Another AI deal: Salesforce buys Informatica for $8 billion, this move by Marc Benioff could rattle Microsoft, Amazon

Time of India

27-05-2025

Salesforce Informatica acquisition is making waves as Salesforce confirms an $8 billion deal to buy data software giant Informatica. The move is set to supercharge Salesforce's AI capabilities by merging Informatica's powerful data management tools with Salesforce's Data Cloud, Tableau, and MuleSoft. Announced at $25 per share, this surprise lower offer comes as part of Salesforce's plan to strengthen its agentic AI ecosystem. With the focus now on autonomous AI agents and smarter digital tools, this acquisition could reshape how enterprise AI evolves. Here's why this deal matters and what it means for the future of AI at Salesforce.
Salesforce acquires Informatica in $8B deal to strengthen its AI strategy by integrating powerful data tools, fueling the growth of agentic AI platforms like Agentforce and unifying its Data Cloud, MuleSoft, and Tableau services for enterprise-level automation.
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Salesforce Acquires Informatica – Key Points
Deal Value : $8 billion acquisition confirmed by Salesforce.
: $8 billion acquisition confirmed by Salesforce. Per Share Price : Informatica valued at $25/share , lower than prior speculations ($35–$40).
: Informatica valued at , lower than prior speculations ($35–$40). Market Reaction :
Informatica shares rose 5% to $23.83 premarket after the announcement.
Shares had previously jumped 17% on acquisition rumors.
Salesforce stock rose 1% to $275.44 .
: Strategic Reason :
Strengthens Salesforce's AI and data management capabilities.
Informatica provides tools for data collection, cleansing, and classification.
: Analyst Insight :
Truist's Terry Tillman: Deal helps build a unified architecture for agentic AI.
CEO Marc Benioff: Aims to create the most complete, agent-ready data platform.
: Integration Plans :
Informatica to be merged with Data Cloud, MuleSoft, and Tableau .
Supports Agentforce, Agentforce 2.0 , and Digital Labor Platform .
: AI Focus :
Shift from basic copilots to autonomous agentic AI tools.
Better data quality to drive smarter, autonomous enterprise AI.
: Financial Terms :
Deal funded through a mix of cash and new debt .
Expected to close in early fiscal 2026 .
: Stock Performance in 2025 (YTD) :
Salesforce: Down 17% .
Informatica: Down 11% .
:
AI-driven revenue could increase by 1% in fiscal 2026 .
. Salesforce projected to grow overall revenue by 8%.
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Why did Salesforce buy informatica for $8 billion?
How will informatica fit into Salesforce's ai ecosystem?
What does the deal mean for stockholders?
Will regulators approve the Salesforce-informatica merger?
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How will this boost Salesforce's AI revenue in 2026?
What's next for Salesforce and its AI push?
FAQs:
Salesforce has officially announced its plans to acquire Informatica in a massive $8 billion deal, aiming to sharpen its focus on artificial intelligence. This move, confirmed on Tuesday, is being widely seen as a strategic step to boost Salesforce's AI-driven data capabilities, especially as enterprise demand for smarter data tools continues to grow.The deal values Informatica at $25 per share, significantly lower than earlier expectations. Back in April 2024, market chatter suggested a potential offer in the mid-$30s, and Informatica stock had even climbed close to $40 per share. Despite the lower offer, the market responded positively, with Informatica shares rising over 5% to $23.83 premarket after the announcement. On Friday, shares had already jumped 17% amid renewed acquisition rumors.Salesforce shares also inched up 1% to $275.44, signaling investor optimism about what this move could mean for its future AI roadmap.Salesforce is doubling down on its data strategy with this acquisition. Informatica is well-known for its data management software, which helps companies collect, cleanse, and classify large volumes of data from multiple sources. This kind of capability is critical when building AI tools that rely on accurate and well-structured data.In a report, Terry Tillman, an analyst at Truist Securities, said the acquisition would help Salesforce 'enhance its data foundation and build a unified architecture for agentic AI.' Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff added that integrating Informatica will help the company create 'the most complete, agent-ready data platform in the industry.'Salesforce plans to blend Informatica's platform with its existing products like Data Cloud, MuleSoft, and Tableau. This integration is expected to give Salesforce a stronger foundation for launching agentic AI tools.Agentic AI, as opposed to traditional 'copilot' tools, focuses on autonomous, goal-driven AI agents that don't just assist users—they carry out complex tasks on their own. Salesforce already introduced Agentforce in September 2024 and followed it up with Agentforce 2.0 and its Digital Labor Platform in December.By incorporating Informatica's data tools, Salesforce aims to power these agents with cleaner, smarter data, increasing their efficiency and making the tools more useful for enterprise customers.The financial terms of the deal include a mix of cash and new debt, with Salesforce expecting to close the acquisition in early fiscal 2026, which starts in February 2025. While Informatica shareholders won't get the premium once speculated earlier this year, the agreement still represents a strong endorsement of Informatica's long-term value.As of Friday, Salesforce stock had dropped 17% in 2025, while Informatica was down 11%. The acquisition news appears to have reversed that trend for now, giving both stocks a short-term bump.Most analysts believe the deal will go through regulatory checks without much resistance. Since both Salesforce and Informatica already have a marketing partnership, and Informatica's services are already available to Salesforce customers, the companies have a history of collaboration.Plus, unlike some tech deals that raise concerns about market consolidation, this merger is seen as complementary rather than competitive. That's likely to help with smooth approval from regulators.According to industry analysts, Salesforce could see a 1% revenue lift from AI-driven products in fiscal 2026. That might seem small, but with Salesforce already projected to grow its overall revenue by 8%, every point counts in a maturing enterprise software market.By combining Informatica's data management strength with its own AI products, Salesforce is positioning itself to ride the AI wave more effectively. The acquisition isn't just about more tools—it's about creating a more unified platform that works seamlessly for customers across industries.This move signals Salesforce's intent to lead the next wave of enterprise AI tools. By shifting from basic chatbot 'copilots' to intelligent, action-taking 'agents,' the company is trying to move ahead of rivals in the AI software race.With its first-quarter earnings due Wednesday, all eyes will be on whether Salesforce's broader AI vision—now bolstered by the Informatica deal—can start translating into real financial gains.As the demand for smarter, automated tools grows, especially in large enterprises, Salesforce is betting big on data being the backbone of that future—and Informatica may just be the missing piece.The Salesforce Informatica acquisition is valued at $8 billion.Informatica will boost Salesforce's data foundation to power advanced AI agents.