AI expansion: IBM snaps up Confluent in $11-billion deal; data streaming seen as key to faster AI deployment

IBM is set to acquire data streaming platform Confluent for $11 billion in a cash deal to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities. The acquisition aims to enable client companies to deploy AI services faster and more effectively by ensuring trusted data movement across diverse environments. This strategic move is expected to close by mid-2026, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.