AI Is Now a Key Player in High-Stakes Corporate Dealmaking: Deloitte Survey

An overwhelming 86% of corporate and private equity leaders have already integrated generative AI into their M&A workflows, signaling a fundamental shift in how deals are made, as first reported by PE Professional and detailed in a wider Deloitte survey. The technology is quickly moving from a novel experiment to a standard-issue tool for gaining a competitive edge.

• The gold rush begins: The adoption has been stunningly fast, with nearly two-thirds of these firms starting in just the past year. This is no casual test run; more than 80% have poured $1 million or more into GenAI for their deal teams, with most expecting a measurable return within three years.

• The digital apprentice: So far, AI is being deployed most heavily in the early stages of a deal, tackling tasks like market assessment and identifying targets. It's also being used to generate initial legal paperwork, automating one of the most tedious parts of the process.

• Humans in the loop: But dealmakers aren't handing over the keys entirely. They worry most about data security, and in response, nearly 60% of organizations are investing in upskilling their teams. As Deloitte's Erik Dilger notes, it's still "early innings" as firms look to "uncover new sources of value." The focus for now is clearly on augmenting, rather than replacing, human expertise.

The consensus is clear: More than 80% of leaders believe the technology will fundamentally reshape M&A decision-making, cementing its place in the corporate dealmaker's toolkit.

• Also on our radar: While established firms adopt AI, the companies building it are scaling revenue faster than any in cloud history. But human judgment remains irreplaceable, with experts cautioning that AI's role in M&A may not always be a starring one. Elsewhere, Netflix is making its own strategic play to capture engagement by launching a new slate of party games for the living room.