TechCrunch reports that Salesforce’s biggest move yet could reshape the enterprise AI landscape
Salesforce is making headlines again, this time with an $8 billion equity deal to acquire cloud data management giant Informatica. The acquisition, confirmed on Tuesday, is a major step in Salesforce’s long-term plan to build out a powerful and secure AI infrastructure.
The deal includes a cash offer of $25 per share for Informatica’s Class A and Class B-1 stock. This price takes into account Salesforce’s prior investment in the company and reflects a bullish outlook on data-driven AI services.
Founded in 1993, Informatica supports over 5,000 customers in 100+ countries. Its cloud-first data management tools offer exactly what Salesforce needs to scale Agentforce, Data Cloud, MuleSoft, Tableau, and Customer 360. These platforms serve as the backbone of Salesforce’s push toward intelligent, autonomous AI agents.
“This is a transformational step in delivering enterprise-grade AI that is safe, responsible, and deeply integrated with the world’s data,” said CEO Marc Benioff. “Together, we’ll supercharge our ecosystem and help AI act with intelligence, context, and confidence.”
The goal is clear: build AI agents that are not only capable but also secure and deeply rooted in real-world data governance.
Rumors of Salesforce eyeing Informatica first surfaced in April 2024. At the time, market reaction was negative, with stock prices falling amid fears of strategic mismatch. Informatica responded with a firm denial. But a year later, the deal has come full circle.
This acquisition follows Salesforce’s $1.9 billion purchase of Own Company in September, which focused on data protection. According to Salesforce, the rising importance of secure data flows is the driving force behind its aggressive buying spree.
With this acquisition, Salesforce is positioning itself as a leader in AI-ready enterprise infrastructure. The company’s strategy now rests on blending robust data systems with intelligent automation, a move that could set it apart in a highly competitive tech environment.
Informatica’s integration will provide the fuel Salesforce needs to push ahead with its vision of a data-driven, AI-powered enterprise.
