Nexus Data Centers is in advanced negotiations to secure a $15 billion loan from Morgan Stanley to construct a large-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure project for Anthropic, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to CNBC on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions [1]. The capital will be used to develop a data center campus in Hubbard, Texas, specifically designed to support Anthropic's expanding AI operations [1].
As part of the financing arrangement, Google has agreed to backstop Anthropic with its investment-grade credit rating, providing additional security for the deal [1]. This move follows a series of strategic partnerships by Anthropic aimed at boosting its computing capacity, including recent agreements with Advanced Micro Devices earlier in July, SpaceX in May, and both Google and Broadcom in April [1].
Google's involvement with Anthropic has deepened over time, with the tech giant agreeing in April to invest up to $40 billion in the AI company, building on its previous investments of $300 million in 2023 for a roughly 10% stake and an additional $2 billion later that year [1]. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the potential $15 billion deal [1].
Neither Anthropic, Nexus Data Centers, Google, nor Morgan Stanley provided comments on the ongoing negotiations when contacted by CNBC [1].
CONCLUSION
Nexus Data Centers' pursuit of a $15 billion loan, backed by Google's credit rating, signals significant momentum in AI infrastructure investment. The deal underscores Anthropic's aggressive expansion and the deepening ties between major tech players and AI startups, with substantial market implications for the data center and AI sectors.