The integration will enable the deployment of autonomous artificial intelligence agents on a unified and reliable architecture.
Salesforce, a global leader in AI-powered CRM solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Informatica for approximately $8 billion. The transaction, approved by the boards of directors of both companies, involves a cash payment of $25 per share for holders of Informatica’s Class A and B-1 shares, reinforcing Salesforce’s strategic commitment to consolidating its data platform for AI.
The acquisition, expected to close at the beginning of fiscal year 2027, will integrate Informatica’s advanced cloud data management capabilities—such as integration, quality, governance, privacy, metadata cataloging, and master data management (MDM)—into the Salesforce ecosystem. This move will strengthen key products like Data Cloud, MuleSoft, and Tableau, and facilitate progress in the development of Agentforce, their platform for autonomous agents.
A “Ready for Agents” Data Architecture
According to Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO of Salesforce, “this deal will allow us to build the most comprehensive data platform, ready for intelligent agents, that will lead to safer, smarter, and more scalable outcomes across all sectors.”
With this acquisition, Salesforce aims to offer a unified system for AI agents to interpret and act on business data with deep contextual knowledge and rigorous governance. From traceability to data standardization, the integration with Informatica will be key to enhancing the quality, integrity, and security of the information that powers algorithms.
Native Integration Across the Platform
Steve Fisher, president and CTO of Salesforce, emphasized that “truly autonomous and reliable agents require a comprehensive understanding of their data. This merger provides exactly that: unparalleled clarity about the origin, transformation, and quality of information.”
Salesforce plans to rapidly integrate Informatica’s solutions into its own products, including a unified data pipeline over Data Cloud and metadata tools for Agentforce. Additionally, the company expects to boost its technology partner ecosystem and leverage Salesforce’s marketing and distribution teams to accelerate the growth of Informatica’s cloud business.
Opportunities in Strategic Sectors
The agreement also aims to enhance Salesforce’s presence in sectors such as Public Administration, Life Sciences, Healthcare, and Financial Services, where data management and governance are especially critical. According to Robin Washington, president of Operations and Finance at Salesforce, “this agreement aligns with our responsible acquisition strategy and will enable sustained growth powered by AI.”
The company expects the transaction to deliver benefits to its operating margin and free cash flow in the first two years following its closure, thanks to cost synergies and revenue increases resulting from a stronger data portfolio.
Informatica: The Backbone of Cloud Data
Informatica, a leading provider of cloud data management with AI, has over 5,000 customers in nearly 100 countries, including more than 80 companies from the Fortune 100. Its IDMC (Intelligent Data Management Cloud) platform, powered by AI (CLAIRE), enables the connection, governance, and unification of data in multi-cloud and hybrid environments, compatible with major cloud providers and analytical tools.
“Joining Salesforce represents a strategic leap that reflects our mission to bring data to life with artificial intelligence,” highlighted Amit Walia, CEO of Informatica.
Transaction Details
The acquisition will be financed through a combination of available cash and new debt. Shareholders representing approximately 63% of Informatica’s voting power have already given their written consent, so no additional approval is required. J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs have acted as financial advisors to Salesforce and Informatica, respectively.
Salesforce, which will release its results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 on May 28, expects this acquisition to mark a new phase in its evolution toward more automated and reliable enterprise AI solutions.
via: Informatica