Blackstone Energy Transition Partners Acquires Majority Stake in Advanced Cooling Technologies for Growth
On March 11, 2026, Blackstone (NYSE: BX) made headlines by announcing a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT). Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, ACT has positioned itself as a key player in the manufacturing of advanced thermal management and energy efficiency solutions since its inception in 2003. This deal signifies not only a strategic investment from Blackstone Energy Transition Partners but also a commitment to enhance ACT's innovative capabilities in a rapidly changing market. ACT specializes in highly-engineered solutions that are crucial for sectors requiring effective thermal management, including advanced computing, high power density, and mission-critical applications.
The team at ACT, led by its executive management, will remain intact and will continue to play a significant role in the company following the investment. This stability ensures that ACT can maintain its high level of customer service and respond significantly to the growing demand for its products. The company’s extensive portfolio includes advanced technologies such as two-phase liquid cooling, heat pipes, phase change materials, and more. These solutions aim to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of data centers and high-performance computing environments, particularly in light of rising power intensity.
Mark Zhu, a Managing Director at Blackstone, expressed confidence in ACT's readiness for accelerated growth. He noted the growing necessity of thermal management solutions, particularly given the innovations in artificial intelligence that fuel the requirement for advanced cooling systems. As data centers evolve to accommodate higher power loads, the foundational work undertaken by ACT positions it well for future expansion. Zhu emphasized the importance of this partnership, expecting to bolster ACT's technological leadership and manufacturing capacity to meet soaring customer demand.
Echoing this sentiment, David Foley, the Global Head of Blackstone Energy Transition Partners, outlined the strategic goals of their investment philosophy. Blackstone has a track record of collaborating with companies that are poised to thrive amid increasing power demand and the pressing need for energy efficiency. The intent is to empower ACT with necessary resources and capital to enhance its operational capabilities.
Jon Zuo, the CEO and Co-Founder of ACT, shared the excitement surrounding this new collaboration with Blackstone. He reiterated that ACT's core values—Innovation, Teamwork, and Customer Care—will continue to drive the company forward. The aim is to position ACT as a leading force in thermal management solutions on a global scale.
The deal is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending usual regulatory approvals. This acquisition, facilitated by investment advisory firms such as Houlihan Lokey for ACT and Kirkland & Ellis for Blackstone, illustrates a significant milestone for both organizations, fostering advancements in thermal technology while addressing the burgeoning demand across diverse markets. ACT's clientele spans various industries, including data centers, space applications, defense, energy, and HVAC, underscoring the essential nature of its products in today’s energy-focused landscape.
In summary, Blackstone's acquisition of a majority stake in Advanced Cooling Technologies represents not just a financial transaction but a concerted effort to innovate and expand in the thermal management sector. With their combined strengths, they are set to tackle the challenges presented by increased power demand and the critical need for efficient energy management in the upcoming years.