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Buyside and Bolt-on M&A: How can technology drive long-term value?

August 28, 2025 | Blog

Buyside and Bolt-on M&A: How can technology drive long-term value?

Technology isn’t just a tool, it’s a strategic enabler for dealmakers. Whether you're leading a buyside acquisition or executing bolt-on deals to accelerate growth, the M&A tech you choose can make or break your deal outcomes. Approaching buyside and bolt-on M&A with a tech-first mindset matters more than ever. So you can turn complexity into clarity and deals into long-term value.

1. Start with strategy. Not software.

Before diving into platforms and tools, align on the strategic intent. Are you acquiring to enter new markets, expand capabilities, or consolidate operations? Bolt-on deals often aim to enhance existing portfolios, so clarity on integration goals is key.

From an M&A tech perspective, this means choosing solutions that support your deal thesis, not just your data room. Look for platforms that enable collaboration across teams, geographies, and time zones, especially if you're managing multiple bolt-ons simultaneously.

2. Build a repeatable process

Buyside teams often juggle several targets at once. Without a standardized approach, things can get messy quickly. M&A tech can help you build repeatable workflows, from initial screening to due diligence and post-close integration.

Specialized M&A tech platforms like Datasite offer customizable project templates, automated task tracking, integrated information request lists, and centralized communication. That means less time chasing updates and more time driving value.

3. Prioritize speed and security

In competitive buyside scenarios, speed is everything. But speed without security is a risk no deal team can afford. The right M&A tech should accelerate decision-making while safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring compliance wherever you are.

Look for tools with advanced permission controls, full document translation and summary, document comparison, and real-time analytics. These features not only protect your data but also give you the insights to move faster and smarter.

4. Don’t underestimate integration

Bolt-on deals often come with complex integration challenges. From IT systems to cultural alignment, the post-close phase is where value is either realized or lost.

M&A tech can play a critical role here too. Platforms that support post-merger integration, with features like stakeholder tracking and integration checklists,  help ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

5. Choose M&A tech that scales with you

Whether you're executing one deal or ten, your M&A tech should scale with your ambitions. That means choosing platforms that support multiple deal types, geographies, and regulatory environments.

Datasite, for example, is built for global dealmakers, with tools that adapt to your workflow, not the other way around.

See it in action

Ready to talk M&A tech for your next deal with Datasite? Get in touch.