Generating an M&A Longlist with This AI Tool – How It Works with ProxDeal

In mergers and acquisitions (M&A), creating a so-called "longlist" is an important first step. This list includes potential target companies that might be of interest for an acquisition or potential business buyers. Until now, researching these lists took a long time because it was often done manually. ProxDeal solves this problem by automatically identifying suitable target companies using AI.

The Problem with Manual Longlists

Typically, M&A teams research suitable companies manually. They search industry directories, databases, or networks. This often takes several weeks and consumes a lot of working hours. Additionally, these lists have drawbacks:

• The data quickly becomes outdated
• Important companies are overlooked
• Results depend on personal assessments, which are often based on insufficient data

How ProxDeal Automatically Creates a Longlist

ProxDeal uses a specialized AI technology. This AI searches in real time for companies that exactly match the desired criteria. Instead of relying on pre-existing databases, ProxDeal continuously researches millions of websites.

The software understands complex search queries and then creates a tailored longlist. Users simply enter the types of companies they are looking for. These can include criteria such as industry, location, revenue, or technologies.

Overview of the Benefits:

• Fast Research: Create a longlist in minutes instead of weeks

• Artificial Intelligence: The AI finds targets or buyers you would most likely overlook manually

• Custom Filters: Precise selection based on your M&A criteria

• Clear Reporting: Exportable lists for further analysis

• International Data Base: Access to companies beyond Germany

• Data Enrichment: Automatic enhancement with relevant additional information such as contact details, financial data, etc.

Three Steps to a Completed Longlist

1. Define Criteria

Users enter what the AI should search for. Criteria may include industry, financial metrics, region, size, technology, customer base, or ownership structure.

2. AI Starts Research

The ProxDeal AI analysts automatically search relevant company data and evaluate the results by relevance. The analysis runs in seconds and is sorted by strategic fit. If needed, a deeper analysis of selected candidates can be conducted.

3. Longlist Immediately Available

Users receive a structured longlist instantly. They can export it as an Excel file or in other formats. The results are visually presented, can be filtered, and can be highly personalized for outreach using an integrated outreach tool.

Practical Example: Mid-Sized Company Significantly Improves Hit Rate

A mid-sized machine manufacturer was looking for companies to acquire. Previously, the M&A team needed three months to compile a list of 45 candidates.

With ProxDeal, 137 potential targets were identified within five minutes. Many of these companies had not been found before. The success rate of initial contacts rose from 5% to 38% because the AI also provided contact details of relevant persons.

The team was particularly impressed by the data’s timeliness: While their old database still listed companies that had already been acquired or were insolvent, ProxDeal delivered only current and relevant targets thanks to real-time research.

Integration into the Overall M&A Process

ProxDeal delivers the perfect target companies for the first step of a successful M&A process. This is followed by outreach, company due diligence, and ultimately contract negotiations.

This is exactly where Viaductus comes in. The platform guides users through all phases of the M&A process. With Viaductus, contacts to target companies can be established in a structured way and all process steps documented. Additionally, the platform provides access to experienced M&A advisors who actively support users during negotiations and contract closings.

Together, ProxDeal and Viaductus enable a seamless transition from automated target search to professional transaction execution.

Who Is ProxDeal Suitable For?

• Companies looking to grow through acquisitions
• Private Equity
• M&A Advisors & Corporate Development Teams
• Family Offices seeking suitable investments
• Successor Candidates looking for companies to take over

Data Protection and Security

M&A processes require absolute confidentiality. ProxDeal guarantees the highest security standards:

• Data Centers in Frankfurt: All data is processed exclusively in German data centers
• TÜV-Certified Data Protection Experts: Security measures are monitored and optimized by independent experts
• Full Encryption: All search queries and results are end-to-end encrypted
• GDPR Compliance: Full adherence to European data protection standards
• Access Management: Granular permission structures for teams
• Automatic Data Deletion: Project data is fully deleted upon request after completion

Conclusion: Creating an M&A Target List with AI Has Never Been Easier

Creating an M&A longlist has never been as efficient as with ProxDeal. Companies save valuable working time, receive current and relevant results, and increase their hit rate with potential acquisition candidates. ProxDeal combines real-time research with intelligent filtering, offering a clear improvement over traditional methods.

👉 Try it now at www.proxdeal.com

Frequently Asked Questions About ProxDeal

How current is the company data in ProxDeal?

The data in ProxDeal is always up to date because it does not come from static databases but is researched in real time by AI agents. Each search retrieves current information directly from millions of websites.

How does ProxDeal differ from traditional company databases?

The fundamental difference lies in the approach: ProxDeal does not use pre-made lists or static databases. Instead, the AI creates a completely new, context-specific longlist for each query through real-time research. This enables the recognition of connections, assessment of strategic fits, and identification of non-obvious targets that would be overlooked in conventional databases.

How long does it take to get started with the tool?

The intuitive user interface allows immediate use. For advanced features, ProxDeal offers free onboarding sessions and comprehensive documentation.