Abu dhabi: MGX, the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) have announced their acquisition of Aligned Data Centers. The consortium will purchase 100% of Aligned’s equity from private infrastructure funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management and its co-invest partners. This transaction, which values Aligned at an enterprise value of approximately US$40 billion, is set to advance the expansion of cloud and AI infrastructure.
According to Emirates News Agency, AIP was established by BlackRock, GIP, MGX, Microsoft, and NVIDIA with the goal of expanding AI infrastructure capacity and shaping AI-driven economic growth. The financial backing for AIP comes from notable investors such as the Kuwait Investment Authority and Temasek.
In under ten years, Aligned has grown into a leading data center company, known for designing and operating state-of-the-art data campuses for top hyperscalers, neocloud, and enterprise innovators. Aligned’s assets include over 50 campuses and more than 5 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity, with developments in key regions across the U.S. and Latin America, including locations like Northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas, Ohio, and international sites in Sao Paulo, Queretaro, and Santiago.
Aligned’s swift growth is attributed to its strong execution and operational capabilities, led by an experienced management team. The company meets complex requirements of hyperscalers by maintaining agility and innovation. Its solutions incorporate advanced cooling systems to support high-density AI workloads, even in energy-limited areas.
The company’s growth is further supported by a robust supply chain, strategic partnerships, and land acquisitions, ensuring efficiency and reliability. Aligned will continue to be headquartered in Dallas, Texas, under the leadership of CEO Andrew Schaap and the current management team.
The consortium, with expertise in AI and digital infrastructure, will provide Aligned with the necessary capital and strategic support to meet increasing demands for digital infrastructure. Aligned aims to expand its footprint and continue offering innovative data center solutions under the consortium’s backing.
This acquisition marks the first investment for AIP, aligning with its target to mobilize and deploy US$30 billion in equity capital, with potential growth to US$100 billion including debt. Aligned’s strong customer relationships and presence in strategic digital hubs position it as a key player in AIP’s vision for AI infrastructure’s future.
The deal is expected to finalize in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, emphasized the importance of AI infrastructure in reshaping the global economy. Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, CEO of MGX, highlighted AI’s role in economic growth, while Bayo Ogunlesi of GIP noted the transformative potential of combining Aligned’s platform with AIP’s resources. Andrew Schaap, CEO of Aligned, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential to accelerate innovation and growth in sustainable data center infrastructure.