How Artificial Intelligence Is Redefining External Growth Strategies — A RightLiens Analysi

The European mergers & acquisitions (M&A) market is undergoing a profound transformation. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), small and mid-cap companies are reassessing their growth strategies and seeking to integrate innovative technologies more rapidly. At RightLiens, we are observing a clear acceleration in transactions aimed at acquiring technology solutions, particularly in the fields of AI, data, and SaaS.

A New M&A Dynamic Driven by AI

Current economic conditions — controlled inflation, valuation adjustments, and renewed confidence in European markets — provide fertile ground for an M&A rebound. But it is above all the emergence of AI as a competitiveness lever that is reshaping the landscape.

Key factors include:

• Acquiring rather than building: For SMEs and mid-market companies, buying existing AI technology is often faster and less risky than developing it internally.

• Rise of tech targets: European AI, data, and automation start-ups are now at the core of acquisition strategies.

• Optimized M&A processes: AI tools help streamline sourcing, due diligence, and deal structuring, reducing timelines and costs.

At RightLiens, we already integrate these approaches into our advisory services to help executives identify, assess, and integrate the best AI targets on the European market.

Why Small & Mid Caps Are Accelerating Tech Transactions

Mid-sized companies find themselves at a strategic crossroads: they must innovate without destabilizing their economic model. Targeted acquisition of technological solutions allows them to advance digitally while managing risk.

In practice, this translates into:

• “Bolt-on” micro-acquisitions to complement an offering or reinforce AI capabilities,

• Strategic alliances between industrial players and tech start-ups,

• Priority on targets with recurring revenue models (SaaS, APIs, subscription models).

RightLiens supports these operations end-to-end: sourcing, valuation, structuring, and post-deal integration.

AI Is Also Transforming the Way M&A Is Conducted

AI is not only changing what companies buy — it is changing how they buy. Machine learning tools applied to M&A already enable:

• Predictive analysis of financial performance and cultural fit,

• Accelerated due diligence through automated processing of thousands of documents,

• Dynamic mapping of sector ecosystems to identify emerging players.

RightLiens deploys these methodologies to help clients save time, strengthen decision-making, and detect relevant opportunities earlier.

Risks and Vigilance: The Challenges of AI-Driven M&A

While the momentum is strong, rigorous execution is essential. The main challenges for small and mid-caps include:

• Overvaluation risk for AI assets (with multiples sometimes exceeding 15x EBITDA),

• Cultural and technological integration complexity post-acquisition,

• Compliance with European regulations (GDPR, forthcoming AI Act),

• Insufficient internal digital maturity to fully leverage acquired technologies.

This is precisely where RightLiens adds value: our approach combines financial expertise with technological understanding to maximize value creation while securing transactions.

Conclusion: Toward Smarter, Faster M&A

Artificial intelligence is now acting as an accelerator for external growth. For European small and mid-caps, it opens a new era: one of faster, more targeted, and more strategic M&A.

Companies capable of integrating AI — whether through acquisition or partnership — will secure a decisive competitive advantage in the years ahead.

At RightLiens, we believe the future of M&A will be shaped by AI, but also by a human-centered, expert, and sustainable approach to value creation.