BlackRock-Led Consortium Acquires Aligned Data Centres for $40B

A consortium led by asset manager BlackRock, which includes technology giants Nvidia and Microsoft, has announced plans to acquire Aligned Data Centres from the Australian financial services group Macquarie for approximately US$40 billion (around $69.9 billion). This acquisition underscores the growing demand within the technology sector for AI infrastructure, which encompasses essential components such as chips, servers, and data centres that supply the necessary computing storage and processing capabilities for artificial intelligence applications.

Aligned Data Centres, founded in 2013, operates over 50 data centres across regions including the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. The company boasts a projected capacity exceeding 5 gigawatts, positioning it as a significant player in the data centre market.

Macquarie first invested in Aligned in 2018 through its subsidiary Macquarie Asset Management. The firm subsequently increased its stake in the company in 2020, reflecting a long-term commitment to the data centre sector.

The consortium acquiring Aligned Data Centres combines resources from several prominent entities. In addition to BlackRock, the group includes the Emirati sovereign technology fund MGX, and the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP). AIP is a joint venture established by BlackRock in 2024, incorporating investment and expertise from Nvidia and Microsoft.

The acquisition not only highlights the ongoing investment in AI infrastructure but also reflects the strategic importance of data centres in supporting the growing needs of businesses and services reliant on artificial intelligence technologies. As companies continue to invest heavily in AI capabilities, the demand for robust data centre operations is expected to rise even further, shaping the future landscape of the tech industry.

This transaction is indicative of a broader trend in the market, where significant investments are being made to bolster AI capabilities. The completion of this deal is anticipated to have substantial implications for the operational capabilities of the consortium and the overall data centre ecosystem.