BlackRock, Nvidia, Microsoft Form $40B AI Infrastructure Partnership for Data Center Expansion

Major AI Infrastructure Investment

A consortium including BlackRock, Nvidia and Microsoft is acquiring Aligned Data Centers in an approximately $40 billion deal, according to reports emerging today. This massive investment represents the latest move by major technology and financial firms to secure the infrastructure needed to support the booming artificial intelligence sector.

Addressing AI Computational Demands

The acquisition comes amid what analysts suggest is an unprecedented flurry of deals involving top AI developers that are flooding the sector with resources and capital. Sources indicate the partnership specifically aims to address critical resources—including electricity and physical infrastructure—required to support next-generation AI technologies.

According to the report, Aligned’s portfolio includes 50 campuses and more than 5 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity, including assets under development. The data centers are mostly located across the United States and Latin America, with locations including northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas, Ohio, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and international sites in São Paulo, Brazil; Querétaro, Mexico; and Santiago, Chile.

Recent AI Infrastructure Developments

This transaction follows other major AI infrastructure announcements in recent weeks. Last week, reports revealed that semiconductor maker AMD will supply its chips to OpenAI as part of an agreement to team up on building AI infrastructure. According to the joint statement announcing that deal, OpenAI will also get the option to buy as much as a 10 percent stake in AMD.

Additionally, last month saw OpenAI and Nvidia announce a $100 billion partnership that will add at least 10 gigawatts of data center computing power. This continuing investment surge comes as Nvidia’s artificial intelligence boom shows no signs of slowing, despite some concerns about potential market bubbles.

New Investment Consortium Formed

The transaction reportedly marks the first deal for the newly formed investment consortium, which is named the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP). Sources indicate the consortium has an initial target of mobilizing and deploying $30 billion of equity capital, with the potential of reaching $100 billion including debt.

BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink, who also serves as AIP Chairman, stated that “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 mobilizing private capital to accelerate AI innovation and drive global economic growth and productivity.”

Industry Context and Market Impact

The massive infrastructure investment occurs as the AI industry faces multiple challenges. According to industry observers, AI industry faces financial strain as costs soar due to the enormous computational requirements of advanced models. Meanwhile, data centers drive AI boom while straining local resources in many communities where they operate.

The financial sector is also experiencing significant AI influence, with reports indicating that AI trading is flooding Wall Street and transforming investment strategies across global markets.

Transaction Details and Leadership

According to the reports, Aligned, which is privately held, will continue to be led by CEO Andrew Schaap and maintain its headquarters in Dallas following the acquisition. One of the sellers, Macquarie Asset Management, initially invested in Aligned in 2018.

Ben Way, head of Macquarie Asset Management, noted in a statement that “The scaling of Aligned Data Centers from two locations to 50 in seven years is representative of our approach to working with great companies and teams to support their rapid growth and deliver positive impact.”

The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, according to the announcement. Following the news, shares of Nvidia reportedly rose about 1 percent in morning trading, continuing the company’s strong performance in the AI sector.

Sources

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