Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
Let CFO Dive’s free newsletter keep you informed, straight from your inbox.
The technology helps companies identify M&A opportunities faster, including those driven by geopolitical shifts and supply chain disruptions, the consulting firm said.
AI is increasingly taking center stage in studies on M&A trends, both as a dealmaking tool and a driver of investments.
In early 2025, Bain & Company reported that about one in five surveyed companies were using generative AI in M&A processes, with more than half expecting to integrate it into their dealmaking by 2027.
“We expect that companies that master the use of generative AI in M&A over the next five years will identify targets faster than their competitors, underwrite more deal value with confidence, execute diligence and integration activities more rapidly with fewer resources and ultimately deliver higher M&A-assisted total shareholder returns,” the Bain report said.
Meanwhile, interest around acquisition targets in the fast-growing AI space helped fuel an overall spike in M&A activity last year, despite uncertainty triggered by major shifts in economic policy, according to a December analysis by Big Four accounting and consulting firm PwC. During the 11-month period ending in November 2025, more than 20% of U.S. mega-deals valued at $5 billion or more had an “AI theme,” PwC said.
Overall, global M&A deal value grew to $4.7 trillion in 2025, up 43% from a year earlier and 20% higher than the 10-year average of $3.9 trillion, McKinsey said in its report.
Large transactions played a major role in the spike, as top companies absorbed the shock of geopolitical and trade challenges last year. The number of deals valued at $10 billion or more expanded to 60 — the most since the M&A peak in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic, McKinsey researchers said.
“Economic effects were lighter than anticipated, balance sheets remained strong, monetary policies lowered the cost of capital and the buzz around AI contributed to growing optimism,” they said.
Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts
Financial executives in the new year must keep a competitive edge by adapting to trends including fluctuating tariff rates and refocusing of priorities at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
By year’s end, experts expect roughly 40 states to have joined the push to widen on-ramps into accounting by lowering the 150-hour college credit hurdle.
Subscribe to CFO Dive for top news, trends & analysis
Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts
Financial executives in the new year must keep a competitive edge by adapting to trends including fluctuating tariff rates and refocusing of priorities at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
By year’s end, experts expect roughly 40 states to have joined the push to widen on-ramps into accounting by lowering the 150-hour college credit hurdle.
The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines