GIP nears deal to buy Aligned Data Centers for about $40 billion, Bloomberg News reports

BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Macquarie-backed Aligned Data Centers for an estimated $40 billion, with Mubadala also participating as an independent investor. This potential acquisition highlights the significant capital deployment into AI-related infrastructure, driven by the surging demand for computing power, a market McKinsey projects to reach $6.7 trillion by 2030.

Analysis

BlackRock's subsidiary, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Aligned Data Centers for approximately $40 billion, a move that signals a major capital deployment into the booming AI infrastructure sector. The deal's structure is notable, with Mubadala, an existing investor in Aligned, planning to reinvest independently, indicating strong insider conviction in the asset's growth trajectory. This potential acquisition is set against the backdrop of surging demand for AI computing power, a market McKinsey projects could see investments reach $6.7 trillion by 2030. Aligned Data Centers is positioned as a key player, specializing in AI-related infrastructure and having already secured over $12 billion in funding in January. For BlackRock, this transaction represents a significant expansion of its private market infrastructure portfolio, directly targeting a high-growth thematic area and reinforcing the 'strongly positive' sentiment associated with the news.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors in BlackRock (BLK) should view this potential acquisition as a significant strategic enhancement of its private markets business, providing substantial exposure to the high-growth digital infrastructure and AI theme, which could drive long-term value.
• The reported $40 billion valuation for Aligned Data Centers sets a new, high-water benchmark for private AI-related infrastructure assets, suggesting investors should anticipate continued valuation inflation across the public and private digital infrastructure sector.
• Given the substantial valuation, it is prudent to monitor the final deal terms and GIP's ability to execute on Aligned's growth strategy to justify the premium paid and capitalize on the long-term market opportunity.