Global survey: AI and automation are moving to the center of company valuation / PE funds highlight the most important success factors for exit

• 58 % of investors cite AI and automation as the most important exit factor – ahead of business model and market position
• Europe is falling behind: only 60 % rate the AI maturity of their portfolios as above average – compared to 76 % in North America
• Technology dominates the value enhancement agenda: 84 % of funds see IT and digitalization as the strongest growth lever

Overall, 58 % of respondents cited AI and automation as a decisive exit factor.

This is followed by a scalable business model (52 %), a strong market position and a resilient management team with succession planning (50 % each), and the ability to increase margins and operational efficiency (47 %).

“All of these factors are important for achieving a high valuation and attracting potential buyers,” says Martin Schneider, partner at FTI-Andersch, FTI Consulting's advisory unit specializing in restructuring, business transformation, and transactions. "What is remarkable, however, is the clarity with which respondents have placed AI capability at the top of the list for the first time this year. We are seeing among our clients that AI and automation are increasingly no longer confined to IT—they are becoming an integral part of efficient operations. In the future, every transformation will also have to be measured by how AI-ready it makes companies."

Technology as a value driver – but traditional levers remain indispensable

When asked about the key levers for increasing the value of their portfolio companies, PE funds also ranked technology and IT in first place: 84 % of respondents see this as the biggest lever, with 41 % placing particular emphasis on it. This is followed by the optimization of working capital (80 %) and cost structure (79 %). Artificial intelligence was explicitly named as a value driver by 68 % – just under a quarter (23 %) already use AI “very frequently” to increase enterprise value.

“In practice, we observe that cost reduction, liquidity management, and operational excellence remain key levers – especially in economically challenging times,” says Martin Schneider. “However, the fact that technology and AI are now at the top of the priority list shows how much the mechanics of value creation are changing. In the future, measures to increase sales or optimize costs will be almost impossible to implement efficiently without digital capabilities. This is a paradigm shift.”

Differences by region and industry: Europe lagging behind

A comparison of industries reveals differences in the assessment of AI. In retail, the topic is seen as on a par with working capital optimization. In the latter case, satisfaction with implementation is currently even higher. Respondents also attribute particular relevance to AI in the areas of financial services, food, telecommunications, and transportation.

Regionally, Europe lags significantly behind in terms of satisfaction with the level of technological maturity. While 60 % of respondents in this country say that their portfolio companies are above average in terms of AI implementation, the figure is 76 % in North America, 74 % in South and Latin America, and 69 % in the Asia-Pacific region.

Transformation requires an operational foundation – and speed

“The figures show what is evident in so many areas: European companies have some catching up to do,” says Schneider. "Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular often lack the basic technological infrastructure – many companies continue to operate in a very analog manner. Before AI can be used effectively, a stable operational foundation is required: functioning processes, robust liquidity planning, and structured working capital management. This is exactly where these companies should start. Those who have not done their homework will hardly be in a position to use technology as a real value driver.“

Martin Schneider adds: ”If fundamental factors such as market positioning, financial structure, or operational efficiency are not right, even the best AI approach will be difficult to implement. The statements made by PE managers show that time pressure is growing. It is no longer just about attractive sales prices – many companies are struggling to sell at all.“

”Some well-known brands have been on the market for years without finding a buyer,“ says Schneider. ”Investors are becoming more selective, and many bets made in the past have not paid off. And the rise in interest rates has made capital significantly more expensive. Anyone who wants to sell their company successfully in the coming years must deliver digital connectivity and substance. Otherwise, others will take over the value increase – at the expense of the seller."

About the study:

In April 2025, FTI Consulting surveyed more than 500 decision-makers from private equity firms, including investment professionals and operating partners. The aim was to gain a better understanding of the levers used to increase value in portfolio companies. The survey was global in scope and included participants from the US, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The full study can be downloaded here.