Transforming Dealmaking: Key Insights from Deloitte’s GenAI in M&A Survey 2025
Transforming M&A: Insights from Deloitte’s GenAI Survey
In an era of rapid technological evolution, Deloitte’s latest findings from the "GenAI in M&A Survey" reveal a seismic shift in how corporate and private equity professionals are approaching dealmaking. With insights drawn from 1,000 senior professionals across various industries in the United States, the survey showcases a burgeoning confidence in Generative AI (GenAI) and its transformative potential in mergers and acquisitions.
Growing Confidence in GenAI’s Potential
According to Erik Dilger, Managing Director at Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, the survey underscores a pivotal moment for dealmakers. “The 2025 Survey confirms that dealmakers are confident in GenAI’s potential to recast the look and feel of dealmaking, and are investing accordingly to realize its transformational benefits,” Dilger states. This optimism is particularly evident as organizations are beginning to see GenAI not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a catalyst for informed decision-making, value creation, and enhanced post-deal synergies.
Key Findings from the Survey
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Rapid Integration:
A striking 86% of organizations have integrated GenAI into their M&A workflows, with 65% of these implementations occurring within the past year. This statistic illustrates a swift move toward adopting innovative technologies in the dealmaking process. -
Investment Trends:
Investment in GenAI is on the rise, with 83% of respondents committing at least $1 million specifically for their M&A teams. Private equity firms lead the charge with 88% investing in GenAI, compared to 77% of corporate respondents. Furthermore, many companies are looking to increase their investment in the coming year, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to technology deployment. -
Drive for ROI:
A significant majority of organizations expect measurable returns on their GenAI investments within one to three years. Notably, 81% of private equity firms and 80% of corporate entities share this expectation, indicating a strategic pivot towards initiatives that promise direct, quantifiable impacts. -
Transforming the Deal Cycle:
While GenAI is anticipated to reshape every stage of the deal cycle, most traction is currently observed in the pre-sign phases. Key areas of application include market assessment (40% of users), target identification (35%), and due diligence (35%). -
Caution Amid Adoption:
Despite the enthusiasm for GenAI, some barriers remain. Data security was identified as a primary concern by 67% of respondents, followed by data quality and availability at 65%. This cautious approach underscores the importance of addressing these issues as organizations navigate the complexities of integrating new technologies.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dealmaking with GenAI
As confidence in Generative AI continues to grow, the landscape of mergers and acquisitions is poised for transformation. The rapid adoption and strategic investment signal a significant shift in how dealmakers will approach future transactions. While challenges related to data security and quality persist, the overall outlook is one of optimism. Organizations that harness the power of GenAI effectively are likely to gain a competitive edge, uncover new sources of value, and drive enhanced synergies post-deal.
For those in the corporate and private equity sectors, the message is clear: GenAI is not just a passing trend, but a fundamental component of the evolving dealmaking strategy.
To dive deeper into the findings and implications of Deloitte’s "2025 GenAI in M&A Survey," explore the full report here.
As we continue to witness these shifts in the industry, staying informed and adaptable will be key for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. The future of dealmaking is bright, thanks to the innovative potential of AI technologies.