C3.ai in Merger Talks With Automation Anywhere

Enterprise AI provider C3.ai is reportedly negotiating a merger with automation software startup Automation Anywhere, a deal that could reshape the intelligent automation landscape and offer a new route to public markets for the private software firm. Based on publicly available information from Reuters and market sources, the discussions — if successful — signal increasing consolidation in enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) technologies.

Enterprise AI software specialist C3.ai (NYSE: AI) is in early-stage talks to merge with privately held Automation Anywhere, according to people familiar with the matter, The Information reported. Under the proposed structure, Automation Anywhere would acquire C3.ai and effectively gain a path to being publicly listed.

Neither company has confirmed the discussions, and Reuters could not independently verify the report at the time of publication.

Why the Talks Matter Now

C3.ai’s platform enables large organisations — including government agencies like the U.S. Air Force — to build and deploy scalable AI applications across energy, manufacturing and other sectors. Recent strategic turbulence, including the departure of founder Thomas Siebel as CEO and a more than 50 % slide in the company’s share price over the past year, has fuelled broader discussions about its future direction.

Automation Anywhere, founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Jose, California, specialises in robotic process automation software used to automate repetitive business tasks. The company’s core RPA tools have seen strong enterprise adoption, and it was valued around $6.8 billion by private investors in 2019.

A merger would pair C3.ai’s AI application platform with Automation Anywhere’s RPA capabilities — potentially creating a comprehensive intelligent automation suite spanning insight generation and operational execution.

Strategic Context and Market Implications

Rather than pursuing a traditional initial public offering (IPO), Automation Anywhere could use a merger with a publicly traded company like C3.ai as a reverse listing to access public markets. This approach has gained traction among tech firms in volatile IPO environments, offering speed and reduced market risk compared with conventional listings.

For C3.ai, the discussions reflect a broader reassessment of strategy amid competitive pressures from larger AI incumbents and shifting customer priorities. Enterprise AI markets are rapidly evolving, with buyers seeking integrated platforms that blend analytics, automation, and AI-driven workflow optimisation.

For Automation Anywhere, the potential merger accelerates its transition into publicly traded territory while expanding its technology portfolio into deeper AI-driven decisioning — a strategic complement to its RPA foundation. Together, the combined entity could be better positioned to compete with major enterprise software suites that increasingly embed AI and automation.

Market Reaction

News of the talks has already influenced investor sentiment: C3.ai’s stock experienced notable gains in early trading sessions following the report, with some market commentary pointing to heightened speculation around the company’s future trajectory and valuation.

What’s Next

Key details remain unresolved, including definitive terms, timing and regulatory considerations. Both companies have remained silent on the record so far, leaving market observers to parse the potential strategic rationale and synergies from public filings and industry signals.

If the talks progress, stakeholders — from enterprise customers to investors — will be looking for clarity on leadership direction, product integration plans, and the combined entity’s competitive positioning within the $100 billion-plus enterprise software landscape.

Enterprise Software Consolidation Trend

The C3.ai–Automation Anywhere discussions underscore a broader trend in enterprise software where AI and automation technologies are converging. As organisations push for more efficient, data-driven operations, the lines between AI analytics and task automation are blurring — driving consolidation among vendors that can offer end-to-end intelligent automation capabilities.

For now, the merger remains a reported development, with confirmation and details awaited from official sources.