Salesforce to Buy Informatica for $8 Billion in Strategic AI Data Management Push
In a bold return to large-scale acquisitions, Salesforce has announced plans to acquire Informatica for $8 billion, positioning itself to lead in the rapidly growing AI-driven data management sector.
The deal, disclosed on Tuesday, signals Salesforce’s re-entry into big-ticket M&A, with the acquisition set to enhance its AI product suite and enterprise data capabilities.
Salesforce Targets AI Leadership Through Data Platform Expansion
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff stated:
“Salesforce and Informatica will create the most complete, agent-ready data platform in the industry.”
The acquisition will help Salesforce:
- Strengthening control over enterprise data workflows
- Boost generative AI integration across its product lines
- Gain a stronger foothold in the $150+ billion enterprise data market
Key Details: Valuation, Premium and Timeline
- Purchase Price: $25 per share of Informatica
- Premium: ~30% over Informatica’s May 22 closing price
- Funding: Mix of cash and new debt
- Expected Close: Early next fiscal year (beginning February 2026)
- Operating Margin Impact: Expected to improve from the second year post-close
Context: Salesforce’s M&A Strategy and AI Vision
This acquisition is Salesforce’s largest since the $27.7 billion Slack deal in 2021 and follows earlier acquisitions like:
- Tableau Software for $15.7 billion (2019)
- Slack Technologies for $27.7 billion (2021)
Salesforce had initially ended talks with Informatica last year but renewed negotiations amid rising pressure from activist investors such as Value Act Capital and Elliott Management, who called for enhanced profitability and streamlined operations.
Salesforce Bets Big on AgentForce and AI Tools
As part of its AI strategy, Salesforce has launched Agentforce, a platform that enables businesses to create AI-powered agents for use in:
- Customer support
- Recruitment automation
- Workflow management
So far, the company has closed over 1,000 paid deals for Agentforce, demonstrating a strong market appetite for AI agents capable of autonomous tasks.
Analyst Reaction: A Smart Move to Catch Up with Rivals
Analysts at Scotiabank said:
“This move could help Salesforce catch up with software rivals as data management software is now most often sold as part of mega-vendor tool kits.”
This acquisition aligns Salesforce with other major enterprise software providers offering comprehensive AI and data ecosystems.
Stock Market Response
- Informatica shares rose 5.8% in premarket trading to $23.86
- Salesforce shares increased by 1.2%, signaling investor confidence in the strategic rationale
