The consortium will buy Aligned from private infrastructure funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management and its co-invest partners, in a deal that underscores the surge of investment capital targeting the digital infrastructure underpinning AI and hyperscale growth.

Founded by BlackRock, GIP, MGX, Microsoft and Nvidia, the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP) is designed to accelerate the capacity of next-generation AI infrastructure and shape the future of AI-driven economic development. Financial anchor investors include the Kuwait Investment Authority and Temasek.

In less than a decade, Aligned Data Centers has grown into one of the largest and fastest-expanding data centre operators globally.

The company designs, builds and operates advanced data campuses for leading hyperscalers, neocloud and enterprise innovators. Its current portfolio spans 50 campuses and more than 5GW of operational and planned capacity, with sites in key digital gateway regions including Northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas, Ohio, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, São Paulo, Querétaro and Santiago.

The company’s growth has been driven by strong execution and a customer-focused model that enables it to meet the demanding requirements of hyperscale clients. Its Gigascale, Build-to-Scale and Multi-Tenant Enterprise solutions use a combination of patented air, liquid and hybrid cooling systems designed to support high-density AI workloads, even in energy-constrained regions.

Aligned also benefits from a “robust supply chain”, strategic land acquisitions, and advanced energy enablement strategies that ensure high efficiency and reliability. The company will continue to be headquartered in Dallas, Texas, under the leadership of CEO Andrew Schaap and the existing management team.

The consortium brings deep sector experience and financial capability, the companies said in a release.

AIP contributes the ability to mobilise large-scale capital and foster strategic partnerships, MGX brings a global investment focus on AI and advanced technologies, while GIP’s experience in owning and operating major infrastructure assets adds operational depth. Together, the group aims to position Aligned as a core platform to meet escalating global demand for sustainable, scalable AI and cloud infrastructure.

The deal marks AIP’s first investment and forms part of its ambition to mobilise $30 billion of equity, with potential expansion to $100 billion including debt.

According to the partners, the acquisition will equip Aligned with the capital and strategic support required to expand its footprint, enhance innovation, and accelerate delivery of next-generation infrastructure.

Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of BlackRock and chairman of AIP said: “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 mobilising 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.”

Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, managing director and CEO of MGX and vice chairman of AIP said: “We are entering a new era in which AI will fundamentally reengineer our economies and enable accelerated growth. Compute 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.”

Bayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners added: “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.”

Andrew Schaap, CEO of Aligned Data Centers, said: “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 centre infrastructure.”

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

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