Leading a complex M&A transaction with Claude

Using AI for a Complex Cross-Border M&A Transaction

Around a year ago, I advised on a cross-border M&A transaction as a sole adviser without a team to support me. A deal that would have been a massive challenge became one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences I've had. Because with Claude, I had the same support I would have with a full team of analysts and experts.

Transaction details: US company acquiring assets from a large European company that had filed for Chapter 11.

AI tools and tricks:

Claude: I use it to draft legal documents, including letters of intent, bid letters, prepare forms for tracking, due diligence, research, and even prepare and summarize our trip itineraries.

Gemini: Since Claude has a usage limit and I often reached the limit, I used Gemini for the less complex tasks.

Otter.ai: I used it for recording meetings (all participants had to consent to being recorded at the beginning of every call), then used all the transcripts stored in Otter to prepare crisp strategic rationale, due diligence questions, and search for any reference to topics discussed.

How did a sole-advisory engagement with AI compare with working on a team without AI?

The AI tools I used provided all the support I had in the past, but faster, often more accurately, and never with judgment. The best part is that I still did all the exciting work, including valuation, presentations, and negotiation that required an experienced and skilled person. But I had more time and a fresher mind to do them well.

What AI limitations did I experience?

Neither of these tools was perfect, and from time to time they would output information that did not correspond to my specific case or would omit key information in document drafts. In these cases, my experience and judgment were vital. I wouldn't recommend an inexperienced person to run a complex M&A transaction only with Claude or Gemini, but for me, it was a game-changer, completely upleveling my skills.