BlackRock, Nvidia-Led Group Acquires D-FW Data Center for $40B
Aligned Data Centers, based in Dallas-Fort Worth, has entered a significant acquisition agreement valued at $40 billion. This transaction marks one of the largest deals of the year and the highest ever for a data center firm.
Acquisition Details
The sale will result in 100% equity ownership of Aligned, which is located in Plano. The acquiring group includes the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), MGX, and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners. These organizations are supported by notable technology firms, including Microsoft and Nvidia.
- Transaction Value: $40 billion
- Buyer: AIP, MGX, BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners
- Seller: Private infrastructure funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management
- Expected Closure: First half of 2026
Leadership and Future Plans
Aligned Data Centers will maintain its headquarters in the Dallas area, with CEO Andrew Schaap and the current management team continuing to lead the company. This acquisition will provide the necessary capital for Aligned to expand its operations in North Texas and explore new markets.
Schaap expressed the significance of this deal for Texas, emphasizing that infrastructure supporting AI growth is developing in the region. He stated, “This investment shows that the foundational layer supporting AI and technological growth is happening right here in our backyard.”
Company Background
Aligned Data Centers specializes in AI data center infrastructure, catering to hyperscale and enterprise customers. Earlier this year, the company raised $12 billion in capital. As of now, Aligned operates 50 data center campuses across North and South America, with a total capacity of 5 gigawatts.
- Employees: Approximately 119 in Texas
- Data Centers in Texas: 2 in Plano, 1 under construction in Mansfield (expected completion in 2026)
Market Context and Future Outlook
Bloomberg first reported on this acquisition. Aligned was involved in discussions with Trump administration officials to expedite AI infrastructure development. Furthermore, this deal illustrates the increase in demand for data center space, particularly in North Texas, which ranks as the second-largest data center market in the United States, with a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts.
BlackRock’s chairman, Larry Fink, noted the strategic partnership’s potential to accelerate AI innovation, saying, “This partnership is bringing together leading companies and mobilizing private capital to drive global economic growth.” The excitement surrounding this acquisition underscores the ongoing AI boom and its impact on technology infrastructure investments.
