BlackRock, IFM close in on US$25 bil stack data centre deal — Bloomberg
BlackRock-backed AIP and IFM are nearing a deal to acquire Stack data centres from Blue Owl Capital, valued at US$20-25 billion. Blue Owl initially sought over US$30 billion. AIP, which includes Microsoft and Mubadala, focuses on AI infrastructure. Deliberations are ongoing and may change. Stack's data centres are in Asia-Pacific regions.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
If completed, the deal would be one of the largest AI‑infrastructure transactions in the region, affecting both infrastructure REITs and large asset managers.
Market read
The potential transaction could reshape the AI data centre landscape in Asia and influence related equities.
What to watch
Regulatory approvals in multiple jurisdictions could delay or derail the transaction.
Background
The article reports the first public disclosure of a potential $20‑25 billion acquisition of Stack's APAC data centre portfolio by a BlackRock‑backed consortium.
Ticker impact
BlackRock, via its AI Infrastructure Partnership, is a lead suitor in the $20‑25 billion Stack data centre acquisition.
BlackRock stock may see modest upside if deal terms become clearer.
Deal size is material and aligns with BlackRock's AI infrastructure strategy, attracting investor interest.
Market effects
Highlights growing demand for AI‑related data centre capacity in Asia.
May boost sentiment for infrastructure and REIT stocks in the APAC region.
Signals continued capital allocation to AI infrastructure by major global investors.
Counterpoint
Deal could stall, leaving Stack assets undervalued and creating a buying opportunity for competitors.
Key entities
- Asset ManagerBlackRock
US‑listed investment manager leading the AI Infrastructure Partnership.
- REITBlue Owl Capital
Owner of Stack, seeking to sell its data centre assets.
