Update on the work progress of the M&A automation working group
Dear readers,
there has been some great progress in our working group.
Please find below a summary of the recent activities and progress in the M&A automation working group within the Bundesverband M&A (BMA).
1. OVERVIEW
The working group within the BMA is focused on the digitization and AI-driven transformation of M&A processes. It is organized into three workstreams:
Workstream 1: M&A Strategy (target search, tool comparison)
Workstream 2: Due Diligence (strategy DD, technical DD, tools & learnings)
Workstream 3: Merger Integration (newly launched, currently recruiting members)
2. KEY WORKSTREAM RESULTS
M&A Strategy: 53+ target search tools identified, ~20 analyzed in detail; first German working paper published on ranking procedures in target search. Send email to get English version.
Due Diligence: Learnings on approaches, tools, and pitfalls compiled and shared. Due diligence questionnaire for analysing AI solutions in preparation. Send email to get the questionnaire when ready.
Merger Integration (WS 3): Newly launched, member recruitment underway
3. M&A EXCELLENCE DAYS (March 4–5, Frankfurt)
The working group coordinated guided tours at the M&A Excellence Days 2026 in Frankfurt. Two guided tours were offered in English:
Guided Tour I – M&A Strategy: Visits to GraspAI and Palturai stands
Guided Tour II – Due Diligence: Visits to Intralinks and ARC Intelligence stands; PATEV raffled three dinner tickets at Restaurant Mon Amie Maxi
Tours followed a fictional storyline ("Hardsoft Inc. and the Search for Zero-Trust Security in Germany") to demonstrate how featured tools support different M&A phases.
4. BMA INSIGHTS WEBINAR (March 16)
Session: "M&A Strategy & Due Diligence: Same Tools, Different Approaches – What Makes the Difference?" covering agile methodology, interim results, and key learnings. Presentation in the links section.
5. RELATED PUBLICATIONS
New book by Dr. Karl Popp on merger integration and AI applications (available on Amazon). The book is aimed at all practitioners working in mergers and acquisitions processes and M&A tool vendors looking for automation of post-merger integration. Find more details about the book here.
Thank you very much
Best regards
Links
Presentation of the working group update March 2026
A Modern Post-Merger Integration Playbook: From M&A Models to AI Solutions
By Dr. Karl Michael Popp
Master integration due diligence to transform your M&A success. Learn more at manda-automation.com