Business UpdateJun 4, 2026, 05:31 AM
FTI Consulting: AI Accelerates Value Creation; M&A Top Driver
AI Summary
FTI Consulting's 2026 Private Equity Value Creation Index reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating value creation, while mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has re-emerged as the industry's top value driver. The global survey of over 550 private equity leaders found that 63% of respondents achieved measurable impact within 12 months, a significant increase from 41% last year. High performers, representing 40% of respondents, consistently demonstrate stronger outcomes in both AI and M&A compared to their peers.
Key Highlights
- 63% of private equity firms achieved measurable impact within 12 months, up from 41% last year.
- 66% of respondents reported AI-related benefits within 12 months, up from 34% last year.
- Only 31% of firms report efficient or mostly efficient AI implementation.
- M&A rose from the lowest-ranked value creation lever in 2025 to the top priority in 2026.
- 51% of respondents reported exceeding their M&A business case.
- Only 25% of firms achieved M&A results within 12 months, making it the slowest value creation lever.
- High performers (40% of respondents) rate M&A implementation as 46% smooth, compared to 29% of other firms.
- 19% of high performers reported exceeding their AI business case, compared to 5% of others.
Price Impact
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