Y I THE D N M C DUO A Analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) play a key role in helping human deal analysts sort through vast amounts of data—from financials, to company communications, social media and customer sentiment. Not to mention that these technologies have forever changed due diligence. Eight out of 10 survey participants agree or strongly agree their business would benefit from digitizing the target screening process. They also agree or strongly agree with using AI to aggregate and analyze social media, as well as public and private sources. Companies that use AI for M&A can reduce due diligence 7 time by 30 to 90 percent. The legal field has been using AI to its advantage for M&A. Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory US is combining AI and attorney curation 8 to streamline M&A document drafting. Additionally, in mid-2017, Baker McKenzie announced it would initially employ new AI tools across three continents as part of a worldwide rollout plan, with the goal of allowing faster, more comprehensive contract review on 9 M&A work. 11 | M&A: FROM ART TO SCIENCE