Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Due Diligence Processes in Mergers and Acquisitions

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay, and it is rapidly changing the world. AI refers to the ability of computers or systems to simulate human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving, using algorithms and large data sets. As part of mergers and acquisitions, one or bot...

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Main Author: Valtanen, Ella
Other Authors: Informaatioteknologian tiedekunta, Faculty of Information Technology, Jyväskylän yliopisto, University of Jyväskylä
Format: Master's thesis
Language:eng
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access: https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/103954
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author Valtanen, Ella
author2 Informaatioteknologian tiedekunta Faculty of Information Technology Jyväskylän yliopisto University of Jyväskylä
author_facet Valtanen, Ella Informaatioteknologian tiedekunta Faculty of Information Technology Jyväskylän yliopisto University of Jyväskylä Valtanen, Ella Informaatioteknologian tiedekunta Faculty of Information Technology Jyväskylän yliopisto University of Jyväskylä
author_sort Valtanen, Ella
datasource_str_mv jyx
description Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay, and it is rapidly changing the world. AI refers to the ability of computers or systems to simulate human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving, using algorithms and large data sets. As part of mergers and acquisitions, one or both parties conduct a due diligence review aimed at identifying the factors and risks that affect the purchase price. Organisations are increasingly relying on data-driven decisions, and AI technologies offer the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of due diligence processes. At the beginning of the research, the current state of AI usage and its prevalence among those conducting financial due diligence (FDD) assignments is mapped out. The integration of AI into processes and systems also involves risks and challenges, which the re-search aims to explore. Additionally, the research seeks to identify potential areas that could be optimised or facilitated through the use of AI. The research focuses particularly on the Nordic countries. This master's thesis has been conducted as qualitative research. Its data consists of three separate thematic interviews and five reports produced by global consulting firms. The participants in the interviews were chosen through expert sampling. The data analysis was carried out inductively, meaning that the reasoning moves from practice to theory. AI is most used for text structuring, brainstorming, or proof-reading, areas in which it was also perceived to be beneficial. The research findings indicated that the significant barrier to increasing the use of AI is the immaturity of AI models. The responses provided by AI have not yet developed to the level required in financial due diligence reviews. According to the results, AI has not yet influenced decision-making or processes itself. Instead, AI was seen as having potential for data structuring and review, particularly in data rooms. Tekoäly on tullut jäädäkseen ja nyt se muuttaa maailmaa vauhdilla. Tekoälyllä viitataan tietokoneiden tai järjestelmien kykyyn simuloida inhimillistä älykkyyttä, kuten oppimista, päättelyä ja ongelmanratkaisua käyttäen algoritmeja ja suuria tietomääriä. Osana yritysjärjestelyitä toinen tai molemmat osapuolet teettävät due diligence -tarkastuksen, jonka tavoitteena on selvittää kauppahintaan vaikuttavat tekijät ja riskit. Organisaatiot luottavat yhä enemmän datalähtöisiin päätöksiin ja tekoälyteknologiat tarjoavat mahdollisuuden parantaa due diligence -prosessien tarkkuutta ja tehokkuutta. Tutkimuksen aluksi kartoitetaan tekoälyn käytön nykytilaa sekä sen laajuutta taloudellisia due diligence -toimeksiantoja suorittavien keskuudessa. Tekoälyyn ja sen integraatioon osaksi prosesseja ja järjestelmiä liittyy myös riskejä ja haasteita, joita tutkimus pyrkii selvittämään. Lisäksi tutkimus koettaa löytää potentiaalisia kohtia, joita voitaisiin tehostaa tai helpottaa tekoälyn avulla. Tutkimus painottuu erityisesti Pohjoismaihin. Pro gradu -tutkielma on toteutettu laadullisena tutkimuksena. Sen aineisto koostuu kolmesta erillisestä teemahaastattelusta sekä viidestä maailmanlaajuisten konsultointiyrityksen tuottamasta raportista. Haastateltavat on valittu asiantuntijaotantaa hyödyntämällä. Aineiston analyysi on puolestaan toteutettu induktiivisesti, joka tar-koittaa päättelyn suunnan olevan käytännöstä teoriaan. Tekoälyä käytetään useimmiten tekstin jäsentelyyn, ideointiin tai oikolukuun, joihin siitä myös koettiin olevan hyötyä. Tutkimustulokset osoittivat, että suurimpana esteenä tekoälyn käytön lisäämiselle on tekoälymallien immaturiteetti. Tekoälyn an-tamat vastaukset eivät ole vielä kehittyneet tasolle, jota taloudellisessa due diligence tarkastuksessa edellytetään. Tuloksien mukaan tekoäly ei ole vai-kuttanut päätöksentekoon tai tarkastusprosessien kulkuun vielä. Sen sijaan tekoälyssä nähtiin potentiaalia datan jäsentelyyn ja läpikäyntiin erityisesti datahuoneissa.
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spellingShingle Valtanen, Ella Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Due Diligence Processes in Mergers and Acquisitions Tietojärjestelmätieteen maisteriohjelma Master's Degree Programme in Information Systems
title Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Due Diligence Processes in Mergers and Acquisitions
title_full Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Due Diligence Processes in Mergers and Acquisitions
title_fullStr Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Due Diligence Processes in Mergers and Acquisitions Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Due Diligence Processes in Mergers and Acquisitions
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Due Diligence Processes in Mergers and Acquisitions Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Due Diligence Processes in Mergers and Acquisitions
title_short Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Due Diligence Processes in Mergers and Acquisitions
title_sort exploring the influence of artificial intelligence on financial due diligence processes in mergers and acquisitions
title_txtP Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Due Diligence Processes in Mergers and Acquisitions
topic Tietojärjestelmätieteen maisteriohjelma Master's Degree Programme in Information Systems
topic_facet Master's Degree Programme in Information Systems Tietojärjestelmätieteen maisteriohjelma
url https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/103954 http://www.urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:jyu-202506245714
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