The advancement of technology and the advent of artificial intelligence have brought significant changes to human relations, creating both challenges and opportunities across all sectors of the economy. These changes increasingly highlight the transformation in how MA operations will be conducted.
From process automation to the use of artificial intelligence in handling data and information, technology has provided greater speed and accuracy for legal professionals involved in all phases of the operation. Work has become more accessible and agile, encryption has brought greater security to the integrity of documents, and legal analytics using statistics, algorithms, and robots for data analysis are just some examples that are here to stay.
It is now possible to predict judicial decisions, analyze cases, and even make recommendations on the best strategies for handling a particular process. This can lead to cost reductions, significant improvements in client experience, and enhancements in the work of advisors involved in each project.
With the advent of new tools, due diligence will be performed more effectively, automating what was previously time-consuming and bureaucratic. Companies can now collect and analyze an increasing volume of information for decision-making, expanding the range of options for potential acquisition targets. This allows for increased market opportunities, reduced time needed to complete a transaction, and enhanced gains for all parties involved. The efficiency gains during the transaction and the better utilization of post-closing synergies during the integration of the involved companies are evident.
Instead of relying on large teams of lawyers and consultants to review processes and documents, companies can use smaller teams, leveraging algorithms and learning robots to analyze contracts and other relevant information. This will facilitate the identification of potential legal or financial issues, minimizing the risks associated with a particular transaction. What was previously done manually and required an enormous amount of time will now be accomplished in less time and with much greater precision, automating workflows and optimizing routine tasks, speeding up the MA process, and reducing the associated transaction costs.
Contrary to what it might seem, despite the significant impact of technology on major MA transactions, the role of legal advisors will become increasingly important in guiding decision-making at the negotiation table.
The strategic role of the legal advisor tends to become more prominent. General knowledge in various legal areas, finance, accounting, and taxes, which have always been differentiators, are becoming necessary conditions for a good MA professional.
The challenges are enormous. The current generation is experiencing a disruptive and accelerated transformation. The only certainty is that manual labor will be replaced by robots, making the experience and technical knowledge of the lawyers involved in the projects increasingly important. Fighting against or merely passively awaiting the impact of new technologies on MA transactions will limit professional opportunities in the near future. The constant pursuit of improvement to stay ahead of these advancements is essential for professionals who intend to continue working in this market.
The article was produced by SouzaOkawa Advogados and published by Análise. To access the full version, click the link below.