Post by : Badri Ariffin

The consortium comprised of MGX, the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) has successfully finalized the acquisition of Aligned Data Centers, acquiring 100% equity. This acquisition was executed from private infrastructure funds overseen by Macquarie Asset Management and their co-investors.

With an enterprise value estimated around US$40 billion, this transaction stands as one of the largest private financial commitments within the digital infrastructure realm.

Leading the Charge in Digital Infrastructure

Aligned Data Centers stands among the premier and rapidly expanding developers in the data center sector. Their impressive portfolio features 51 campuses, boasting over 6.4 gigawatts (GW) of both operational and forthcoming capacity.

These facilities are strategically positioned in key digital markets across the United States, including Northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas, Ohio, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. Moreover, Aligned extends its reach into Sao Paulo, Querétaro, and Santiago, catering to the surging demand for digital infrastructure across the Americas.

Management Team and Operational Structure Unchanged

Post-acquisition, Andrew Schaap will remain in his role as Chief Executive Officer alongside the current management team.

Aligned will continue its operations from its headquarters located in Dallas, Texas, preserving its operational autonomy under the new ownership.

Eclectic Expertise Drives Growth

The consortium emphasizes its comprehensive expertise in advanced computing technologies, alongside digital and energy infrastructure necessary to sustain the emerging AI landscape.

This partnership integrates proficient know-how in AI technology, extensive infrastructure investment, operational ownership, and financial backing to enable Aligned to scale its platform while prioritizing client relations, local communities, and independent operations.

Commitment to Growth, Employment, and Sustainable Infrastructure

With the consortium's support, Aligned envisions fostering economic advantages in its operational areas. This vision encompasses creating local job opportunities, engaging in workforce enhancement initiatives, revitalizing legacy locations, fortifying local tax revenues, and boosting grid reliability.

Furthermore, the company aims to broaden its data center presence to accommodate the increasing demand for AI-capable infrastructure. A resolute commitment to advancing sustainable, high-density digital infrastructures to meet intricate computing needs is also in place.

AIP’s Inaugural Investment in AI Infrastructure

The establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP) is geared towards uniting global tech giants and securing long-term investments for cutting-edge AI infrastructure initiatives.

The acquisition of Aligned Data Centers signifies AIP's inaugural investment, propelling its ambition to garner US$30 billion in equity capital, with the capacity to amplify total investments to US$100 billion, incorporating debt funding.

In tandem with the acquisition’s finalization, the consortium has pledged an additional US$5 billion in development capital to facilitate Aligned’s further expansion and to bolster its AI-ready data center capabilities.

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