Data and AI Firms Top M&A Targets as Buyers Prioritize Intelligence and Scale

According to a new market analysis by M&A advisory firm JEGI CLARITY, companies operating in Data & AI consulting and Business Intelligence (BI) and analytics are currently the most sought-after acquisition targets. The insights, drawn from direct conversations with strategic buyers and market experts, highlight a clear industry pivot toward data-driven transformation capabilities.

Buyers aren’t just after flashy AI labels—they want firms that deliver scalable, recurring-revenue services, demonstrate clear market leadership, and show vertical specialization in industries where data is mission-critical, such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

“Companies that provide integrated, end-to-end data capabilities are being positioned as long-term digital transformation enablers,” the report states.

What Buyers Want: Beyond the Buzzwords

The study offers a sharp look at what separates attractive acquisition targets from the rest of the pack. Here’s what top buyers are actively seeking:

• Recurring Revenue Models: Predictability matters. Buyers want subscription-based or service-based firms that scale efficiently.

• Vertical Expertise: Firms that specialize in regulated, data-intensive industries are prized for their stickiness and domain knowledge.

• Tech Partnerships: Deep relationships with key software vendors (e.g., Snowflake, Microsoft, Databricks, Google Cloud) are a must.

• Workflow and IP Differentiation: Proprietary tools or unique delivery models that improve productivity or accuracy are highly valued.

• Global Reach, Local Relevance: Buyers favor firms with geographic flexibility and localized execution capabilities, especially across North America and Europe.

Notably, buyers are also gravitating toward "one-stop-shop" firms—those offering integrated strategy, implementation, and managed services. This makes them better suited to guide enterprise clients across multi-year digital transformation journeys.

The Market Is Moving: Now's the Time to Position

For data and AI consulting firms considering growth or exit strategies, the report underscores the importance of strategic positioning. Companies can maximize their attractiveness by:

• Investing in industry-specific use cases

• Tightening integrations with leading data platforms

• Prioritizing IP-driven service delivery

• Demonstrating success with enterprise-grade clients

• Showcasing measurable outcomes, not just capabilities

“There’s clear value being assigned to firms that bring more than technical know-how—they need to offer confidence, continuity, and strategic fit,” said one market expert interviewed in the study.

The full slide deck from JEGI CLARITY’s analysis, including buyer profiles and key valuation drivers, is available here.

This report arrives amid a wider shift in the M&A landscape: generic tech capabilities are no longer enough. In a post-GenAI world, organizations want partners that can interpret, implement, and innovate—at scale and with speed. The firms poised for acquisition success are the ones who translate data into transformation.

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