BlackRock Plans $40 Billion Acquisition of Aligned Data Centers for AI Expansion

BlackRock Inc.'s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is in advanced talks to acquire Aligned Data Centers in a deal valued at around $40 billion, potentially one of the largest data center transactions of the year. Aligned, based in Plano, Texas, operates 78 data centers across the U.S. and South America, supporting AI infrastructure demand with 5 gigawatts of processing power capacity, and recently raised $12 billion to expand its footprint. The acquisition aligns with BlackRock's broader strategy to invest heavily in AI-related infrastructure, including partnerships with Microsoft and Mubadala's MGX, aiming to raise $100 billion for data center development. This move follows BlackRock's prior acquisitions in the sector, such as the $15 billion purchase of CyrusOne, and is part of a growing trend where sovereign funds and major investors are accelerating AI infrastructure investments. Aligned has also engaged with President Donald Trump's administration on AI policy acceleration, underscoring the intersection of capital markets, corporate strategy, and government priorities. While the AI infrastructure market shows strong capital inflows, some investors caution about valuation sustainability if revenues do not meet expectations.