Overview
- IBM and Confluent signed a definitive agreement approved by both boards to combine in an all‑cash transaction.
- Confluent shares jumped roughly 29% to about $29.85 in premarket trading following the announcement.
- A shareholder support agreement covers approximately 62% of Confluent’s voting power, committing those holders to back the deal and oppose alternatives.
- IBM plans to fund the purchase with available cash, and the transaction remains subject to a Confluent shareholder vote, regulatory reviews and customary closing conditions.
- IBM frames Confluent’s real‑time data streaming platform as core AI infrastructure for hybrid cloud, and projects adjusted EBITDA contribution in the first full year after closing and free cash flow in the second.