As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the business world, acquirors need to prepare for a deep dive when evaluating companies that use AI to enable their businesses or create proprietary AI. Key considerations for buyers targeting AI-driven companies include understanding how AI is being used, assessing the risks associated with AI creation and use, being mindful of protecting proprietary AI technology, ensuring cybersecurity and data privacy, and complying with the regulatory landscape.Continue Reading M&A Playbook for Acquiring AI-Powered Companies

As general interest and investment in AI has accelerated since the initial public launch of ChatGPT, so too has the U.S. federal government both increased its spending in the area[i] and the speed with which it adopted guidelines on the utilization of AI more generally.[ii] This tracks other actions outside the U.S.,[iii] and anticipates corresponding initiatives at the state and municipal levels.[iv]Continue Reading AI Considerations in Government Contract-Related M&A Transactions

Is your M&A target a company that develops or uses artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools? AI, and generative AI technologies specifically, are powerful business tools but present novel legal issues in the context of M&A transactions. It is increasingly important to identify and understand the unique legal risks associated with the use of AI technologies, tailor your diligence to investigate them and include AI-specific reps and warranties in your deal documents. To effectively do this, it is important to have someone well-versed in AI technology and the associated legal issues on the deal team. Many subtle issues, if not properly understood and addressed, can lead to liability and/or loss of business value. The attached article addresses the expansion of due diligence, beyond standard tech diligence, to include the analysis of AI tools developed or used by the target. It covers some of the key AI-specific legal issues to consider in M&A, but the issues in each transaction will be unique depending on the target company’s involvement with AI. Once you understand the target company’s involvement with AI, it is important to consider the unique legal issues and the diligence needed beyond the standard diligence questions.Continue Reading M&A Transactions: Diligencing AI Issues with Target Companies