Connect data
to decisions.
We optimize merger and acquisition outcomes through data-driven financial diligence—revealing the truth behind the numbers so you act from a position of strength.
Connect Data
to Decisions
Good decisions are supportable; sound decisions are defensible. The first requires data—the second, understanding.
The Map Is Not
the Territory
Performance is a reflection of the dynamic interaction of people, processes, and systems—never the report that describes them.
Optimizing
Outcomes
Opportunity is realized when risk is understood and controlled—not when it is avoided.
The truth behind the numbers.
A merger or acquisition can consume the focus you need to run your business. We optimize M&A outcomes by delivering critical insight through data-driven analysis—applying data science and AI to bypass conventional filters and eliminate inherent bias.
We work from the source data itself—not the summaries built on top of it. That rigor lets our clients operate from a position of strength, deciding from a clear and complete understanding of the facts.
&
Sell-side
to
Integration
Optimizing outcomes:
Speed, precision, and the judgment between.
TAQITZ · \'tȯ-kēts\
Our name was inspired by the climbers who scale Tahquitz Rock—continually weighing the tradeoffs between speed and precision, and the risks and opportunities each creates. We bring the same discipline to transaction decisions.
Our transaction specialists have served the world’s leading advisory firms, complemented by real-world experience executing deals from idea to integration. We act as a catalyst—refining and executing your strategic vision through command of the details.
Tahquitz Rock · Idyllwild, California
Principals at the table.
Erik Shipley
Erik’s work spans due diligence, financial operations, data analytics, modeling, merger integration, carve-outs and divestitures, negotiations, and post-close dispute resolution—hundreds of deals across dozens of countries with enterprise values ranging from $0.5M to $15B.
View Profile →Josh Henle
A seasoned finance executive with deep financial, accounting, and due-diligence experience across outright acquisitions, carve-outs, and take-private transactions—bringing operator’s judgment to every engagement.
View Profile →A catalyst for your most critical transactions.
As a dedicated financial diligence advisor, we pair deep industry and deal experience with advanced data science and applied AI to pave the way to optimized outcomes—buy-side or sell-side, focused on what matters most.
Financial Due Diligence
Insightful quality-of-earnings and operational analysis focused on your investment thesis—turning complex data into actionable insight.
- Quality of Revenue
- Quality of Earnings
- Proof of Cash
- Debt & Debt-like Items
- Net Working Capital
- Cash Burn
Tax Diligence & Structuring
Aligning structure, objectives, and the target’s practices to reduce or defer tax, preserve benefits, and limit liability risk.
- Tax Structuring & Modeling
- Tax Due Diligence
- Attribute Planning (§382)
- Basis & E&P Calculations
- Tax-free Reorganizations
- Debt Restructurings
Merger Integration
Precision planning and execution that minimizes disruption and accelerates synergy capture—from culture to operations.
- 100-Day Plan
- Finance & Accounting Alignment
- Systems Implementation
- Top-grading Assessment
- 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast
Financial Modeling
Supportable, defensible models built to management’s objectives and the rigorous expectations of boards and investors.
- Historical Trends
- Key Levers & Assumptions
- Sensitivity Tables
- Cash Flow Analysis
- Working Capital Requirements
Interim CFO
Frictionless support for fundraising, restructuring, and post-transaction growth—integrated with your team.
- Team Assessment & Training
- Accounting Policies & Memos
- Process Improvement
- Forecasting & Budgeting
- KPIs & Dashboards
- Board Reporting
Strategic Finance
Translating corporate strategy into a financial plan with the analytical rigor behind capital and growth decisions.
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Financing Optimization
- Pre-LOI Target Assessment
- Capital Allocation
Technical Accounting
Guidance through the complexities of accounting standards—from new pronouncements to transaction issues.
- Revenue Recognition
- Lease Accounting
- Purchase Accounting
- Cost Capitalization
Audit Preparation
Streamlining the audit by ensuring readiness—identifying and resolving issues before they surface.
- Close Checklists
- Subledger & Reconciliations
- Project Management
- Technical Assessments
- Readiness Assessments
Post-Close Dispute Support
Expert analysis and advocacy for purchase-agreement negotiation, earn-outs, and working-capital adjustments.
- Working Capital Adjustments
- Earn-out Calculations
- Deferred Compensation
- Dispute & Negotiation Support
Process Automation & AI Effectiveness
Deploying automation and evaluating AI tools to make finance and diligence workflows faster, cleaner, and more reliable.
- Finance Workflow Automation
- AI Tooling Assessment
- Data Pipeline Design
- Accuracy & Control Testing
- Effectiveness & ROI Review
Not sure where your transaction needs us?
Most engagements span several of these. Tell us about the deal in front of you and we will scope the right support—buy-side or sell-side.
Start a Conversation →
Sector insight to navigate your market’s specific challenges.
Our experience spans a wide range of sectors—the perspective needed to read your market and the deal in front of you.