IBM has announced it will acquire Confluent, a leading data streaming platform, in a cash deal valued at $11 billion. Confluent, headquartered in Mountain View, California, specializes in real-time data streaming and governance, connecting and managing data across cloud, on-premises systems, and applications. The acquisition is intended to enhance IBM’s artificial intelligence strategy, enabling faster deployment of AI services for enterprise clients by providing reliable data flow and integration across platforms.

According to IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, the deal will help client companies deploy AI more efficiently by ensuring data remains clean and connected across multiple environments. Confluent’s technology is widely recognized for its ability to process real-time data events and make them actionable, particularly for AI-driven analytics and operational intelligence. The deal, which includes the acquisition of all issued and outstanding Confluent stock at $31 per share, still requires shareholder and regulatory approvals and is expected to close in mid-2026.

The announcement triggered a 29% premarket surge in Confluent’s shares, reflecting investor confidence in the strategic value of the acquisition. IBM expects Confluent’s technology to complement its AI portfolio, helping enterprises accelerate digital transformation initiatives. Industry experts note that the combination of IBM’s AI solutions and Confluent’s streaming infrastructure could create one of the most advanced platforms for real-time, intelligent enterprise operations.
Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/ibm-buys-data-streaming-platform-confluent-11-billion-128207498