meta, for instance, is constructing multi-gigawatt data centers with ambitious projects like Prometheus and Hyperion expected to go online in the coming years.
The investor group that acquired Aligned also includes significant stakeholders like Kuwait Investment Authority and Singapore’s Temasek, aiming to deploy an initial target of $30 billion in equity capital, with potential total investments reaching up to $100 billion when factoring in debt.
As the demand for AI technology skyrockets, the value of data centers is becoming increasingly apparent to investors. Joe Tigay from Equity Armor Investments stated that the acquisition highlights the rapid expansion needed to meet AI demands. Aligned Data Centers will continue to operate from its Dallas headquarters under CEO Andrew Schaap when the deal closes in 2026.
This acquisition reflects the robust growth of the AI ecosystem, showcasing the strategic investments being made to prepare for an AI-driven future.
