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IBM is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Confluent Inc. (NASDAQ: CFLT) in a deal valued at roughly $11 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. The news sent Confluent shares soaring more than 28% in premarket trading by early Monday, signaling strong investor interest in what could become IBM’s largest acquisition in years. While sources note that an agreement could be announced as soon as Monday, they also caution that the discussions may still fall through.
Confluent, with a market value of about $8 billion at its last close, is known for its real-time data streaming technology built around Apache Kafka. Its platform has become increasingly important for companies developing and deploying large AI models, as well as organizations in financial services, retail, and other data-intensive sectors. Analysts say demand for Confluent’s managed data infrastructure has surged as businesses prioritize rapid data processing and automation.
If completed, the acquisition would represent a significant step in IBM’s ongoing effort to reposition itself as a leader in cloud, AI, and data technologies. The company has already made major moves in this direction, including its $6.4 billion purchase of HashiCorp last year. IBM has also been expanding investments in quantum computing and using artificial intelligence to streamline internal operations, including HR workflows.
Industry analysts view the potential Confluent deal as strategically aligned with IBM’s long-term growth plans. Jefferies analyst Brent Thill noted that integrating Confluent’s real-time data streaming capabilities would strengthen IBM’s software portfolio and create cross-selling opportunities across automation, cybersecurity, and global cloud services. Wells Fargo analyst Ryan MacWilliams added that such a move underscores rising interest in infrastructure software acquisitions, potentially boosting valuations for companies like Informatica and Couchbase.
If finalized, the buyout would further solidify IBM’s position in the rapidly evolving AI and data infrastructure landscape while reinforcing enterprise demand for real-time data solutions.
