Microsoft and Salesforce are in early-stage discussions to acquire HR software provider Darwinbox, according to sources cited by Mint. The potential deal comes as Darwinbox prepares for an initial public offering, a timeline that may now be disrupted by the interest from the two U.S. technology firms.
Darwinbox, headquartered in Hyderabad, specializes in cloud-based human capital management solutions, competing in a segment dominated by global players. The company had filed preliminary documents with Indian market regulators for an IPO, signaling plans to expand its footprint in public markets. The proposed acquisition would mark a strategic move by Microsoft and Salesforce to bolster their enterprise software offerings.
Neither Microsoft nor Salesforce has publicly commented on the discussions. If a deal materializes, it would add to a series of acquisitions in the HR and workplace productivity space by major tech companies seeking to integrate talent management tools with broader enterprise solutions. The potential transaction remains subject to due diligence and board approvals.
