IBM Reportedly Nears $11 Billion Deal To Acquire Confluent, In Big Push Into Real-Time AI Data - Confluent (NASDAQ:CFLT), Salesforce (NYSE:CRM)

Core Insights - IBM is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire Confluent Inc for approximately $11 billion, marking a significant move in its restructuring around AI [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of Confluent would enhance IBM's capabilities in managing real-time data streams, which are crucial for large AI models [2][3] - This deal follows IBM's previous acquisition of HashiCorp for $6.4 billion, indicating a strategic focus on strengthening its cloud and AI offerings [3] Group 2: Market Context - The demand for Confluent's services has surged due to the AI boom, with various sectors such as retail, technology, and financial services seeking its capabilities [3] - The potential acquisition aligns with a broader trend of M&A activities in the technology sector, including notable deals by Salesforce and Palo Alto Networks [6] Group 3: Financial Performance - IBM reported a 9% year-over-year increase in total revenue in Q3 2025, driven by strong demand for AI-related services [4] - Year-to-date, IBM's stock has climbed 13.18%, reflecting positive market sentiment towards its AI initiatives [7]