Salesforce acquires Informatica for $8B to strengthen its AI capabilities and data platform in its largest deal since acquiring Slack.
Salesforce reignites its deal-making strategy with a bold move—the $8 billion acquisition of data management firm Informatica. This marks the cloud software giant’s most significant transaction since its $28 billion purchase of Slack in 2021, as it aims to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving AI-driven enterprise software market.
A Strategic Pivot Towards Data and AI
After years of focusing on internal profitability amid pressure from activist investors, Salesforce is returning to headline-making mergers and acquisitions. The purchase of Informatica signals a renewed focus on AI-enhanced data infrastructure, a key battleground in enterprise tech.
“Salesforce and Informatica will create the most complete, agent-ready data platform in the industry,” said Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff. With this move, the company aims to consolidate data control and accelerate the integration of generative AI across its product suite.
Why Informatica, and Why Now?
Although Salesforce walked away from deal talks with Informatica last year due to differences in terms, renewed interest from multiple suitors—including Thoma Bravo and Cloud Software Group—spurred negotiations earlier this April. Salesforce seized the opportunity to gain a significant edge in the $150 billion enterprise data market.
Informatica’s tools will bolster Salesforce’s “Agentforce” platform, which powers AI agents capable of handling tasks like recruiting and customer service without human intervention. Over 1,000 paid deals have already been secured for Agentforce, demonstrating strong market traction.
Deal Details: A Premium Offer and Strategic Timing
Salesforce is offering $25 per share for Informatica, representing a 30% premium over the company’s stock price as of May 22. Informatica shares rose 5.8% following the announcement, while Salesforce shares increased by 1.78%.
The acquisition will be financed through a mix of cash and debt, and is expected to close early in Salesforce’s next fiscal year, beginning February. The company projects a positive impact on operating margins beginning in the second year post-closing.
Analysts Weigh In: A Move to Compete with Mega-Vendors
Industry experts view this acquisition as a strategic necessity. According to Scotiabank analysts, data management software is increasingly bundled within mega-vendor toolkits, and this move helps Salesforce compete more effectively with rivals offering integrated AI and data services.
The company’s past acquisitions—such as Tableau ($15.7B) and Slack ($28B)—were instrumental in building its cloud ecosystem. The Informatica deal adds the crucial layer of enterprise-grade data management, setting the stage for deeper AI integration.
Stay connected to Maple News Wire for ongoing updates on this deal and other major moves shaping the future of enterprise AI.
