IBM has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Confluent, a pioneer in data streaming, for $31 per share in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $11 billion.
This acquisition is designed to bolster IBM’s hybrid cloud and AI strategy by integrating Confluent’s real-time data streaming platform, which helps businesses connect, process, and govern data across various environments.
With the rise of generative AI and the emergence of over one billion new applications expected by 2028, the need for real-time, trusted data has become critical for enterprise operations.
The deal combines Confluent’s open source Apache Kafka-based technology with IBM’s existing AI infrastructure and automation portfolio.
By delivering an end-to-end data platform, the combined entity aims to help organizations eliminate data silos and deploy AI agents more effectively.
The transaction is expected to close by mid-2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, and is projected to be accretive to IBM’s adjusted EBITDA within the first full year.
Key Takeaways:
- IBM is acquiring Confluent for $31 per share in an $11 billion all-cash deal.
- The acquisition focuses on building a real-time data platform for enterprise AI.
- The deal is expected to close by mid-2026.
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