Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2025-10-15 14:10Core Insights - BlackRock-led AI Infrastructure Investment Alliance has completed one of the largest transactions in the data center industry, acquiring Aligned for $40 billion, marking a significant milestone in the sector [1][2] - The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approval, and involves a consortium of buyers including BlackRock, AIP, and Abu Dhabi's MGX, along with Nvidia, Microsoft, and xAI [1][2] Group 1 - Aligned, based in Dallas, provides infrastructure services for cloud computing and AI companies, currently operating or developing around 50 sites with a total capacity of 5 gigawatts [2] - The AIP aims to rapidly expand Aligned's scale, planning to more than double the number of its data center sites in the coming years [2] - The $40 billion transaction reflects strong market demand for AI infrastructure assets, positioning AIP to raise up to $100 billion for expanding data centers and energy infrastructure to support AI growth [2][3] Group 2 - Macquarie first invested in Aligned in 2018 and increased its stake in 2020, witnessing Aligned's growth from two sites to a continental platform [3] - The exit transaction provides substantial returns for Macquarie and highlights the revaluation of data center assets driven by the AI wave [3]