AI scrutiny lengthens data-sector sale processes, ECI Partners says

• Data business sale processes are lengthening as buyers intensify AI diligence, with strategic buyers requiring lengthy exclusivity periods.
• Sale preparation requires roughly 10 times the work of three years ago; initial buyer questions have risen from 50–100 to several hundred.
• Buyers now prioritize data defensibility and AI disruption risks over traditional growth metrics when starting diligence.
• Distinctive, high-quality data businesses are attracting strongest interest, with renewal rates at their highest despite market volatility.
• AI revenue valuations depend on credible plans and early results; separately sold features could command higher valuations than bundled offerings.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. ECI Partners LLP published the original content used to generate this news brief on November 10, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.