May 18 : Alphabet's Google and Blackstone plans to launch an artificial-intelligence cloud company using Google's specialized chips, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing sources. Blackstone, the world's largest alternative asset manager, is expected to contribute $5 billion in equity and hold a majority stake in the unnamed U.S. venture, with a deal expected to be announced in a few hours, the report said. Google will supply hardware, including its specialized chips known as