Blackstone Nears $13.5 Billion Deal to Buy Australia’s AirTrunk

Blackstone Inc. is nearing a deal to acquire Australian data center operator AirTrunk for more than A$20 billion ($13.5 billion) including debt, people familiar with the matter said, in what could be one of the largest digital infrastructure deals this year.

Blackstone has emerged as the preferred buyer for AirTrunk after outbidding rivals, the people said, asking not to be identified because the matter is private. The New York-based alternative asset manager and AirTrunk owners Macquarie Group Ltd. and PSP Investments are negotiating the final details of a transaction that could be signed as soon as this week, the people said.