BlackRock's GIP Nears $40B Acquisition of Aligned Data Centers

Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), owned by BlackRock, is in advanced discussions to acquire Macquarie-backed Aligned Data Centers in a deal valued at approximately $40 billion. The talks also involve Abu Dhabi-based AI investment firm MGX, founded by Mubadala and G42, which may invest as part of the transaction. Aligned Data Centers, a key player in AI infrastructure, operates nearly 80 data centers with over 5 gigawatts of capacity, serving hyperscale cloud providers and AI firms. This acquisition highlights the surge in investor demand for data centers critical to powering AI applications amid a global race for computing capacity. The deal would rank among the largest private data center acquisitions, reflecting the growing economic importance of digital infrastructure. Additionally, GIP is exploring other infrastructure investments, including a potential acquisition of power company AES, driven by rising electricity demand from AI operations.