Generative artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly widespread. Most professionals now use it on a daily basis. According to a recent study, M&A specialists are no exception. How is AI being used, and what results is it delivering? Experts from AURIS Finance explain.
Based on a survey of 1,000 business leaders, the study conducted by consulting firm Deloitte, titled “2025 M&A Generative AI Study”, found that 86% of respondents reported that their organization had already integrated generative AI into their M&A processes. This adoption is recent: for 65% of respondents, the tools were implemented within the last 12 months. The integration spans both corporate M&A teams and private equity funds, following significant investments: 83% of companies using AI have invested at least $1 million, with high expectations, as 80% of participants anticipate a return on investment within 1 to 3 years. Companies aim to improve risk assessment and achieve cost savings.
Multiple Use Cases
Within M&A teams, AI is used across nearly all stages of the process—from market analysis to target integration, including screening and due diligence. Specifically:
- 48% use AI to generate drafts of legal and regulatory documents
- 41% use it to analyze financial and operational data
- 39% use it to review deals blocked by authorities
- 35% use it to extract lessons from past transactions
AI thus becomes a multifunctional tool, capable of processing vast amounts of data quickly. Consequently, team structures are evolving: most surveyed companies have already implemented training and skill development programs to upskill their teams.
Key Challenges
Caution remains essential. Even a 1% error in valuation or liability analysis can lead to millions in discrepancies post-transaction. Mass automation requires extreme vigilance regarding data quality and emphasizes the importance of human validation. M&A leaders cite their top concerns as:
- Data security (67%)
- Data quality and availability (65%)
- Intrinsic reliability of generative AI models
These challenges suggest that AI will not play a dominant role in M&A in the short term. Instead, it will serve as a support tool to save time and automate repetitive tasks while enhancing accuracy.
Our Experts by Your Side
AI is a powerful tool for M&A teams. Yet beyond data, predictive models, and advanced algorithms, a successful merger or acquisition is first and foremost a meeting of two human organizations. Value creation depends on team alignment, managerial practices, and the ability to merge different organizational cultures. A significant portion of post-acquisition failures stems not from legal or financial issues, but from mismanagement of human relationships.
Experts at AURIS Finance provide comprehensive support. Whatever your sector, we work alongside you at every stage of your M&A projects.
