Salesforce Acquires Informatica in $8 Billion Deal to Strengthen AI Capabilities

In a significant move to enhance its AI and data infrastructure capabilities, Salesforce has acquired cloud data management firm Informatica in an $8 billion equity deal. The acquisition, announced on Tuesday, follows earlier rumors that had impacted both companies’ stock prices. Under the terms of the agreement, Salesforce will pay $25 in cash per share for Informatica’s Class A and Class B-1 common stock, taking into account its previous investment in the company.

Informatica, founded in 1993, serves over 5,000 customers across 100 countries and had a $7.1 billion market cap at the time of the announcement. According to Salesforce's press release, the acquisition will contribute to bolstering its AI ambitions by providing additional data infrastructure and governance to support the safe and scalable operation of its AI agents across various enterprises. The acquisition also aims to enhance Salesforce's Agentforce, Data Cloud, Tableau, MuleSoft, and Customer 360 platforms, enabling autonomous agents to act intelligently and confidently. The path to the deal began in April 2024, with initial reports surfacing about Salesforce's interest in Informatica, leading to a temporary decline in both companies’ shares.

However, Informatica subsequently denied any sale discussions. This acquisition builds on Salesforce's previous acquisition of Own Company for $1.9 billion in cash in September, emphasizing the company's commitment to robust data protection and management solutions for its customers.