IBM’s latest acquisition reflects broader industry appetite for data companies.

A sign marks the entrance to IBM Corporate Headquarters in Armonk, N.Y. Stan Honda/AFP via Getty Images
IBM said on Dec. 8 that it will purchase real-time data-streaming platform Confluent in an all-cash deal worth $11 billion.
The new agreement will see IBM purchasing all issued and outstanding common shares of Confluent for $31 per share in cash, with the transaction expected to close by mid-2026.


