Introduction to Aligned Data Centers Acquisition
Dallas-Fort Worth-based Aligned Data Centers will be acquired in a deal valued at $40 billion — one of the largest such transactions of the year and potentially the biggest ever for any data center company.
The Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership, MGX and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners announced they will acquire 100% equity in the Plano-based firm from private infrastructure funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management and its co-investment partners.
The investment consortium is backed by BlackRock, Microsoft and Nvidia.
The company will keep its headquarters in the Dallas area. Aligned CEO Andrew Schaap and the existing team will continue to lead the firm.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026. This is AIP’s first investment, part of plans to deploy $30 billion of equity capital, with the potential of reaching $100 billion, including debt.
Business Briefing and News
Business Briefing
“Partnering with the Consortium will accelerate our mission to deliver the infrastructure powering tomorrow’s digital economy,” Schapp said in a statement. “With AIP, MGX, and GIP’s global reach, extensive resources, and deep expertise across AI, energy, and finance, we are poised to scale faster, innovate further, and redefine what’s possible in sustainable data center infrastructure.”
Bloomberg first reported the looming transaction earlier this month.
Company Overview and Operations
Aligned Data Centers, which specializes in AI data center infrastructure for hyperscale and enterprise customers, raised a total of $12 billion in January. The firm operates 50 data center campuses across North and South America with 5 gigawatts of capacity in operation or development, according to its website.
Aligned has about 250 employees in D-FW and two data centers in Plano. Another data center in Mansfield is expected to finish construction in 2026.
This is the latest of eye-popping deals tied to the AI boom. Bloomberg reports that Aligned was one of the companies represented at a meeting with Trump administration officials on speeding the development of AI and related infrastructure.
Impact on the Data Center Market
It would mark the second D-FW-based firm GIP owns. GIP and KKR & Co. took data center company CyrusOne in a 2021 deal, valuing the company at about $15 billion.
Demand for data center space in Dallas continues to soar. North Texas is the nation’s second-largest data center market with 1.5 gigawatts of capacity. Northern Virginia is the largest market, according to an August report from JLL.
“This partnership is bringing together leading companies and mobilizing private capital to accelerate AI innovation and drive global economic growth and productivity,” Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of BlackRock and chairman of AIP, said in a statement. “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.”
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Conclusion
The acquisition of Aligned Data Centers by the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership, MGX and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners is a significant development in the data center industry. The deal valued at $40 billion is one of the largest transactions of the year and potentially the biggest ever for any data center company. The partnership is expected to accelerate the growth of Aligned Data Centers and further the development of AI infrastructure.
FAQs
Q: What is the value of the acquisition deal?
A: The acquisition deal is valued at $40 billion.
Q: Who are the companies involved in the acquisition?
A: The Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership, MGX and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners are acquiring 100% equity in Aligned Data Centers.
Q: What is the expected impact of the acquisition on the data center market?
A
