Blue Owl Capital Enhances Digital Strategy with IPI Acquisition

Blue Owl Capital, a leading alternative asset manager, has recently announced its acquisition of digital infrastructure fund manager IPI Partners. This strategic move is set to bolster Blue Owl's digital infrastructure strategy and expand its suite of capital solutions. The acquisition, valued at approximately $1.0 billion, will add $10.5 billion in assets under management and further strengthen Blue Owl's position as a partner of choice.

IPI Partners, founded in 2016 as a joint venture between ICONIQ and Iron Point, has grown into one of the largest private US-based data center investors. With a portfolio of 82 data centers comprising over 2.2GWs of leased capacity across the US, EMEA, and APAC, IPI's expertise in the data centers market will complement Blue Owl's existing net lease strategy. The acquisition will enable Blue Owl to expand its digital infrastructure strategy, capitalizing on the massive market opportunity to finance data centers and the increasing investor appetite for cloud and AI-driven secular tailwinds.

Upon closing the acquisition, IPI's business will be integrated into Blue Owl's real estate platform, led by Blue Owl Co-President Marc Zahr. Matt A'Hearn, IPI's Managing Partner, will assume the role of Head of Blue Owl's digital infrastructure strategy, reporting to Marc Zahr. This integration will allow Blue Owl to leverage IPI's tenured investment team, preeminent LP base, and global scale in the digital infrastructure economy to enhance its capital solutions and investment offerings.

Blue Owl will also partner with an affiliate of ICONIQ to help accelerate the future growth of the business. This partnership will involve ICONIQ providing services to Blue Owl's business, including investment analysis and investor relations, in exchange for services payments subject to certain future targets. These payments are expected to be made between 2026 and 2028.

The acquisition of IPI Partners is a strategic move by Blue Owl Capital to expand its digital infrastructure strategy and strengthen its position in the alternative asset management industry. By combining Blue Owl's triple net lease knowledge with IPI's depth in the data centers market, investors can expect to benefit from a more comprehensive suite of capital solutions and investment offerings. The partnership with ICONIQ will further accelerate IPI's growth and advance Blue Owl's digital infrastructure strategy, creating synergies for investors and solidifying Blue Owl's position as a leading alternative asset manager.