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. Sources indicate this represents one of the largest infrastructure moves targeting the booming artificial intelligence sector as companies race to secure computational resources.

AI Infrastructure Partnership Formation

The transaction marks the first deal for the newly formed Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), which reportedly has an initial target of mobilizing and deploying $30 billion of equity capital. Analysts suggest the consortium could potentially reach $100 billion including debt financing. “AIP is positioned to meet the growing demand for the infrastructure required as AI continues to reshape the global economy,” BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink stated in the announcement, according to the report.

Aligned Data Centers Portfolio

Aligned’s extensive portfolio includes 50 campuses and more than 5 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity, including assets under development. The report states these facilities are primarily located across the United States and Latin America, with key locations in northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas, Ohio, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and major Latin American cities including São Paulo, Brazil; Querétaro, Mexico; and Santiago, Chile.

Broader AI Infrastructure Trend

This acquisition comes amid a flurry of deals involving top AI developers, with reports indicating the sector is experiencing unprecedented investment in computational resources. Last week, sources 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 AP News coverage of the partnership. The agreement reportedly gives OpenAI the option to purchase up to 10% of AMD.

Recent Major AI Partnerships

Last month, OpenAI and Nvidia announced a $100 billion partnership that will add at least 10 gigawatts of data center computing power, according to joint statements from both companies. This continues what analysts describe as an unprecedented investment surge in AI infrastructure.

Market Context and Industry Impact

The AI industry’s rapid expansion has created significant demand for data center capacity and energy resources. According to industry reports, shares of Nvidia rose approximately 1 percent in morning trading following the announcement. The deal comes as the AI industry faces financial strain as costs soar, with infrastructure representing one of the largest capital requirements.

Leadership and Transaction Details

Aligned, which is privately held, will continue to be led by CEO Andrew Schaap and maintain its Dallas headquarters, according to the announcement. One of the sellers, Macquarie Asset Management, initially invested in Aligned in 2018. Ben Way, head of Macquarie Asset Management, stated 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.”

Industry-Wide Infrastructure Movement

This massive infrastructure investment occurs alongside other major technology sector developments, including significant labor movements in healthcare technology, media infrastructure transactions, and cybersecurity companies positioning for AI opportunities. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, according to the consortium’s timeline.