There is a lot of noise about artificial intelligence transforming every industry. In M&A, the reality is more specific and more interesting than the general claims suggest.

In 2026, Joash Boyton published a working paper analysing 150 transactions across three deal categories to measure the actual impact of AI tools on M&A outcomes. The findings were statistically significant: AI-assisted sourcing and screening reduced time-to-close, AI-supported diligence was associated with lower rates of post-close price adjustment, and the quality of target shortlists improved measurably when systematic screening tools were applied.

This session presents the research findings in accessible terms and draws out the practical implications for deal professionals, corporate development teams, and founders. Joash addresses what AI is genuinely good at in the deal process, where human judgment remains irreplaceable, and how the firms that are using these tools effectively are structuring their workflows.

The session is grounded in transaction data and live practice, not theoretical frameworks. It is designed for audiences who want to understand what is actually changing in M&A, not what vendors are claiming will change.

Attendees leave with a clear picture of the current state of AI in deal-making, specific use cases with measurable outcomes, and a framework for thinking about where to apply these tools in their own organisations.