BlackRock and Nvidia lead $40 billion Aligned acquisition to expand AI data center infrastructure

A consortium consisting of BlackRock, Nvidia, xAI, Microsoft, and others announced the acquisition of US data center giant Aligned Data Centers for approximately US$40 billion. The consortium also includes GIP, MGX, Temasek, and the Kuwait Investment Authority. The consortium plans to double the number of Aligned's 50 campuses in the Americas and mobilize a capital pool of up to US$100 billion through the AI Infrastructure Partnership for further acquisitions and construction.