MGX, AIP, and BlackRock GIP to Acquire Aligned Data Centers for $40B
MGX, the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) have agreed to acquire 100 percent of Aligned Data Centers for approximately $40 billion. The transaction, expected to close in the first half of 2026 pending regulatory approvals, represents AIP’s first investment and a major milestone in its plan to mobilize $30 billion in equity capital.
This acquisition aims to strengthen the expansion of next-generation cloud and AI infrastructure worldwide. “We are entering a new era in which AI will fundamentally reengineer our economies and enable accelerated growth. Computer infrastructure at scale will be foundational to that progress. Our investment in Aligned Data Centers will direct scalable capital to an operator built for efficiency and growth, with the mission to deliver the infrastructure needed to support global AI adoption,” said Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, managing director and CEO of MGX and vice chairman of AIP.
Founded by MGX, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and other major partners, AIP seeks to expand the capacity of AI infrastructure and support future economic growth. Its anchor investors include the Kuwait Investment Authority and Temasek, reflecting strong institutional confidence.
Building the Future of AI Data Centers
Aligned Data Centers has rapidly grown into one of the largest data center companies globally. Over the past decade, it has designed and operated state-of-the-art campuses for hyperscalers, neocloud, and enterprise clients. Currently, the company’s portfolio spans 50 campuses and more than 5 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity across major regions such as Northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Sao Paulo, Queretaro, and Santiago.
Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of BlackRock and chairman of AIP, stated, “AIP is positioned to meet the growing demand for the infrastructure required as AI continues to reshape the global economy. This partnership is bringing together leading companies and mobilizing private capital to accelerate AI innovation and drive global economic growth and productivity. 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.”
Aligned’s technology uses advanced air, liquid, and hybrid cooling systems to handle high-density AI workloads efficiently. Furthermore, its strong supply chain, energy partnerships, and strategic land acquisitions enhance both reliability and sustainability. These strengths make the company a leader in efficient, adaptable data center design.
Leadership, Strategy, and Vision Ahead
Aligned will continue to be led by CEO Andrew Schaap and its existing executive team from its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Schaap emphasized the company’s forward-looking approach, saying, “Partnering with the consortium will accelerate our mission to deliver the infrastructure powering tomorrow’s digital economy. 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.”
The consortium combines deep expertise across AI, energy, and digital infrastructure. Its partnership structure enables capital formation at scale and focuses on sustainability and innovation. “AI is reshaping every sector of the global economy. By combining Aligned’s scalable, adaptable platform with AIP’s capital and capabilities, we will build the infrastructure to support innovation at scale – creating resilient, sustainable communities and unlocking transformative growth worldwide,” said Bayo Ogunlesi, chairman and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners.
This collaboration will provide Aligned Data Centers with the resources and strategic backing required to meet rising demand for scalable, sustainable digital infrastructure. As a result, the company is expected to expand faster, innovate more deeply, and continue delivering advanced data center solutions that will shape the future of AI infrastructure.
