Salesforce completes $27.7bn Slack acquisition

The move will see a 'Slack-first Customer 360' created

Salesforce has closed its $27.7bn acquisition of communications platform Slack in a move it says will "define the future of enterprise software".

It will see a "Slack-first Customer 360" created, which Salesforce claims will provide "a single platform for connecting employees, customers, and partners with each other and the apps they use every day, all within their existing workflows".

"We couldn't be more excited to have Slack as part of the Salesforce family, combining the number one CRM and the trailblazing digital platform for the work anywhere world," said Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO of Salesforce.

"Together we'll define the future of enterprise software, creating the digital HQ that enables every organisation to deliver customer and employee success from anywhere."

The acquisition was first reported last year, with Benioff telling a sales call that his "eyes lit up" when the idea of bringing the two together was suggested.

It goes down as one of the biggest software mergers ever, with Salesforce also claiming that it will "create an open and extensive ecosystem that will deliver the next generation of digital-first apps and workflows for business".

"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink and reshape how and where we work," said Stewart Butterfield, Slack CEO and co-founder.

"Salesforce and Slack are uniquely positioned to lead this historic shift to a digital-first world. I could not be more excited for what's to come."

Butterfield will continue to run Slack, which will carry on operating under its existing name and brand.

Slack will continue to operate under the Slack brand, driving forward a continued focus on its mission, customers, and community. Slack will continue to be led by CEO and Co-Founder Stewart Butterfield.