Navigating AI Transformation: What It Means for the Future of M&A — Brett Davis in International Business Times

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise — it is already influencing how businesses operate, how investors evaluate opportunities, and how industries will compete in the years ahead. In a recent feature for International Business Times, Continuum Advisors’ Managing Partner, Brett Davis, shared his perspective on what AI transformation really looks like, and how firms can distinguish between short-term hype and lasting strategic advantage.

The Emerging Playbook for AI Adoption:

• Companies face two primary paths in adopting AI: leveraging off-the-shelf solutions for speed and efficiency, or investing in proprietary technology stacks that offer differentiation but require significant capital.
• Leadership is critical in deciding where to commit resources — chasing trends risks wasted investment, while measured, strategic adoption can deliver genuine edge.
• The real drivers of value will be unique data, carefully chosen partnerships, and tools that are tailored to the business rather than generic implementations.

At Continuum Advisors, we see AI transformation as both inevitable and uneven. While every business will adopt AI in some form, only those that approach it with clarity and discipline will unlock sustainable value. In M&A, this means sharpening due diligence, identifying companies that use AI to build defensible advantages, and helping clients avoid the pitfalls of overinvestment in undifferentiated technology.

While it’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon, only a small percentage of truly impactful AI solutions exist today. Knowing how to identify those quickly — and align them with your investment objectives — is more important than ever.

Brett Davis

👉 Read the full piece in the International Business Times

About the author

Brett Davis
Managing Partner