Artificial intelligence has become a key focus in the middle-market M&A community for its potential to sharpen deal sourcing, deepen due diligence analysis, and drive value for portfolio companies. But new applications and more extensive use of AI are highly likely over the coming year—so where in the deal lifecycle will its reverberations be felt most deeply in 2026 and beyond?
Why It Matters: AI is sure to embed itself more deeply within the dealmaking process, including in areas like building presentation decks and analyzing market verticals. But experts spoke with ACG about more advanced applications, including modeling the thinking style of a partner or client to develop a purchase agreement.
The Bottom Line: As the technology grows more sophisticated, experts highlight continued concerns around AI, including issues of accuracy and hallucinations. The way dealmakers work will change, sources say, but the human touch will remain paramount in the process.