SAN FRANCISCO: Salesforce announced Tuesday it is buying cloud data management firm Informatica in an $8 billion deal as the enterprise software giant expands its push into artificial intelligence.
The acquisition will integrate Informatica’s data catalog, integration and governance services with Salesforce’s AI platform, Agentforce, the company said.
“Truly autonomous, trustworthy AI agents need the most comprehensive understanding of their data,” said Steve Fisher, Salesforce president and chief technology officer, in a statement. “The combination of Informatica’s advanced catalog and metadata capabilities with our Agentforce platform delivers exactly this.”
Salesforce, a leader in customer relationship management software, said the deal will be financed through a mix of cash on hand and new debt. The company expects the acquisition to boost non-GAAP operating margins, earnings per share and free cash flow starting in the second year after closing.
The deal underscores Salesforce’s aggressive investment in AI as businesses increasingly adopt the technology for data analysis and automation.
Informatica, founded in 1993, provides cloud-based data management solutions used by enterprises worldwide. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close later this year.