BlackRock Subsidiary GIP Negotiates $40 Billion Aligned Data Centers Deal

Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a subsidiary of BlackRock Inc., is in advanced negotiations to acquire Aligned Data Centers in a transaction potentially valued at $40 billion. If completed, the deal would rank as one of the five largest transactions of 2025, driven by the escalating need for computing capacity and AI-ready digital infrastructure.

Aligned Data Centers, headquartered in Plano, Texas, operates 78 data centers and 50 campuses across the United States and South America with a total processing capacity of 5 gigawatts. The company previously received $12 billion in debt and equity commitments from investors, including Macquarie Asset Management, in January and has recently held meetings with officials from the Trump administration.

The transaction involves MGX, an Abu Dhabi-based AI investment firm established by G42 and Mubadala Investment Company. MGX is participating in discussions with the intent to invest independently as part of the deal. Mubadala, a sovereign wealth fund, already holds a minority stake in Aligned.

GIP, which already owns CyrusOne, is reportedly exploring further expansions into the power sector, including a potential takeover of AES Corp, to secure the electricity required for AI applications. While negotiations are advanced, a definitive agreement has not yet been reached, and the companies involved have declined to comment on the reports.