Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are here and reshaping business. But AI isn’t just for tech companies and online retailers—it can be a force multiplier for smaller and mid-sized information companies by enabling them to take control of content and audience data by automating many of the manual tasks associated with maintaining that data and helping create personalized and meaningful experiences for customers.

While the number of deals in the B2B Media & Technology category grew a healthy 27 percent to 80 transactions in the first nine months of 2018, deal value leaped 1,326 percent, thanks to several deals worth more than $1 billion, according the JEGI Q3 2018 M&A Overview. 

This is not just another transformation story. Thomas (formerly Thomas Publishing) has made a radical leap from directory publisher to becoming a "data platform company that runs like a software business focused on user experience."

The U.S. B2B media and information industry saw a slow start to the first half of 2016, inching up 2.2 percent to $14.7 billion, compared to $14.3 billion in the first half of 2015, thanks to slowdowns in some key verticals, market uncertainties surrounding the presidential election, Brexit, and continued market corrections with digital advertising.