Nvidia, Microsoft, BlackRock and Elon Musk’s xAI are coming together for 'largest global data centre deal ever'

, , and Elon Musk's xAI are part of a consortium of investors that has agreed to purchase Aligned Data Centers for $40 billion, the companies announced on Wednesday, October 15. Aligned designs and operates data centres and data campuses across North and South America and is owned by Macquarie Asset Management.

Largest global data centre deal ever

Abu Dhabi's MGX, BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners and members of Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership, or AIP, will acquire 100% of the company's equity in what will be the largest global data center deal to date, according to the companies. AIP was created by BlackRock, MGX, Microsoft and Nvidia in September 2024 to accelerate investment in AI infrastructure. The Kuwait Investment Authority, xAI and Temasek have joined as additional participants.

The Aligned deal marks AIP's first investment and is a step toward the group's goal of deploying $30 billion of equity capital.

“With this investment in Aligned Data Centers, we further our goal of delivering the infrastructure necessary to power the future of AI, while offering our clients attractive opportunities to participate in its growth,” Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock and Chairman of AIP, said in a statement.

AI infrastructure race intensifies

AI companies have been racing to build out the infrastructure they believe they will need to meet growing demand for the technology. Companies including OpenAI, Nvidia, CoreWeave and Oracle are already striking data centre and computing deals that will require funding and power.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI has already signed multiple deals with chipmakers Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom for AI infrastructure.